Perhaps a poor choice, as "Thirty days hath... November", as opposed to 31, but you do what you have to do. Just means that I'll get a little delicious bonus taste of wisdom on the first day of December. Mmm.
And I will commence the month of gift giving and celebrating the ultimate gift of God's Son with the passage including that famous epilogue describing the Wife of Noble Character.
I heard a pithy saying in college that went something like this: "If You Want a Proverbs 31 Wife, Live a Proverbs 1-30 Life."
And, as there seems to be with any idea, opinion, or matter of taste one could possibly conjure (from opinions on side hugs to love/hate groups for the friendly cashier at the 12th Man Cafe), I believe there is also a facebook group for just this topic.
I remember when I heard the phrase, I thought it was clever and kind of refreshing.
Though I enjoy this passage about the Proverbs 31 wife, it often leaves me feeling a bit overwhelmed. I feel discouraged when I do not fulfill expectations - whether it be those from people or from God. But in this case, it would potentially be both.
I mean, "who can find?" indeed. She "rises while it is still night", AND "her lamp does not go out at night"? How does she do it? She needs no sleep, apparently. She is wonder-wife. She also cooks, makes clothing for her whole household, and buys fields and then plants in them. She is like a Martha Stewart wifey on spiritual steroids, with honest financing and no prison stint.
And if I am going to be honest, that intimidates me a little.
I suppose it was simply refreshing to hear this phrase about the importance of living the Proverbs life, and to remember that we all, as sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father, need to be striving toward His wisdom.If you want a Proverbs 31 wife, live a proverbs 1-30 life.
This is not to say that a man needs to live a life of perfection to have a godly wife. But it is to say that a man who seeks after wisdom, who searches after the understanding that comes from the Lord, will naturally be seeking out a woman who will exemplify these qualities. His heart's desire will be like his Heavenly Father's in the companionship that he seeks. If he is seeking after godly wisdom and guidance, the Lord will lead him to those things which will encourage him in Christ.
I have enjoyed reading about wisdom and understanding, and how it is the Lord's desire to give it. We need only ask, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Prov 2:6).
And I love this promise: "For wisdom will enter your heart, And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul" (2:10). God knows, far better than we, what will be beneficial to us. What will protect us, and what will bring joy and fulfillment to our souls. Knowledge that comes from Him will protect us from a world of troubles.
I look forward to learning more of the Lord's wisdom as I ask for it. I know that I need not worry about failing. I will always need improving. Rather, I hope my heart will long for the wisdom and refinement that comes from the Lord, and the satisfaction He will receive in my willingness to be molded.
And so I invite Him in with open arms.
