Virtuous Woman

The

Virtuous

 Woman

A

Recipe

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DEDICATION

The teachings from shepherds who are inspired by the Spirit are a gift to the flock.  Much gratitude to the Holy Spirit, and to the shepherd who inspired this writing with his gift of teaching.  May his love of the Lord spread through these words to God’s children and may the readers be blessed with the inspiration to seek the shepherd’s Shepherd.

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PREFACE

     A person's point of view is a powerful thing.  A belief in something can and will make things come true for a person, if they believe it with their whole heart.  Belief can make things happen. 

     Martha made a roast for special occasions for her family.  People marveled at how the "family recipe" that had been handed down from generation to generation tasted like nobody else's.  What did Martha do differently to her roast that other people couldn't capture?  She followed a recipe.  Each time she made a roast, she did it the exact same way her mother and her grandmother and all the generations of mothers in her family before her did.  She cut off one end of the roast, put it in a separate pan, put garlic and onions, herbs and spices in the pans and slow cooked the roast(s) to perfection each and every time.  Martha didn't believe that the secret was in the mixture of herbs and spices, or the exact amount of garlic she used, or whether the onions were yellow or white or red.  Martha thought that the secret was in cutting off the one end of the roast and putting it in a separate pan. 

     One day at a family reunion, Martha was talking to her great grandmother, and she asked her, why did they cut off one end of the roast.  To Martha's surprise, her great grandmother told her that in the olden days, they didn't have a pan that was big enough to fit the entire roast in, so they cut one end off and used two pans.  Martha began to think of how her ancestors must have longed for a pan big enough to save all the extra work it took to cook their roast in two pans, not to mention the extra cleaning up afterward.  Then she realized, that the secret was not in the recipe at all.  The secret was her belief that if she cut off one end of the roast, that it would turn out perfectly.

     Do you believe in something that gives you guaranteed results every time?  More importantly ... are there things that you DON'T believe in your heart, but wish they could really happen?  Let's talk about another recipe.  Let's talk about the recipe for the perfect --- BRIDE!  That is the confection that we all should be striving to perfect.  What are we waiting for?  A bigger pan?  A certain time when all the ingredients will be "in season?"  No, the thing that we wait for is FAITH.  Way down deep in our hearts, many of us BELIEVE that we don't have enough BELIEF in ourselves to earn the wedding cake that our Lord, so truly, wants us to share with Him.  In our point of view, it is out of reach, and what you believe, you WILL receive.

Mark 11:22-24  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

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Proverbs 31:10-31

Who  can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,

and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: 

with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:  her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea,

she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: 

for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: 

but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works  praise her in the gates.

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     King Lemuel’s mother taught him a prophecy.  A prophecy is a message from God.  This prophecy is an age-old recipe that should be passed down from generation to generation.  The recipe isn't for a cake, but the directions are for preparing the perfect bride.   It isn’t a secret recipe, but it is an ancient one that appears to be long forgotten, considering how few people there are who prepare it.  This proverb isn't just a collection of eloquent words that you should read once, and then, tomorrow, forget that they are prophecy.  When you pick up your Bible and read this selection, you won't magically hear inspirational music in the background, or hear it narrated by someone  who can bring a tear to the eye with the reading of "See Spot Run".  But if you can picture to yourself, the Holy Spirit, inspiring this woman to reveal this prophecy so that women throughout the ages would live by it, perhaps you will see the deeper beauty that this proverb holds. 

2Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

     Although this Proverb can be taken literally, the challenge of looking at it from a different point of view is presented here.  Many times, the things that are read between the lines of scripture are interpreted in different ways, and perhaps one is not necessarily right and one wrong.  Maybe they can both be right ... just different points of view.

     One thing to keep in mind is that the Bible often times refers to “man” in scripture.  God’s Word is intended for all of us.  With the knowledge that the Word of God is for all His children, you will understand that women are not exempt from obeying God’s Word.  You may also find yourself thinking that these passages are taken out of context, however, Jesus spoke in parables, with hopes that people would apply them to their own lives in any situation necessary.  His analogies have rang true through many generations and still do today.  Whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed, divorced, rich, poor, healthy, ill, or otherwise … while reflecting on these scripture passages, remember that it is the Lamb to whom you are truly betrothed, and ask yourself if He wouldn’t love for you to prepare this recipe for HIM.

Revelation 19:7-9  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.  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

     So, what are the ingredients?  The ingredients are fruits.  Fruits of the Spirit.  And, what are fruits of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22-23  ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ...

     Fruits of the Spirit are virtues.  And what is a virtue?  Webster describes a virtue as:  A particular moral excellence.  The apostle Paul describes it this way:

Ephesians 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

     In short, your virtues … or fruits … make up your character.  Prudence, honesty, reverence, generosity, benevolence, humility, compassion … these all are ingredients that are found in the recipe.  They are the parts of you that inwardly and outwardly give glory to God.  The ingredients cost no money.  They cannot be bought at the mall, at the market or even at your Christian store for that matter.  In fact, they are already in your cabinet (a part of you).  You just have to dig deep inside yourself to attain them.  God put them there when He created you in His image.  All you have to do is reach in and dust them off.  The reward is watching the Lord work in your life to prepare you for everlasting life with Him.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

     Verse by verse, this prophesy reveals what virtues the Lord expects His betrothed to have and how you can enrich your life as a Christian woman by making these virtues a permanent part of your self and your way of life. 

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Verse 10

Who can find a virtuous woman?

Proverbs 12:4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband:  but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

     In all of history, virtuous women have been hard to find.  Many women of the Bible could hardly be deemed as virtuous, but those who were, are very admirable.

     Of the thousand women that Solomon loved, not a single one was virtuous, but in fact, just the opposite:  they turned his heart away from the Lord.

1Kings 11:3  And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines:  and his wives turned away his heart.

     In the book of  Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote:

Ecclesiastes  7:20, 26-28  For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good ... And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.  Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:  Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

     The question, if you are a woman, you must admit ... it's troubling.  We all want to think of ourselves as virtuous.  But when you ponder on it for a while, the question becomes very valid.  After all, if the wisest man to ever exist could not find one, over three thousand years ago, chances are, he would be hard pressed to find one in this generation.  This of course is true, only if you CHOOSE it to be.  Being virtuous is possible for ANYONE.  All you have to do, is CHOOSE.

For her price is far above rubies.

     What is the price of rubies?  Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz represented the means by which she returned to the safety and love of her home and family.  She had them all along, but she encountered many obstacles before she learned that she could, at any time, have returned, if she had only known the secret.  Your ruby slippers are your virtues.  Put them on and never take them off.  Whenever evil comes calling, just put them to work and think, “There’s no place like home … with my Father.”

      The Bible refers to the price of wisdom as being far above rubies in several places:

Job 28:18  No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls:  for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Proverbs 3:15  She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies:  and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Proverbs 8:11  For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

     In other words -  virtues are as rare as wisdom … priceless!

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Verse 11

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,

     Trust.  A rare commodity nowadays.  However, a virtuous woman is trustworthy.  She is dependable.  She is consistent and reliable.  She is honest.  She knows that the eyes of God are on her every moment, even when nobody else is looking.  She is faithful and true.  If she makes a mistake, she admits it to herself, to God, and to anyone that she may have hurt by it.  She does not seek the acceptance or approval of anyone but her betrothed.

Genesis 3:16  ... Thy desire shall be to thy husband ...

     What is the foundation of love?  Trust.  Notice that after the introductory line, it is the first virtue mentioned.  It is a main ingredient in the recipe.

     Ask yourself:  Does my husband trust me ... Completely, and without a shadow of a doubt? 

     Ask yourself:  Does God trust me ... Completely, and without a shadow of a doubt?

     God knows your spirit.  You cannot hide anything from Him.  He doesn't need to know your User ID or your password.  He knows what is in your secret files, your journal entries and what is hidden behind the shoeboxes in your closet.  Much more than that, He knows what is in your most secret of hiding places ... your mind.  He doesn't need a special key, a plastic card, a secret combination, your fingerprints or to scan your corneas to gain access to everything you think, say and do.

1Chronicles 28:9  And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Romans 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Proverbs 20:27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 16:2  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

so that he shall have no need of spoil.

     What does spoil mean in this verse?  It means being robbed of the faithfulness of his betrothed.  The froward society of today believes in their heart that untrustworthy behavior is innocent and harmless.  Flirting is regarded with admiration, and so very sadly, often times a person’s own spouse thinks of this as a redeeming quality in their wife or husband, instead of the guaranteed destructive tool of indecency that it really is.  It is the gateway drug to infidelity.  It is falsely viewed as just being friendly, however, let the divorce rate tell the tale.  People today are exceedingly too personal with people they aren’t married to.  Whether it be a look, word or gesture, the proven results should be horrifying enough to see clearly that this is not the manner of a virtuous woman.  If you were betrothed to the Lord, (which you are, if Heaven is your desired destination) does it seem so innocent and harmless anymore?  Will He be looking for someone else who His heart can safely trust in more?  Is your devotion to your husband a test of what kind of angel and bride you would be to the Lord?  It’s something worth considering very carefully.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

     You can change your life so that you are worthy of His trust; and if you know the Lord trusts you, you can be sure your husband, too, will have no worry of spoil.

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Verse 12

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

     In the last several decades in particular, evil has become so commonplace that it is not recognized as evil anymore, but is even widely accepted as the standard.  Television and the film industry, until recently, have been the single largest demise of virtue in our lifetimes.

     Think of how this influential medium of “entertainment” has gone from The Walton’s, where good morals were taught, to The Simpson’s, and much worse, where the unraveling of morals is praised.  In between were subtle changes that slowly allowed more and more evil of every kind to infiltrate innocent minds and slowly convince people that evil is not evil.

     Would a virtuous woman, in good conscience, be able to sit down comfortably with her family, with the Lord in the room, and watch any television show or movie today, while feeling confident that this amusement is what God wants His children to watch and learn?  Or would she hide her face in shame?  Not only is this evil viewed, but it is practiced by most of society each and every day.  They don’t realize their deeds are evil, except in extreme cases ... instead, they think it is just “normal”. 

     From the Lord’s point of view, is this virtuous?  Ask yourself in everything you do:  Is this really a virtuous deed, or has society caused me to accept evil as good with it’s gradual lures away from Godliness.  You may not have noticed the deception, but rest assured … God does.

     Identify evil whenever it is presented in any form, by anyone or anything, at anytime.  Tell the truth out loud about it.  Especially in front of children who will surmise that all of the filth that is smuggled into their soft little mushy brains is okey dokey if you don't tell otherwise.

     It would be unfair to give Hollywood all of the credit for the rapid deterioration of virtue in our time.  The internet, although it has only become popular to the average family in the last ten years or so, has quite possibly surpassed the destruction of virtue in our society that television and film have imposed.  With the click of a button, people get addicted to "surfing" from one form of evil to another, day after day.  For every site that is visited, the possibility of receiving E-mail or pop ups from undesirable sources gets higher.  If you are not positively certain who an "E-Mail" is from, it could very well be Evil-Mail instead of Electronic-Mail.  Not only is the content of the internet potentially dangerous, but with the capability of others to send "Instant Messages" to almost anyone and everyone, and the ability to gain access to personal information about you, the computer can be extremely dangerous.  Parental controls can only filter out so much, and hackers, stalkers, and profit seekers consider everyone open season.  Don't get caught in the undertow when you are "surfing" the net.  It may be a net you can't get out of.  Even when you are seeking something as innocent as sending an electronic birthday card to your grandmother, or a recipe for chicken soup, you will most likely have to see page after page, containing advertisements or links to things that the Lord would not like to be impressed upon the mind of His beloved.  It's kind of like a clever lawyer, who presents something to the jury, knowing it is not allowed, but when the judge says, "The jury will disregard the last statement", will they really be able to forget what was said?  Be sure that your lifeboat (God) is sitting next to you when you dive in.  Don't view the things that you know in your heart He would not approve of.  Without much discretion, the dreaded viruses that computer plinkers fear is like a broken fingernail compared to the fatal disease that the evil available on the internet can infect your soul with.

Romans 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1Peter 1:15-16  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (living); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

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Verse 13

She seeketh wool, and flax,

     Wool and flax (the fiber that linen is made from) are the materials that clothing is made from, perhaps denoting that a virtuous woman’s job is at home.

     In today’s world, most women work outside of the home.  God gave men and women separate jobs on this earth in the Garden of Eden. 

Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.  And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

     It’s clear what those jobs are.  The man will work.  The woman will bear children, she will want to make her husband happy, and she will obey him.  God did not, in His judgment of Adam and Eve, which mankind has inherited, include any addendums that say, "In the instance of financial hardship, boredom, pursuit of SELF worth, or any other worldly circumstance, woman shalt disregardeth my Word in Genesis 3:16-19." 

     Financial concerns are most women’s excuse for working outside the home, but most of the things those finances are used for, are not necessary and truly can not bring anyone closer to God.  When it comes to material things and SELF indulgences, less is more in the Lord's eyes.

Proverbs 15:16  Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Psalms 49:17  For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

     Many people think that their purpose in life is the job they hold.  There is a big difference between one's purpose and one's job.  God's plans for us reach far beyond what we can imagine.  Whether you are a rocket scientist or a stay at home Mom, the "job" that your Father has planned for you may be much simpler or more complicated than you ever thought.  For instance, you may only be a wife and mother in the eyes of some, but in the eyes of your Father, you may be the mother of His next prophet.  On the other hand, you may be the most intelligent, highly esteemed professional that many people know, and yet a twenty dollar bill that you give to a homeless person next week may be the whole reason you were put here on earth.  Only God knows the depth of the simplicity of it all. 

1Corinthians 1:25  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 

     If boredom, pursuit of SELF worth, or any other reason compels you to deviate from His plan, encourage yourself to seek His answer to whether or not you are doing His will.  Certainly, there are well grounded circumstances in some people's lives, which make it necessary for a woman to work, and surely God considers those situations, but look closely and truthfully at your own personal situation and ask His guidance.   He will help you determine if you are being SELFish, or if you are walking in the path that He prescribed.  The priorities of this generation have drifted from God’s will.  A virtuous woman does not contend with God’s intent for her.  She is not SELF seeking.  She is seeking GOD.  Of this, you can be sure ... When the prime of your life is over and you are looking back on the time you spent with God and with your family, you won't be saying to yourself, "Gee, I wish I had spent more time working, instead of serving the Lord, His way."  You can make being a virtuous woman the best full time job to ever exist, and when God sees that on your résumé, and your belief in Jesus Christ, He will promote you to Heaven.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

and worketh willingly with her hands.

          A virtuous woman does things for the good of her family.  She creates out of the voluntary goodness of her heart.  Some women think they are just not cut out to be a homemaker.   Some may even think it is a lowly and degrading suggestion.  That is what the world has taught you.  But, what makes God happy?  There are plenty of ways to serve Him as a virtuous woman in your home.  Countless, in fact.  If you are thinking the way the world thinks, concerning how a woman serves God in her home, and you are at a loss for ideas,  you are not thinking the way God does.  Dig deeper.  Ask Him what to do.  His answer may come to you in a dream, in something that another Christian may reveal to you, in prayer, and/or you can always ask Him in the Word.  Just ask in the name of Jesus Christ that He show you, then open your Bible to any page and point to a verse.  Pray for Him to give you discernment so that you understand what He is saying to you.  You can ask in the Word about anything. 

     If you feel like there will be something missing in your life because you choose to walk the Christian woman's walk with God, instead of serving the world,  you are absolutely right.  You will be missing the ingredients that don't belong in the recipe for the Lord's perfect bride.  It will take time and effort worth spending to replace the missing ingredients that you once used in your old recipes, with the fruits that belong in your new one.  Keep searching for them.  God has given you gifts that you don’t even know you have.  Where there’s a (genuine) will, there’s a way.

Ezekiel 36:26-27  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.   And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Jeremiah 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

2Corinthians 8:11-12  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Matthew 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.                                                                                                                                                                                         

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Verse 14

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

       A merchant ship brings unique treasures from far off lands, but, a virtuous woman is a novelty that does not wear off.  The love that she includes in everything she does and makes, truly makes her unique.  Out of laziness, people have forgotten how to appreciate giving AND receiving things from the heart, rather than from the store.  A virtuous woman is creative and knows how to improvise.  A china doll pales in comparison to a rag doll that she made out of some old buttons, a sock, and her special ingredient ... LOVE. 

1John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

     You could say that if God is love, and love is an ingredient in the recipe, then God is also an ingredient in the recipe.    

     The virtuous woman is one of a kind.  Her creativity comes from the Lord.  Her food (virtues) could not be imported from a better source.

Psalms 86:10  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

 

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Verse 15

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

John 21:15  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 

     The nurturing of her family is a high priority in the virtuous woman’s mind.  She prepares food, teaches righteousness, gives love.  She is generous to those who help her as well.  She is prepared and makes sure her family is.  She wants only good for her loved ones.  She knows that as a wife and/or mother, that this is her duty, and by her example, she instills the responsibility of being virtuous in all of her family.  She does not feel taken advantage of, or taken for granted for earnestly serving them.

John 13:14-15  If  I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Proverbs 14:1  Every wise woman buildeth her house:  but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.    

     Feed your household with good virtues.  Pass down the recipe.

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Verse 16 

She considereth a field, and buyeth it:

     A virtuous woman is not hasty about her decisions.  She seeks the advisement of the Lord, and obeys that counsel. 

Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

     The simple minded woman sees a field; the virtuous woman sees the same field and imagines a vineyard.  She will take a leap of faith.  Most people think that a leap of faith is doing something that has a moderate risk, hoping that they will profit for themselves.  Contrariwise, a leap of faith is doing something for God, that is so impractical, that failure is guaranteed ... without HIS hand.  As long as things are going well in people's lives, and they feel like THEY have control, they get very comfortable, and forget their need for God.  His purpose for us was not for us to do it alone.  His purpose was for us to do things FOR Him and WITH Him.  As adults, we are taught to be independent and SELF sufficient. This "rule" does not apply when taking a leap of faith.  You must be as a child.  Your Father EXPECTS you to depend on Him.  He waits for you to ask Him for His hand to help you.

Matthew 18:3-4  Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

     When you find yourself relying on your own strength to accomplish something, you are denying the power of God to work through you.

2Corinthians 12:9 ... My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

     with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 

     JESUS IS THE TRUE VINE.  The virtuous woman plants Jesus in her heart and much fruit (virtue) is the result.  Without the TRUE VINE, there will be no fruit. 

John 15:1-8  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

     Once you have planted, tend to the vine.  Read God’s Word, pray and watch God’s increase of the fruit in your life grow to an abundance you never imagined.

1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Psalms 128:3  Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house.

     Don't risk losing the opportunity to be fruitful for the Lord.  Once truth is instilled in your heart, you will recognize the things that produce good fruit and the things that do not.  Things can look awfully pretty, and be useless ... even harmful.  Satan would love to coerce you into eating (and producing) poisonous fruit.  He doesn't use apples anymore.  He knows that everyone is wise to that trick now.  If you become aware of bad fruit in your life, remove it.  One bad apple will spoil the whole bushel.  If you are meandering through life being void of good fruit, there will be consequences to pay.  Nobody knows how long they will be here, or what the future holds.  Everyone knows someone who has had untimely circumstances happen to them.  The Gospel according to Matthew, speaks of good fruit and evil fruit, however, no fruit can be just as devastating as evil fruit.

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 21:18-19   Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he (Jesus) hungered.  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

     You can change this trend of bad fruit and no fruit.   You can spread virtue in your family.   Every good parent wants better for their children than what they had.  You can choose things in your life that will amount to a bowl of fruit brimming with promise for you and your family. 

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Verse 17

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

1Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profited little:  but godliness is profitable unto all things.

     Certainly, the prophesy of Lemuel’s mother was not pertaining to exercise, but rather to being strong in Spirit and not lazy about her virtues.  If the recipe is followed and all the ingredients are used, the Lord will strengthen you. 

Psalms 89:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

     Use that strength to edify, magnify, praise and honour the Father.

Mark 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

     Don’t be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being virtuous.  The strength of the Lord will sustain you. 

     What does the Lord consider strength?

Psalms 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

 

Proverbs 10:29  The way of the Lord is strength to the upright ...

Proverbs 14:26  In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:  and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower:  the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 

Nehemiah 8:10  ... The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Psalms 73:26  My flesh and my heart faileth:  but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

     The question again:  What does the Lord consider strength?  The answer:  THE LORD IS a virtuous woman’s strength.

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Verse 18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:

      She knows that her wholesome Christian lifestyle (her merchandise) is righteous.  The world would have her think otherwise, but she knows that walking in the way of the Lord is the only acceptable choice in her Lord’s eyes.  Other people’s opinions about the way she chooses to serve the Lord, do not dissuade her.  

Isaiah 51:7  Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Ephesians 5:6-7  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

her candle goeth not out by night.

     There are different ways of looking at this part of verse 18.  In a sarcastic view, the virtuous woman is superhuman, robotic and infallible.  Not so.   She IS human, like everyone else.  She will, however, endure exhaustion until the small hours of the morning and rise before dawn for the benefit of her family when necessary.  If there is something that is left undone, the hour will not detain her.  She is not moved by fatigue.  Her strength and her rest come from the Lord.  She never gives up.

     Another way of looking at it, is that she doesn't change her ways to fit in, or be accepted by this world.  She is consistent.  She doesn't put her virtues on hold temporarily because she is irritable, bored, anxious, insulted, wearied, nervous, tempted, weak, or any other reason that human nature will use to try and quench her flame.  She is a steady burning candle.

Matthew 25:1-13  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you:  but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage:  and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

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Verse 19

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

     The spindle and the distaff are both parts of the spinning wheel.  It’s doubtful that anyone uses a spinning wheel anymore, but perhaps this verse alludes  to being a homebody.  That's right, someone who loves to stay at home.  Home IS where the heart is.  Does the virtuous woman choose to go out with the girls, where a plethora of evil and temptation awaits … or would she rather be at home with her family, tending to her precious loved ones and enriching her family life?  What can the world outside of her home, possibly have, that could get her one step closer to God?  Any time you are not spending time with God, you are spending time with the world.  Be careful.  Spending time with the world can occur within the doors of your own home.   

James 4:4  ... know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

     Satan is the prince of this world.  His intention is to win your soul away from God.  This is known as spiritual warfare.  The test is to see if you will be persuaded by his trickery like Eve was. 

Genesis 3:13  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

     He sees every instance as an opportunity to attack.  He will not present his evil as bad, but will package it with ribbons and bows, and make it look like a gift instead of a curse.  He is dressed in a tuxedo, not a red suit with a forked tail, a pitchfork in his hand and horns on his head.  He will try to make you think he and/or his ideas are romantic, fun, intelligent, captivating, honourable even.  Be alert.  Be careful how you walk.  Walk in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Do not be deceived.  He does not sleep.  He will use whatever means he can to lure you into his deceit:  television shows, commercials, movies, books, magazines, billboards, food packaging, newspapers, mail, clothing, dreams, music, thoughts, even Christian holiday gimmicks such as Santa Claus and the Easter bunny.  You name it, his purpose is to win your soul away from God, ANY way he can.

Ephesians 6:11-18  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ...

1Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour ...

     “A woman’s place is in the home”, is falsely thought of today as a chauvinistic attitude, however, when looked at from the Lord’s point of view, it is a very loving and protective admonition.  God knows what the world holds outside the safety of the virtuous woman’s home.  In this generation, no matter how harmless the world may seem, it is abounding with ungodliness.  The opinion of others does not touch the virtuous woman.  She knows truth. 

 

2Timothy 3:1-7  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

     Sound familiar?

1John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

     Buying a spinning wheel suddenly seems like an excellent idea.

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Verse 20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

2Corinthians 9:7  … God loveth a cheerful giver.

     A virtuous woman is not greedy, envious or covetous like most of the world today.  It is a very materialistic society in this era, however, the most expensive, magnificent things cannot be taken to Heaven.

1Timothy6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 6:19-21  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:33-34  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Luke 12:25  And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

1Peter 3:8-9  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:   Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

     Instead, the virtuous woman knows the importance of helping the impoverished.  She is not boastful of this.

Matthew 6:2-4  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

     If she only has little to give, that does not prevent her.  She knows her reward is great in Heaven for her charity and generosity to her Lord’s people on earth, no matter how little or how much.

Mark 12:41-44  And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.  And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

 

1Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

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Verse 21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household:

     The only kind of fear a virtuous woman has is a different kind of fear.  Fear (the utmost respect) of the Lord.