Far Above Rubies

FAR ABOVE RUBIES

Proverbs 31:10-31

Have you ever read Proverbs 31 before? Have you heard of the “Proverbs 31 woman”?

For thousands of years, God-fearing women have looked to the virtuous woman of Proverbs31. 
But what about today’s woman? Of what value can this ancient biblical chapter be to the diverse, complex life-styles of us now? Whether single, married, working outside the home or inside the home, having children or not…it is more relevant than you might think.
I’ve provided the verses here but you can read the whole chapter on your own to dip deeper.

Verse 10. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is FAR above rubies.
 Isn’t it hard today to find a virtuous woman? The world wants us to feel ashamed of being modest and holy. The devil is working over-time and double-time to destroy the virtuous woman God created us to be. Fight back and hold on tight to that value!
To date the record for the highest price paid for rubies is 30.3 million dollars. YOU are worth more than that. YOU. ARE. PRICELESS.

Verse 11. The heart of her husband doth SAFELY trust in her…
 The highest compliment in my opinion is trust. If your spouse, parent, boss, co-worker, or pastor/pastor’s wife trusts you without question; that speaks volumes of your character.

Verse 12. She will do him good and not evil ALL the days of her life.
Another showcase of character is not just doing “what’s right” when it’s convenient but when people persecute you and you still show compassion.

Verses 13-19 talks about whether working in a career or in the home, a woman takes pride in what she has done. She rolls up her sleeves and works hard. She hones her skills through education and applying herself.

20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Giving to the poor and needy was one of the things that Jesus talked a lot about during his earthly ministry. Visiting the sick, comforting the lonely and depressed, and delivering food to those in need. I’m sure you remember a time when someone gave of themselves when you needed it the most. It could have been something small like a card, hug, or hot meal, but it meant the most  

21-22. These verses talk more about resourcefulness and providing for others. 

23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Another way for your conduct to shine through is when people know who you belong to. When people know your parents, spouse, or children because of your great kindness or hard work….that’s honorable.

Verses 24-25.  See 21-22

26.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Wisdom and compassion will get you much farther than trying to claw your way to the top.

27.  See 21-22

28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
      Blessed, yes!

29.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
     A crown that we will cast to Jesus’ feet.

30. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
This is the key to the “Proverbs 31 woman”. She is concerned more about the will of God than         anything else. Her success with her career, home, children and husband all came about because she gave them to God to nurture and blossom.

31. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Your reward will be the “fruit of your hands”. You won’t have to boast about your accomplishments…they speak for themselves.

-Written By Katie Lindsay