EXPERTS LANE n DROP THE MIC
Proverbs 31 Woman By Sharlyne Thomas
“ Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future.”( Proverbs 31:25, CEB)
How would you imagine yourself being clothed with strength and honor like the woman described in this notorious verse of scripture? Does your mind automatically turn to visions of long purple robes, or perhaps an elaborate jewel-encrusted crown? If so, pat yourself on the back— You should see yourself as a queen since your Father is the King of kings! Not only do you have the ability to look like royalty on the outside, you should also cultivate your inner beauty because this is where your true strength resides.
The Proverbs 31 Woman has many noble characteristics that we should desire to possess. For example, we know that she is an entrepreneur with multiple streams of income! Verse 16 talks about her buying property and then reinvesting her profits; and verse 24 states that she makes and sells her own apparel. And since we are blessed to be a blessing, verse 20
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Have you dealt with that pestering thief of time and potential success referred to as procrastination? I know all too well how that sinister clock just keeps on ticking whether or not we are on schedule to complete an assigned task. Well apparently, the Proverbs 31 Woman does not have this same problem! In addition to the fact that verse 27 clearly states that she does not let idleness rule her day, verse 15 explains that she actually gets up before dawn. However, if you are nocturnal like me, then you may be going to bed at dawn. But as long as you get 8 hours of sleep, I think it should be acceptable to work later instead of getting up earlier. I am still working willingly as mentioned in verse 13, just on a different shift.
So where does this awesome, talented, prosperous Proverbs 31 Woman find the mental and physical strength that is illustrated in verse 17? I believe that it comes from her wisdom and kindness( verse 26), the support of her family( verse 28) and most importantly, her fear of the Lord( verse 30). Of course, the word fear in this context simply means obedience and reverence, and I would like to add trust. I have no other choice but to wholeheartedly trust my Father to be the source of everything that I want and need, including my strength to endure all of life’ s trials especially when they result in seasons of seclusion or barrenness.
Now although the Proverbs 31 Woman appears to be rich in monetary and material wealth, her value that is described in verse 10 as being far above rubies is not based on her bank account— It has to do with who she is on the inside, her true self, that determines her actual worth. If no one has ever told you( or you never told yourself) that YOU are more precious than jewels, then let me be the first! From this moment on, empower yourself with the knowledge of who you are and Whose you are.
Sharlyne Thomas Spirit of Excellence Writing & Editing Services, LLC 321.209.2309 editor @ takeupthysword. com TakeUpThySword. com
COURTESY OF SHARLYNE THOMAS
8 IBA Success Magazine n VOL 4, Issue 2