Today we are super blessed to have one of my mothers in the faith, Lady Rev Pearl Ampofo, share powerful wisdom insights from Proverbs 31 with us. Receive wisdom, understanding and instruction from a woman of virtue as you read.
Proverbs 31, known to describe a woman worthy of emulation, interestingly captures the advice of a mother to her son, Lemuel.
The advice therefore is not only to her son Lemuel, but indeed to any young man destined for greatness. Such a man, we learn, should know how to conduct himself and also know what to look out for in a woman he seeks to consider as a wife:
On how to conduct himself, her advice to young men is threefold:
- Avoid promiscuity; since overindulgence in sex has been the ruin of many who would otherwise have been kings. “Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings” (v3).
- Stay away from intoxicating drink, for delighting in such drinks will set one on the path of perversion (Read vs 4-6 below)
- Stand up for the defenceless (Read vs 8-9 below)
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
A man with a virtuous woman as a wife, is at peace with himself and well respected in society
“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.“ (v23)
For such a woman is:
- An excellent homemaker: “She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants” (v15).
- A visionary, industrious and hardworking: “She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands… She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” (v13, 16)
Towards the end of this chapter however, we realize a deviation from the previous verses which seemed to tout the strengths and capabilities of this amazing woman.
For indeed all her activities that bring out her prowess, revolve around her family, her household and herself. Only once, is mention made of her going beyond her confines, where she extends her hands to the poor (v20).
"She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy."
This woman receives the applause of her husband, children and society. Even though this is good, we learn at the tail end, that the real praise and applause that one should seek, is the praise from God.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)
Indeed, the woman who loves and reveres the Lord is the one who should be applauded. This verse resonates with a story in Luke chapter 10.
In that text, while Martha spent the time making sure that Jesus was comfortable (by attending to all His physical needs), Mary just sat at the feet of Jesus, fellowshipping with Him.
Luke 10:40-42
But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
- Was Jesus saying here that all that Martha was doing was irrelevant? NO.
- Rather, Jesus seemed to say that while getting everything organized in the home and society is good, it cannot replace our intimacy with God.
That is what is needed. Our intimacy with God is the most important and should not be replaced or shrouded with activities we engage in to please the Lord.
For in as much as it is good to be busy about kingdom activities, what is really of importance in the sight of God, is the personal time we spend with Him. May the Lord help us to set our priorities right.
~ Lady Rev Pearl Ampofo (https://www.youtube.com/@fragranceoflove2020)
Stay blessed and do share your wisdom lessons from Proverbs 31. Remember to tag us on 📲:
☆ IG: @cfc_knust OR @gracefieldschapel_knust OR @awg_devotional
☆ FB/X: @AWGDevotional
Tomorrow we continue our 120-Day Quiet Time Adventure with 90-Days in the Gospels📖🔥🤗
Let’s “tattoo” this Word📖 in our hearts! 🤍
There’s no better way to end the year than an adventure into the life of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ💫 from the Gospels📖🔥🤗 (2nd October – 31st December)