Journal ~ ProverbsExemplo

 A GOOD WOMAN (AND MAN) IS HARD TO FIND 

Every time I pondered on this particular chapter of Proverbs, I used to feel helpless and inadequate. I mean, the woman that is portrayed in this chapter gets up early and goes to bed late making clothes for the family. She manages her entire household and takes care of fiscal responsibility for it. She takes good care of her children. She brings her husband good and not harm. She even operates a successful business. She's being a blessing to the poor and those in need. She's a super-mom, an excellent wife, a successful career woman, and Mother Teresa in one package. Whatever I do is far, far from half as good as the Proverbs 31 woman.

And yet the Lord opened the eyes of my heart gradually and led me to an understanding what a true virtuous woman is all about. The first thing to note about the Proverbs 31 woman is her faith: A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

This fear of God, is the real secret of her blessed life. She was a woman of faith, which she firmly planted in Jesus Christ and his perfect work on the cross. We should also note her faithfulness. It says that: She is clothed with strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25). And “She brings (her husband) good and not harm all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12). Her life was characterized by faithfulness: she was faithful to her Lord, to her husband, to her family, and to her community. Faith and faithfulness are two of the many traits that God is pleased with.

The second thing is that she also left a legacy to her family: Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31:28). She was devoted to her family and loved them with an unconditional love. She left a legacy by teaching them the faith that she has, giving them her life as an example, teaching them how to live and how to love. This legacy is a very important gift that we can give to the next generation. It is precious yet does not fade away. She also left a legacy for her surroundings: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:20). She has a great compassion and generosity to others. She understands that giving will only make her more prosperous.

And the third thing she does is that she trusts the Lord for her future: She can laugh at the days to come. (Proverbs 31:25). Her deep faith in God and her love for him enables her to trust her future into his care. She rests in the fact that every aspect of her life is in his hands. Yes, “she laughs at the days to come.” She has every reason to laugh: Heaven, a wonderful and beautiful place, is waiting for her. And that same future awaits all of us who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.