Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:1-31 (NLT)
1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
3 do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
5 For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
6 Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Two people regarded – the sober king and the tireless and diligent woman. Not specifically stated but ever-present in their description is the reason for their chosen states. For them to commit their lives to this kind of discipline, there must be a complete diversion from self-focus to those to whom their lives are devoted. The king’s passion for wisely judging and governing his people will not allow anything to lessen the clarity of his perception in the decisions he makes upon which their lives are carried. His passion for the people prohibits any personal gratification with sense-altering substance. For the virtuous and capable wife, the driving force that enables her uninterrupted pursuit of endless tasks can never be corrupted by the question, “What about me.” For there to be energy to commit to such extensive details in the care of her household, the vision before must always be for the ones her heart beats for. Because this obsession so drives her, laziness is never allowed to get her off the path of ensuring their betterment and provision. Though there may be a long list of reasons for frustration in carrying out the required efforts of their care, concern for self never skews the purpose of her life with self-justification and defense. While she could be withdrawing into self-focus, that would give reason for lessened focus, this is never possible because of her passion shield that deflects any debilitating attitudes.
How great is the need to remain fixed on the purpose of our position. While we may have chosen another course, there must never be a consideration of this as the only answer to being fulfilled in the present life is to fixate on those who will be blessed due to our unaltered senses and relentless diligence.