SHE 31 - Woman Of ValourSample

The Proverbs 31 woman knows an opportunity when she sees one. She jumps in and takes it. She doesn’t need to overthink it or ask too many opinions. She is confident and she uses her wisdom to make good decisions. 

Verse 16 says: “She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.”

She’s able to make a decision there and then. Because of the way that she stewards what she’s been given, she’s able to invest where she wants to. And from the earnings that she makes, she’s able to multiply her resources by planting a vineyard which will yield fruit and further income. 

Consider: Opportunities won’t always appeal to our flesh 

Opportunities are exciting when we get something from them. Our Proverbs 31 woman is given the chance to buy a field, plant a vineyard and ultimately make more income - how amazing. But what about opportunities that aren’t about us and don’t necessarily give us anything in return? Not every opportunity that you’ll be given will be about you and not every opportunity that you’ll be given will yield physical blessing and favour for you. 

Verses 19 - 20 say: “Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fibre. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy”.

This woman has an opportunity to help the poor and love on the needy and she takes it. She has no gain to be seen from this. She is generous with her time and selfless in her nature. She doesn’t give to get. She’s gives without expecting anything in return. 

Context: Why bother?

Each day presents us with new opportunities that we can either say yes or no to. We may have the opportunity to share in our small group, take flowers to a grieving neighbour, apply for a promotion, tell our colleague about Jesus, honour one of our leaders, babysit for friend so that she can have date-night with her husband or practice discipline in eating healthily. 

Some opportunities will cost you more than others. They could cost your money, your time, your energy, your capacity, your quiet night in, your compassion, your empathy or your attention. It’s our decision whether or not we choose to live full and die empty. 

Over to you: Ask yourself…..

• Are you more likely to jump towards or shy away from opportunities?
• Do you give to get or give without any strings attached?
• What one next step can you take today to live a fuller, more exciting life than you do right now?