Thirty-One Days of Proverbs, Day 31
I've finally made it to day 31! I think it took me about a month longer than it should have, but...all in God's timing. Any delays I've encountered have always been meaningful, so I don't fret when my proposed timelines don't end up being my actual timelines. At least not on things like this.
The Proverbs end rather abruptly, don't they? It is curious that the time spent speaking about women is done mostly at the very end (saving the best for last?) and there doesn't seem to be a corresponding single chapter dedicated to the virtuous or honorable man, but there does seem to be a lot of space dedicated to the fool.
HAHA! Just kidding guys. In nearly every verse about the fool, there is a counter verse or phrase about the wise man. Let's face it; ladies, can we measure up to the virtuous woman? Men, can you measure up to the wise man? I think very few, if any, of us could. But it is something to strive for. A Christian who ignores the Proverbs (or any book of the Bible) is going to be a very sickly Christian. There is so much to our faith than just what's found in the pages of the New Testament. In fact, if we have any hope of fully understanding the New Testament, it's imperative that we thoroughly study the Old Testament. It just won't make any sense otherwise. Or, if you're trying to make sense out of it without the knowledge of both testaments, you're going to fail miserably.
I usually don't do devotionals. I just like my plain ole scripture reading. But this one got me through an entire book of the Bible in (what was supposed to be) a thirty-one day period so it seemed profitable to me. And it was. Maybe I'll do a Song of Solomon or Ecclesiastes devotional sometime...but I'll spare you my commentary.
If this devotional has blessed you, please share it with others and leave some comments throughout. (Though Wix has an atrocious commenting system so if you leave a comment, I'm not likely to know about it unless you also email me at jennifer@thepeculiarchristian.com.) God bless!
Here is today's text:
Proverbs 31
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.
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.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth theLord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
You can read the entire 31 daily Proverbs devotional series by clicking here.
Do you know, if you were to die today, whether or not you'll go to be with Christ after you die? Are you 100% and completely assured of your salvation? If not, please take the time to read this salvation message today. There is nothing more important than giving your life to Christ and securing your place in eternity. I pray the Holy Spirit leads you to a personal relationship with Christ today, and I pray that you follow where the Holy Spirit leads you.
