WELCOME
By Jennie Corcoran
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Proverbs 31:25)
The latter part of Proverbs 31 speaks of the attributes of an ideal wife and mother. Most of us are familiar with these passages. As Christian women, they should be our guide as we strive to be properly clothed as a royal daughter. To be clothed implies a total covering of the body. As royal daughters, we are to be covered completely with strength and honor.
What is strength? The concept of "strength" carries with it the idea of being able to bear a heavy load. As wives and mothers, we are sometimes expected to: work with our hands, prepare food, rise up early, be wise investors, be physically strong, care for the needy, speak with wisdom, etc. All of these tasks were required of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 and they have not changed in our lives today.
Where does this strength come from? From God: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God provides our strength but it is our responsibility to come into contact with that strength. Matthew 17:20 tells us that even moving a mountain is possible through faith. Jesus said, for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. What great strength God will provide! He makes the impossible possible. We continually become stronger by study and Godly living Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Just as muscles atrophy when not used, so our Christianity suffers when we fail to immerse ourselves in God's Word.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim 2:15)
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer. . . (Prov 15:28)
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11) The blessings that come with being a Godly woman are not given to us; we must work to build our "spiritual muscle" through constant study and practice.
In addition to strength, the virtuous woman was also clothed in honor. What is honor? This word implies showing respect to God through obedience to His teachings. Just as a child is commanded to . . . Honor thy Father and Mother. . . (Matt 15:4), we are expected to honor our Heavenly Father. The word implies humility The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. (Prov 15:33) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Prov 29:23) Honor also suggests the idea of having and maintaining a good name, behaving "honorably" in every situation.
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. (Phil 4:8)
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Prov 22:1)
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. (Acts 24:16) This is especially important to mothers who have little eyes that are constantly watching and learning.
If we are properly
clothed with the attributes of the virtuous woman during our lives, we
will also . . . rejoice in
time to come
Proverbs 31:25.
We are promised eternal damnation or eternal life
for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23) All of us should want
to spend eternity rejoicing with God. By adding strength and honor to
our "spiritual wardrobe," we can live more effective lives here on earth
and ultimately secure a place in heaven where we will live eternally as
Royal Daughters of the King.
Questions:
1. Being properly clothed implies:
a. a partial covering
b. a complete covering
b. a complete covering
2. Name 4 things that the virtuous woman did that you are required to do today.
These answers will vary according to the woman's daily life but should be things listed in Proverbs 31. For example: working with your hands, preparing food, rising up early, being a wise investor, being physically strong, caring for the needy, speaking with wisdom, etc. Reading the whole chapter will give the student better insight into how to answer this question.
3. Who provides our strength?
The Lord - Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
4. What is impossible with God?
NOTHING Matt 17:20 for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
5. What does II Tim 2:15 say that we must do to be approved of God?
STUDY II Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
6. Knowing this, what must we do to build our "spiritual muscle"?
Study and use God's word daily
7. Fill in the blanks: Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are _______, whatsoever things are ___________, whatsoever things are _______, whatsoever things are _______, whatsoever things are ___________, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, _______ on these things.
true, honest, just, pure, lovely, think
8. Fill in the blanks: Rom 6:23 For the wages of ______ is _________; but the gift of ______ is _________ _______ through Jesus Christ our Lord.
sin, death, God, eternal life
9. What two attributes was the virtuous woman clothed with in Proverbs 31:25?
Strength and honor
10. According to this verse, what will she be doing in time to come? Is this what you want to be doing in eternity?
Rejoicing, YES!
All Scripture is taken from the NKJ Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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