February 2
"She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her house-hold, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates.... She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness... Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." -Proverbs 31:20-31 (NLT)
Most dread cold winters February can bring. However, winter was dreaded far more in ancient societies without modern conveniences or automatic heating. Family survival often depended on preparations previously made including warm clothes made for young and old in the family. Food was stocked and fuel gathered. Life and death depended on these preparations made by women. Yet Proverbs says the woman who loves God has no reason to fear winter for herself or her household because a Godly woman is prepared for all contingencies and possibilities. Proverbs begins with a command to revere the Lord (1:7) and ends with a woman who does so. Her virtues are heroic including: hard work, reverence of God, respect for others, foresight, encouragement, compassion, generosity, concern for the poor, and wisdom.
These heroic qualities lead to joy, success, honor, and self-worth. Proverbs is practical because it shows how to be wise, productive, and live God's way. It has much to say about women. How fitting it closes with pictures of a strong woman of impeccable character, great wisdom, and compassion. Some have the mistaken idea the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile, and subservient. Not so! This woman is not only a great wife and mother but a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant. Yet her strength and dignity don't come from her amazing achievements. They result from her reverence for God. She remains an inspiration to be ALL you can be. We can all learn much from her integrity and resourcefulness.
Prayer: Lord, May I learn from this amazing person. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Cold weakens. Prayer strengthens.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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