Proverbs 31:1-3 (KJV): 1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. Verse 1 Chapter 31, the last chapter of Proverbs, was written by King Lemuel. Lemuel is thought to have been another name for Solomon, a loving appellation his mother used. As a young man, he was a person of splendid, godly character. This can be attributed not only to his father David, whose instructions to Solomon are recorded in Proverbs 4, but also to Bathsheba, his mother, whose instructions are recorded in this chapter. She called Solomon the son of her vows. Like the name Lemuel, this phrase meant that she had dedicated him to the Lord. This chapter reveals her aim to teach him the responsibilities that he would have as a king, that he might please God, to whom she had dedicated him. Verse 2 Through the centuries, many mothers have dedicated their children to God and He has used those children mightily. Hannah, another great woman of faith and prayer dedicated her son to the Lord, and he was used mightily during a time inIsraels history when the light of Gods revelation burned dimly. Her son was the great prophet, Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20-21). More recently, we have the example of Susanna Wesley. God used her two sons, John and Charles, to touch the lives of many people for Christ. John Wesley founded Methodism, while his brother Charles wrote over 9,000 hymns and poems. John Wesley received much of his early spiritual and academic training from his mother. The year 2003 marked the 300th anniversary of John Wesleys birth. His life still influences people today, for which much credit is due his mothers faithfulness and dedication to teach her children the ways of the Lord. Verse 3 The prayerful woman who gives her children to the Lord will also instruct them in His ways. The first instruction that Bathsheba gave Lemuel was to reject loose women, bad companions and promiscuous ways. She realized the awesome responsibility her son would have as a king. She knew that if he were to please God, he must learn to fear the Lord. This would make him a man of integrity and help him to resist the three greatest temptations of those in authority: the misuse of wealth; yielding to pride; or yielding to lust. While these are especially tempting for those in authority, we all face the same temptations at various levels. We must remember, as Bathsheba did, our responsibility to warn our children of sins dangers, and to teach them to walk in the reverence of God. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the

afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Verses 4-7 David promised Bathsheba that her son would become king; so she wisely trained him for the enormous responsibilities he would face. She pointed out to him that drinking is an unbecoming indulgence for kings. Although drinking wine was the common practice of those times, she knew that her son would be accountable to God for everything he did. She warned him that wine was dangerous, for it clouds ones reason; causing one to forget the law, and to err in judgment. A king must be rational, so that he might remember Gods laws and judge the people justly. He must always have a clear head. According to these verses, the only cases in which the use of alcohol is recommended, are pain and extreme distress. In such instances, it can be administered medicinally. Paul reiterated this instruction to Timothy, directing the use of wine for his stomach and frequent ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). Even today, alcohol can be used medicinally, and we find it is an ingredient in a number of prescription compounds. The affects of alcohol upon man have not changed through the millennia. It still perverts peoples judgment. Long before one notices its effects, it slows ones responses. Because of todays high-speed travel, even the slightest slowing of a drivers responses can cause fatal accidents. Alcoholism also continues to generate great heartache for those enslaved by it and for their families. The Bible tells us that we have been made a kingdom of priests to God. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1:6). As it was unfitting for Lemuel to indulge in wine, so it is unfitting for us, as Gods royal family, to do so. We are responsible before God for those around us as well as ourselves. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Galatians 5:13). As Gods children, love should motivate us to abstain from anything that might cause someone to stumble.

Verses 8-9 Having warned Lemuel of the habits a king must avoid, Bathsheba instructed him on the actions a king must take in judging his people righteously. He must speak for those unable to speak for themselves, defend the helpless, judge both the poor and the rich without prejudice, and carry out justice for the poor and needy. It was his responsibility to investigate both sides of a matter brought to him and to speak for those unable to present their side, judging without partiality. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour (Leviticus 19:15). We have seen that Gods concern and love for the poor is expressed throughout Scripture. Psalm 140:12 states that God maintains their cause by raising up people to help them. Old and New Testaments instruct us to help the poor and to deal fairly with all people; poor or rich. Doing so honors God. Failing to do this was part of the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose people spent their wealth and free time on self-indulgence. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sisterSodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took

them away as I saw good (Ezekiel16:49-50). This verse gives us a description of their iniquity which fits most wealthy countries, particularlyAmerica: pride; being full because of an abundance of food; being idle; failing to help the poor; haughtiness; and committing abominations. When a nation exercises oppression and robbery as a way of life, and mistreats or ignores the poor and outsiders who need help, it will pay the penalty through reaping what it has sown. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the LORD GOD (Ezekiel 22:29-31). If those in authority do what is right and defend the poor and speak out for those unable to speak for themselves, such as unborn children whose lives are being ended in abortion, they will help their people turn from wickedness so that they might be blessed instead of cursed. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. The remainder of Proverbs 31 records Bathshebas instruction to Lemuel in choosing a wife. It is tragic that he failed to follow her advice. Solomons wives did not know the Lord, and turned his heart from God to worship idols when he was old (1 Kings 11:1-13). Thus, a life that began magnificently ended miserably. The man who penned and preached a thousand wise things failed to practice the wisdom he taught. This chapter is not only advice for choosing a virtuous woman, but is also a spiritual type of the church (Christs bride) who should demonstrate the qualities of the virtuous woman to the world. Verse 10 The first thing that is established is the price of a virtuous womans worth. Like a costly jewel, she is not easy to come by. I believe every man needs Gods help to find this kind of woman. We know that it is the Lords will for a man to have a mate if he desires one, because after He had created Adam, He said: ...It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him (Genesis 2:18). Gods favor rests on the man who prays and waits for the right mate, so that they can serve God together. God is delighted to answer such a mans prayer and will bring the right woman into his life at the appointed time. Verses 11-12 A virtuous woman is a comfort to her husband; encouraging him and doing him good all the days of her life. She never leaves or divorces him. Her husband can trust her completely, because she loves him for who he is and not for what he can do for her. Since he does not have to impress her with his ability

to make money, he is not tempted to take anything by dishonest gain. A woman who marries a man for his money or for the security he provides does not marry for the right motives. When two people enter into a marriage with the idea of loving and serving each other, their marriage will be blessed because it is not based on selfishness. In Day 102 and Day 122, we looked at the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in choosing a mate and not allowing ourselves to be led only by our emotions. Love is much more than simply falling for someone and experiencing a sense of euphoria. The Lord certainly gives us wonderful feelings for the person we will marry. However, allowing feelings alone to guide us in the choice of a mate, can be disastrous. This description of a virtuous woman is a guide for choosing a spouse. The Lord delights to bring the best life partner to those who ask Him to do so and wait with patience and trust for His choice. What a glorious plan God has had from the beginning for both men and women! 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. These verses describe the diligence with which a virtuous woman in Biblical times fulfilled her duties. Her chief responsibilities were the clothing and feeding of her family. Verse 13 Clothing a family was not an easy task in ancient times. Everything was made in the home from raw materials. Ready-made items were too costly for the common man. Wool and linen were the chief textiles. If her husband did not own his own flocks for wool or harvest his own flax, his wife would buy them at the marketplace. Flax had to be soaked in water before its fibers were ready for the distaff; and wool had to be carded. These were spun into threads, which were woven into fabrics. From wool, she made clothing and other household items. Linen was used to make sashes, nets, measuring lines, and finer garments. While the wealthy purchased dyed, fine fabrics from other countries, spinning, and weaving were still very important occupations even of wealthy women and queens. Thus, the first thing that Bathsheba described about a virtuous woman was her diligent labor in producing clothing. Verse 14 The other vital task of a virtuous woman was daily meal preparation. This also required much time and labor. Food was procured from ones flocks and lands or from a market. Bread was the staple food and baked daily. Women made flour by grinding grain on a small millstone, then crushing it in a mortar with a pestle. Milk was the chief food after bread. Women milked cows, goats, or sheep daily, and prepared the milk in sweet, sour, or curdled forms. They churned it to make butter and cheese. They gathered olives, grapes, dates, figs, vegetables, fruits and herbs from their fields. Most of their olives were pressed to obtain oil used for cooking and lamps. Eggs were gathered from their fowl. Salt, spices, and honey might be purchased at markets, often coming from afar. Although Bathsheba lived in a palace, she knew that one of the attributes of a virtuous woman was industriousness, for it expressed her love for her family.

Household tasks today differ from those of ancient times, but Gods instruction still applies. Titus 2:3-5 instructs older Christian women to be examples to younger ones, by being holy, pure, and temperate; not gossiping or idleand to teach them to love their families. This love is expressed by action and must be learned. As in ancient times, this involves keeping the house clean, doing laundry, and preparing meals. The home is a familys refuge. The wife is charged with its care and the husband with providing the means to maintain it. Younger women can spare themselves much heartache by heeding the advice of older, more experienced women. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Exodus 20:12). 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. Verse 15 Successful people have one thing in common: a disciplined life. A virtuous woman rises early and makes spiritual and physical preparations for the day. One of the best habits we can develop is the habit of daily prayer and Bible reading, which enables us to draw spiritual strength from the Lord. Often, when I rush into the day and run into problems, it is because I have failed to pray preventative prayers. The Lord once spoke to me that if I prayed about my problems as much as I talked about my problems, I would not even have the problems! Seeking God early equips us to not only hear Gods voice and personal direction, but we can also help those we work with. By seeking God first, the virtuous woman is able to provide both spiritual and natural food for her family. Verse 16 A virtuous woman is also a capable businesswoman. Running a home is similar to running a business in many aspects, as it takes management skills to take care of the many domestic responsibilities. She executes business negotiations and invests her savings in profitable endeavors. Planning and organizing are both necessary skills to make any enterprise a success, but so is persistence and hard work. Once plans are made, we face the hard part of executing them. Many who are exuberant upon starting a new project lose enthusiasm along the way. One must consider whether one is able to invest the time and energy needed to a launch a new venture and make it profitable without neglecting the regular duties of hospitality at home and ministry to the needs around them, whether in the home or outside of it. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:10-13). The question of whether a mother should work outside the home has been much debated. It takes hard work and sacrifice to undertake a career in addition to caring for a family and home. Some mothers find it overly burdensome and

become resentful. The ideal, especially when children are small, would be for a mother to stay home and rear her children, since that is when they are most impressionable. However, if her husband does not oppose it, and a woman can handle her household responsibilities and an outside job, Scripture certainly does not forbid her from doing so. The important thing is to follow the Lords plan for ones life and do everything in love. When God is leading us to do something, He will provide everything we need to accomplish it. Like the virtuous woman, we need to count the cost before adding to our responsibilities and make sure that whatever we do, it is being done as unto the Lord.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. Verse 17 The expression girding ones loins meant to hoist up a long robe by tucking it into ones belt or girdle. According to Websters Dictionary, the phrase also means to get ready to do something difficult or strenuous. A virtuous woman strengthens herself in order to be able to perform difficult tasks. She prospers because she has strength and perseverance to do what is right. Man is composed of spirit, soul (comprised of will, intellect and emotions) and body. We all face physical, mental, and spiritual trials and need to be strong to overcome them. Since each part of our beings affects the others, we must strive to strengthen all of them. Our physical bodies must have the right kind of diet and exercise to remain strong and healthy. We should be careful to discipline ourselves regarding proper eating habits and regular exercise. Even as we feed our physical bodies, we should also not neglect to feed our spirits by meditating upon Gods Word. Obeying His voice exercises and strengthens our spirits. Our souls are fed by input and study that enlightens the mind and refines the emotions. Keeping the soul in correct balance also strengthens it. The will must rule the intellect and emotions. We must take the responsibility of choosing to think on what is edifying and reject what is compromising. Our families depend on us. Jesus came to earth in a physical body as a tiny baby and His mother, Mary, cared for Him in the natural as well as provided the proper spiritual environment for Him. We must ask God for the strength to perform the important tasks before us. True strength is both moral and physical. It comes by taking care of every area of our beings. We are able to overcome when we are strong in body and soul, as well as in the Lord and the power of His might. Verse 10 A virtuous woman examines what she makes to be sure it is of good quality. She does whatever is necessary to achieve good workmanship. In the natural, this may mean working extra hours and burning the candle at night to

complete a particular job. Spiritually, it means that her light of hope, faith and determination will not go out in the souls night of trouble, fear or discouragement. She prevails because she has made herself spiritually, mentally and physically strong; ready to work hard and meet lifes challenges. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Verse 19 Having prepared her flax and wool, a virtuous woman spun them into thread, the next step in making clothes. Drawing fibers from a quantity of flax held on her distaff, she used her spindle to twist them together into a continuous strand. As linen thread formed, she wound it on the spindle. So constant an occupation was spinning in the ancient world, that distaff and spindle became symbols of an industrious woman. These tools symbolized a womans love and care for her family. A spindle is a small rod, and a distaff a short staff. They bring to mind the shepherds rod and staff, which symbolize his care for his sheep. Psalm 23 pictures the Lord as the Great Shepherd caring for us as His flock. This beautiful Psalm has comforted countless people over the centuries, for Christs care and selfless love give even greater security than that of a mother. A good shepherd causes his sheep to rest and graze in green pastures. He leads them where they can drink placid water. Sheep are frightened of running water, since their heavy woolen coats render them incapable of swimming. He restores our souls with the spiritual food of His Word and the living waters of His Spirit. He leads us in righteousness. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. This place is not called the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death. Shadows look ominous, but they cannot harm us. We need to remember this when faced with any threat of death from the devil. Jesus came to give us life, not death (John 10:10). He also prepares a table from which we may eat even with enemies around us. When we stay close to our Shepherd, we experience such wonderful victories that our cups run over. He anoints us with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to triumph in all things. All the days of our lives, He follows us with His goodness and mercy. I asked the Lord one time why goodness and mercy followed us, instead of going before us. He spoke to my heart that goodness and mercy were behind us to catch us when we fall down. He is there to catch us and lift us back up, so we can continue on the path of the Lord. We are promised that we shall live in the security of His house forever. Verse 20 Bathsheba described the virtuous woman as prosperous and compassionate. Sometimes giving money is easier than giving our time. Whether a kind word or deed, the virtuous woman gives from her own stores of faith and knowledge, as well as from her material goods. This is one reason Bathsheba described such a woman as blessed, for the Lord promises blessing to those who give to the poor. One of the most important things Christians do at Christmas to celebrate the Lords birth is to assist the poor. There is more joy in this than in giving gifts only to family members. Honoring Christ by obeying Him and helping others is a gift we can present to Him any time of year.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Verse 21 A virtuous woman is not afraid for her household when cold weather comes. She has already made warm clothing of good quality for herself and all her household. Clothing is a type of spiritual covering. The term clothed in scarlet also has a spiritual application. The blood of the Old Testament sacrifices represented the blood of Jesus, shed for the forgiveness of sins. Scarlet wool was used by the priests in connection with these sacrifices (Hebrews 9:19-22). Being clothed with scarlet is a picture of being covered by the blood of Christ. Under His covering, we are protected. We find types of the saving power of Christs blood throughout the Bible. Joshua 2 and Joshua 6 recounts that Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, who acknowledged the God of Israel and hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy our Jericho. When the army ofIsraelinvaded, both her life and the life of her family were spared because she obeyed their instructions to tie a scarlet cord in the window of her house. The Israelites looked for the scarlet cord when they attacked Jericho, and brought Rahab and her family out to safety before destroying everyone in the city. The scarlet cord was a type of the blood of Jesus. Another type is seen in the Passover account of Exodus 12, as the Israelites applied the blood of lambs to the doorposts of their houses inEgypt. When the Lord saw the blood on a house, He passed over it, not allowing the destroyer to slay their firstborn. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was slain on our behalf. When His blood is applied to our souls, God will not suffer us to be destroyed or go to hell. Verse 22 A virtuous woman also makes clothing from expensive, fine linen. This, too, has a spiritual application, for the bride of Christ is clothed in linen garments that represent her righteousness. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:7-8). I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10). We can all be dressed in this fine, white linen by accepting Christ. Only the scarlet blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse our souls from the stain of sin, and fit us for the clean white garments of righteousness (Isaiah 1:18).

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Verse 23 We may recall that in Biblical times, cities were enclosed by high walls with huge gates, where the elders met who presided over the affairs of the city. To be known in the gates meant that a man was a person of influence in the community. There is truth to the old adage: Behind every successful man is a successful woman. A man and woman become one flesh when they marry (Ephesians 5:31-33). A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. Her conduct and accomplishments bless and prosper him, and bring him honor. She will be an asset to him in every way. What we are and what we do influences others, especially those closest to us. How sad for a woman to disgrace her husband and family. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones (Proverbs 12:4). We also should always remember that we are Christs bride and strive to always bring Him glory. Verse 24 The virtuous woman was so industrious and her work of such high quality, that she had enough garments both to clothe her entire household, and others to sell. She presented her products as a wholesaler to merchants who in turn sold them in the marketplaces. This was another way in which she gained money for her family. In yesterdays study, we saw that linen garments represent the righteousness that comes with salvation. Selling fine, white linen is a picture of sharing ones faith with others. In addition to fine linen, the virtuous woman sold girdles, or sashes. The girdle was an important piece of clothing used in two primary ways: First, it enabled one to move freely when necessary. In ancient times, all people wore long robes. A girdle was worn to hitch the garments above the feet so that one could walk about freely when the task called for it. Certain activities might require the robes to be hitched higher than the ankles, in which case the sash was wrapped around the waist very tightly, and the garments pulled through the knees and tucked up into the girdle. This is where the expression girding up ones loins came from. The girdle was associated with strength. Wrapping it around the loins supported the back much as back supports do today. Second, the girdle provided a pouch for holding money and other items. Men also carried their swords or knives in their sashes. Ephesians 6:13-17 tells us to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against Satans schemes. Part of that preparation is to gird up our loins with truth. When we embrace and walk in the Bibles truths, we will also walk in victory over the devil. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Verse 25 The virtuous woman is well-prepared for the future. Like the ant storing up food for winter, she sets money aside for the future. She listens to the Lords voice, and He guides her to avert dangers. Because she acts prudently today to make her familys tomorrows easier, she will rejoice in the future. Preparing for emergencies and future needs provides us with a secure future. Failing to do so can make us vulnerable when faced with tribulation. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life (Proverbs 22:3-4). The lord wants us to be wise and store up in good times, so that when the lean times come, we will have a store to fall back on. Storing up when things are plentiful is not hoarding, but rather wise, as is noted in the admonition to go and look at how the ant provides for its food in the winter. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest (Proverbs 6:6-8). The virtuous woman is also described as full of strength and honor. Those who strengthen themselves in the LORD will receive honor from Him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds feet, and setteth me upon my high places (Psalm 18:31-33). The Lord gives us feet like those of the deer who can leap upon the mountains peaks. We are able to walk securely on the high places of intimacy with Him, above the storms of life and attacks of the enemy. God is our Rock, our high tower. When we take refuge in Him, our position is strong and secure. By humbling ourselves to worship and follow Him, we not only will escape destruction, but we shall receive the reward of riches, honor, and life. God will prosper us and honor us with long life, if we follow in His ways. Verse 26 A woman of character is kind and helps others to grow in the knowledge of God by her wise counsel and instruction. 2 Peter 1:4-8 tells us that we have been given great and precious promises. Through them, we can grow in grace by adding virtue to our faith; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, temperance; to temperance, patience; to patience, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. These things sum up the characteristics of a virtuous woman or a godly man. By abounding in these things, we will always be fruitful in our knowledge of Christ, and able to help others. Verse 27 A godly woman runs her household well and does not indulge in laziness. Satan uses tactics such as idleness to weaken a womans character. Timothy was told to instruct widows under sixty to marry and keep house; otherwise they became busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13-15). Another tactic he uses is pushing women to either extremes in spiritual pursuits, or the opposite:

extremes in their household duties. There should be a balance. If unequally yoked, some become overly spiritual and neglect their husbands. In such cases, she should remember that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach! She should take good care of her husband, cooking what he likes and doing special things for him. This should not be done as a bribe, but out of love for him and obedience to the Lord. He might then ask her the reason she has changed. She could humbly tell him that the Lord spoke to her about neglecting the home, and that God wants happy marriages. Knowing that God is interested in him draws a man to God. Corrected priorities also frequently wins rebellious children. Many Christians show the love of Jesus to everyone outside their homes while their own families are starved for it, and are often crying out through their rebellion. We should certainly demonstrate Christs love to others, but should show it first in our homes. Wives and mothers must recall that properly caring for their husbands and children is their primary responsibility. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:4-5). It is easy to become overly spiritual like Mary or overly practical like Martha (Luke 10:38-42). The Lord wants us to be balanced; to beware of becoming so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good and of being so practical that we miss the beauty of the Spirit. Verses 28-29 Bathsheba began the conclusion of her instruction by observing that a virtuous womans care of her family is so excellent, that her children call her blessed and her husband praises her. Some of us may feel we fall far beneath this Biblical model, but we can aspire to her example by asking the Lord to help us in the areas where we are failing. As wives and mothers, we should examine our lives to see where we fall short, and ask God to help us be like the woman spoken of in these verses. Do our children call us blessed? What about our husbands? Are they praising us? Perhaps our children are rebellious at this time; maybe our husbands are far from the Christian ideal, and neither is praising or blessing us. Do we blame them, and insist that the Lord change them, or do we ask the Lord to turn the searchlight upon our own faults and failures, so that He might work a change in us? Our number one problem is not our children, our mates, our job, or our circumstancesit is ourselves. Until we are willing to change ourselves, the Lord cannot begin the needed change in our families. How does God effect these changes in our lives? First of all, we must be honest with God and face our shortcomings and sins. We must come confessing: God, I am resentful toward my husband and children. I dont want to be like this, but I cant help it. Please enable me to be the kind of wife and mother that will inspire them to bless me. When we do things out of love, without expecting anything in return, and ask the Lord for a loving and wise spirit to perform our daily chores, we will see changes in ourselves and those we love, since our seeds of love will bring a harvest. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Verses 30-31 The conclusion of Bathshebas instruction is that the fear of the Lord is our greatest asset, for it leads us to obey His commands and serve Him faithfully. We all reap the fruit of what we sow, and only what we accomplish for Christ through the Holy Spirit will merit Gods praise. Everything else is vanity. It will perish and be forgotten. Physical beauty is temporary, but the spiritual beauty of a good character will endure into eternity. When we are young and our whole lives lie ahead of us, we may not consider that we will grow old and die one day. What kind of legacy will we leave behind us? Will it be one like the virtuous woman whose works were praised by all who knew her? When we are older, we may not have the opportunities to serve God that we have today. Let us live each day by the wisdom found in Proverbs, so that we will not regret how our days on the earth were spent. This is the sum of Solomons wisdom: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). While these verses present a model for all women, it is also a spiritual type of the Bride of Christ and her relationship with her heavenly Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ. Re-reading it with this in mind, we shall receive a wonderful revelation of what we can accomplish for the Lord when we are totally committed to Him.