Proverbs 31: A different perspective

[It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm Proverbs 17:27]

Proverbs is one of my best books in My Manual for Maximized Living [The Bible]. I started the Proverbs challenge halfway through the month when I saw it on Tosin's Instagram. Although I didnt do so good I managed to pick a few lessons from the book of proverbs which I would be sharing in another post. But for now here's my take on the famous Proverbs 31...

V3 Do not waste your strength on women who ruin kings	Words of advice from King Lemuel’s mother; Stay away from easy going women and seek what is deeper than instant pleasure
V4x5 It is not for kings to guzzle wine, Rulers should not crave alcohol, For if they drink they may forget the law	[A note to Nigerian Leaders: Stop craving power for the wrong reasons, when you eventually have it, you might get drunk on it and misuse it]
V8x9 Speak for those who cannot seek for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice	In unfair situations, act as a leader, Have empathy.
	Songs of Praises to the Best Woman!
V10 Who can find a Virtuous and capable wife? For her price is far above rubies	She’s not like the rest of them, She’s original, she is not cheap, she can’t be found on the streets
V11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.	She is trustworthy. She attends to all her husband’s needs. Her husband can’t be found with loose/easy women
V12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life	She’s supportive and encouraging
V13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.	She’s hardworking. You can never find her Idle
V14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.	She’s not all about looking pretty, She’s a business Woman, she knows all about management and risk taking etc. She provided for her family.
V15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.	She’s an Early bird. She wakes up early to get spiritually prepared for the day [quiet time]. She lifts her family x friends up before the lord and spiritually equips herself to attend to their needs
V16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.	She invests and saves. She is constantly preparing for the future
V17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.	She is strong and hardworking because she knows her strength comes from the Lord
V18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.	She’s smart. She endures
V19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.	She is Independent  and doesn't depend on the wealth of her significant other
V20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.	Her heart is pure. She’s caring. She is not self-centered
V21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.	She plans ahead. She is a good wife and mother
V22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.	She is well dressed not to kill but to save. She cares for her body.
V23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land	Behind Every successful man there is a Woman [like her]. Because of Her people respect her husband/boyfriend/fiance
V24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.	Her work attracts many. She is Industrious
V25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.	She is not anxious for anything because she knows who holds her future. Her strength comes from Him. She has Faith in God [Psalm 112:7]
V26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.	She doesn't Lash out. Her words are not hurtful, She thinks before she speaks
V27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.	Again, She’s not Lazy. She is hard working and her family blesses her for this!
V28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.	She might not be fashionable or popular, but she has a heart of gold
V29-31 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gate	She’s not only remembered for her looks, but for the works of her brain, hands and the Glory of the Lord that shines through her. She deserves all the good things of life!

I usually wonder why so many people "strive" [Strive: To Struggle] to be like the the Proverbs 31 Woman and often compare themselves to her [This was me at some point]. Most of us fail to see that we are already Proverbs 31 women. Why struggle to be yourself? :s

Many of us misinterpret her as the perfect woman, but this isn't correct (as no one is perfect Romans 3:23). She is a woman with purpose working towards perfection just like you and me. You might not possess all these qualities but don't be discouraged, don't feel like you can never amount to the expectations of The Proverbs 31 Woman, because that is already who you are and that is why this scripture was written, to serve as a guideline and constant reminder of who you are in Christ. The Proverbs 31 Woman is God in You.

If you're reading Proverbs 31 today or any other day, don't read it from your point of view because you might start to see yourself as not good enough or start compare yourself to an image of someone you think can never be, Read it from God's point of view and let His light shine through you. 

IMAGE SOURCE:PINTEREST

Olakunmi

xo