[:en]Our Daily Verse (4/29/21)[:]

[:en]SCRIPTURE:  PROVERBS 31

“Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings” (Proverbs 31:32)

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30)

SAYINGS OF KING LEMUEL

Sons, do not spend your strength and vigor on women who will ruin you.  Kings are not to drink wine or crave beer beer because they cannot judge rightly (v.s 4-5).  Beer is to be given to those who are perishing and wine to those who are in anguish so that they could forget their poverty and misery (vs. 7).  Speak up for the rights of all who are destitute.  Judge fairly and defend the rights of the poor and needy (vs. 8-9)

EPILOGUE – THE WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER

  1. She is an asset to her husband (v. 11)
  2. She sews clothing for her family (v. 13)
  3. She brings food from afar (v. 14)
  4. She cooks for the family (v. 15)
  5. She manages real estate (v. 16)
  6. She is hard-working (v. 17)
  7. She does business and gain profit (vs. 18, 24)
  8. She is generous to the needy (v. 20)
  9. She provides clothing for her household (v. 21)
  10. She keeps her house neat and clean (v. 22)
  11. She respects her husband (v. 23)
  12. She has strength and dignity (v. 25)
  13. She speaks with wisdom (v. 26)
  14. She watches the affairs of household diligently (v. 27)
  15. She takes care of her children (v. 28)
  16. She fears the Lord (v. 30)

SUMMARY:

A virtuous woman trains her children against the dangers of sinful companion, strong drink and disobedience to God’s word.  She is submissive to her husband with love and trust.  She is a priceless worker serving the family – sewing, cooking, taking care of the children and assisting her husband in family business. She does her work with diligence and is careful in her speech and apparel.  She is a woman who fears the Lord and who deserves to be praised.  Husband and children should not take her for granted.  Instead they must show constant appreciation for what she does at home.  The kind of appreciation must not be limited for Mother’s Day, her birthday or Christmas only.  Rather it must be shown sincerely all year long.  The virtue of gratitude should be cultivated in every home.

The most important decision in life is making a decision for Christ.  The next important decision for a Christian is the choice of a life partner.  Proverbs warns us that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.  Only the inner beauty of a gentle heart and quiet spirit can last.  May God grant us the wisdom to choose the right mates in His will and build a Christian home that glorifies His name.[:]