A Business Woman
"She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber." (Proverbs 31:16-19 NLT)
Misconception
I have read Proverbs 31 many times, but never really read it! For some reason, I must have just rushed past this part, not taking it all in. That is the beautiful thing about the bible, each time you read it, you get something new. This was ground breaking to me when I read it about year ago, because I always thought being a biblical wife meant cook and clean. (Which I really don't mind the cooking, but the cleaning lol Jesus isn't through with me yet lol)
Many women write off their biblical roles , saying that it is too menial and domestic. Satan has once again made women feel disenchanted about fulfilling their marital duties. Some ladies think "I am not about to be anyones servant and I am too smart to be at home just cleaning and cooking."
Correcting the Misconception
Being a Christian in general is about being a servant of Christ. We need to stop buying into the negative picture satan is trying to paint. Jesus himself came to serve. So serving is a high honor. The bible tells us to serve each other. The husband serves the wife and the wife serves the husband. The husband doesn't necessarily serve the same way the wife does and vice versa. In the above scripture it shows how a virtuous woman can serve by being a smart and savvy business woman. A woman doesn't have to feel like she needs to only stay at home while her husband makes all the financial moves.
Well Rounded
This woman bought property with her own "earnings"and used it to make more money. She first went to inspect the field, so she was knowledgable and knew what to look for. She wasn't going to make a hasty unwise decision. She is intentional on doing the research to make sure her investments are lucrative. That means she didn't just wake up and say I'm gonna go invest in something. She planned, she researched, she became informed and made a well thought out decision. On one of the previous lessons the scripture said "her husband has full confidence in her" this is a reason why her husband can trust her. He knows she is methodical and will take care of business. He knows she will make a profit and add to the household and He knows who she serves.
This woman is phenomenal, because after all that she stays up late tying up loose ends. She is a true business woman, she buys property, grows a vineyard, later in Proverbs 31:22a,24 she makes sashes, bed spreads, and other clothing items to sell. She isn't playing about her money. She knows how to make it and keep it.
Don't buy into the trick that Christ Like Women can't do anything. Women have free will, just like men, but everything should be done to the glory of God. You might not necessarily buy property, but whatever you decide to do make sure you are knowledgeable and you take the time to do the research. Make sure your dealings are lucrative.
Personal Message
I have always been good with money. I don't invest (yet), but I do love to save money. I am always looking for a deal or a coupon. I enjoy working and I enjoy staying home, really I don't mind either. But wherever I'm at, I try to be faithful with the small things now, and I know God will trust me with the big things later.
Strengthened by Christ
A virtuous woman is strong mentally, physically, and spiritually. She knows her strength comes from Christ, and in her own strength it is impossible. Philipians 4:13
Mentally Strong
She is mentally strong from taking every thought captive 2 Corinthians 10:5 . She knows that negative thoughts give birth to negative actions.
Spiritually Strong
She is spiritually strong by reading God's word and being in prayer. She understands that is God's communication with us and prayer is our communication with him.
Physically Strong
She is physically strong, because she takes proper care of herself and knows when she needs to take a step back to prevent a burn out. She wants to make sure she has enough energy for her husband and family. She purposely takes time for herself to relax and renew. (I personally renew by cooking, or reading. When I'm extremely burnt out I listen to worship music and meditate on a scripture all day)
Prayer
God,
Today and everyday I want to trust you to guide and direct me. Help me not to make plans without including you. Help me to remember where my strength can be renewed when I begin to feel burnt out. Help me to be better steward over my finances and add value financially to my family.
Amen
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