Worth More Than RubiesSample

A WOMAN OF DILIGENCE

The Proverbs 31 woman is not lounging around the house, expecting everyone else to do the work while she relaxes by the pool. Not at all. She has willing hands. She is eager to pull herself up and do the necessary work to take care of her home and her people. Her willingness to bring “food from afar” (Proverbs 31:14) tells us she is not looking for any shortcuts. She’s willing to go the extra mile to get the best. What really stood out to me was that she wakes up early, not only before her family but even before her maidservants. She is truly a servant leader who leads by example.

Verse 17 summarizes her work ethic:

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV)

When we think of her working vigorously, she may sound like she’s running around, frantic, and completely in over her head. If we’re tired just reading all that she does and all the work she’s accomplished, it’s most likely because we have confused busyness with fruitfulness. The Proverbs 31 woman was not busy; she was fruitful. We know this because her work makes her better, not worse. Her work made her stronger and not depleted. It is so important for women to know the difference.

Nowhere does the scripture say she was fatigued, overwhelmed, or stressed out because of her work. We know there was a level of pressure because she became stronger, but there is a difference between pressure that makes you stronger and pressure that crushes you.

The Proverbs 31 woman had a healthy work ethic for two reasons. First, her work made her better. Her arms grew strong because of her work, which in turn strengthened her to do more.

Second, she did not do it all on her own. If this woman were ever interviewed, I know we’d ask what we ask all successful women: “how do you do it all?” I believe her honest response would be, “I don’t do it all; I have help.” Now you may not have maidservants, but I’m sure you have help. Maybe a family member to help watch the kids, a friend who gives wise counsel and a listening ear, or a church that feeds you spiritually. No one is out here successfully doing life on their own. It takes a village, and the Proverbs 31 woman not only knew this; she lived it.