The Virtuous Wife

The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Praying the Proverbs

Father

Lord, I will not boast about tomorrow, for I do not know what tomorrow may bring forth. Let another people praise me, and not my own mouth; a stranger, and not my own lips. Yesterday when my husband went to the viewing of his cousin … you heard what he said that his relative there was saying about me and how it lifted up my soul to hear that you have changed me that much that people would speak such praise about me. Thank you for moments like that because there are many times that I need to hear things like that. You know that I do and thank you for this praise once in a while.
Don’t let me be known as a fool because a stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy? Lord protect us from the jealous anger of people and from those who plot against us. Openly rebuke me for open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. You are my most faithful friend and faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. I will trust the wounds you give me for they are meant for my ultimate healing and growth. Like a bird that wanders from its nest what I am like when I wanders from the place in which you have placed me and want me to be. Your word says that ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a person’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Give me many friends who give me wise and hearty counsel. Help me to be a true friend and never forsake a friend or get angry at one just because they tell me things that I need to hear that I may not want to hear. My Lord, help me to be wise, and make your heart glad, that you may answer anyone who complains about me to anyone. Help me be a prudent woman who foresees evil and hides herself; let me not be a simple person for the simple pass on and are punished. I ask that you bless all my friends and church family for their love and kindness to us. Let me never be known as a contentious woman Lord, for like a continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; and I don’t want to be like that to anyone. As iron sharpens iron, so let me sharpens the countenance of my friends.
Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so I shall if I wait on you my Lord and Master will I be honoured. As in water face reflects the face of them who look into it, so a my heart reveals my heart. Let my reflection be a good reflection of your son. Let me be always satisfied with what you give me and even when I ask for more … help me to accept your “no”. Thank you for the times that you have put me into the furnace and have worked to purify me like silver and gold. I didn’t like it when I was in the middle of it but when I look back I see how you cleansed me and helped me to grown in you. Help me to always be diligent to know the state of my home and family, and attend to the needs as they arise; help me to be rich in riches that will endure forever, like my family, and not put too much emphasis on things that will parish. I ask that you help us to always have enough food and clothing and rooms to meet the needs of our growing family Lord. Thank you for always watching out for us. Amen.
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