THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN’S HANDS (2)

“She girds herself with STRENGTH, and STRENGTHENS HER ARMS” – Proverbs 31: 17

The VIRTUOUS WOMAN’S HANDS and Heart are characterised by STRENGTH: “She girds herself with STRENGTH, and STRENGTHENS HER ARMS” (Pro.31:17). Inner strength and tenacious trust in God translate into tangible outer strength and physical vitality and vigour. We’ve noted that Proverbs 31 comprises inspired lessons that King Lemuel’s mother taught him. Many theologians believe King Lemuel is a poetic name for King Solomon. His mother wanted him to choose a wife wisely and she offered him a list of qualities to look for in a Godly woman. The virtuous woman is God’s Model for every wife and mother. Of course, becoming a woman of such noble character doesn’t mean being a perfect, idealistic woman who never makes a mistake. Rather, it means living out God’s Will each day in alignment with His principles.

Yesterday, we highlighted how the virtuous woman works with eager heart and WILLING HANDS. The word ‘willing’ comes from a Hebrew word that means pleasure, desire, delight, or eagerness. God created and placed Adam and Eve in a garden to work – “tend and keep it” (Gen.2:15). Work is good for us, including working productively at home. This virtue is particularly relevant in a culture that mocks housewives who willingly engage in home chores and responsibilities such as: cooking meals, doing laundry, grocery shopping, keeping a neat and clean home, caring for children, tending the garden, pets, or livestock. She does these without complaining grumbling, or reluctance (Phi.2:14).

In addition to willing hands, the virtuous woman is Enterprising, Reliable and Responsible, Strong and Tenacious. All of these are related to the disposition of her HEART and diligent deployment of her HANDS.

Enterprising: “She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar” (v.14). She strives to provide both clothing (v.13) and food for her family. The Bible teaches that with food and raiment we can be content (1 Tim. 6:8). The virtuous women plays a key role as God's instrument, in providing both. Merchants are traders who exchange commodities for profit; and merchants' ships are filled with items from far countries. The simile of “merchant ships” means that she brings food from distant places by trading for them. Verse 16 says, “She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.” She is able to earn enough money to purchase and plant a vineyard as the fruits of her loving labour. She is proactive on family and business matters. She is a bundle of possibilities: family- and business-oriented!

Reliable and Responsible: “She also rises while it is yet night, and provides for her household, and a portion for her maidservants” (v.15). She rises up early to provide breakfast – the most important meal of the day – for her household. She is also kind to those working for her. She ensures that her family gets off to a good nutritional start. Idleness and laziness have no place with her. She has a good start on the day; enjoys a quiet time free from noise and distractions; time with the Lord in meditation and prayer. Israel gathered Manna every morning just as fresh food for our souls is needed daily (Exo.16:14-22). Our Lord Jesus rose up early to pray (Mk.1:35). The Psalmist also (Psa.88:13).

Strong and Tenacious: “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her ARMS. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night” (vv.17-18). The “loins” – the region of procreative power – are regarded as the seat of strength. To be girded is to be ready for action (Psa.18:39). The virtuous woman sustains a reservoir of inner strength which enables her to accomplish formidable physical tasks and earn good profit. 

Homes in Bible times were illuminated at night by olive oil lamps. The virtuous woman's lamp was never out at night as she worked day and night with amazing fortitude. She “burned the midnight oil,” yet rose up early (v.15). She learned to get the needed rest, without overindulging in sleep; hence, was free from poverty (Pro. 6:9-11). Do we invest our night seasons to please the Lord and profit eternity, or simply to sleep?