The Virtue of Diligence and Provision

"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." - Proverbs 31:13-16

Reflection: 

Proverbs 31:13-16 offers a glimpse into the industrious and diligent nature of a godly wife. These verses are part of the larger passage that describes the virtuous woman, often referred to as the Proverbs 31 woman. This woman is characterized by her hard work, resourcefulness, and dedication to her family. In verses 13-16, we see the importance of diligence and provision in the life of a godly wife.

The first part of the passage, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands," speaks to the industrious nature of the godly wife. She is not idle or lazy; instead, she actively seeks out materials and works with enthusiasm. This eagerness to work reflects her commitment to providing for her family and contributing to their well-being. Her hands are busy with tasks that bring value and benefit to her household.

The second part of the passage, "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar," highlights the resourcefulness of the godly wife. She goes to great lengths to ensure that her family has what they need, even if it means sourcing food from distant places. This resourcefulness demonstrates her dedication to her family's nourishment and her willingness to go the extra mile to provide for them.

The third part of the passage, "She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants," emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the godly wife. She rises early to prepare food for her family and her servants, showing her commitment to their well-being. This sacrificial love is a hallmark of her character, as she prioritizes the needs of others above her own comfort.

The final part of the passage, "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard," illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit of the godly wife. She is not only diligent in her daily tasks but also wise in her investments. She carefully considers opportunities and makes decisions that benefit her family in the long term. Her earnings are used to plant a vineyard, which will provide for her family in the future.

Together, these verses paint a picture of a godly wife who is diligent, resourceful, sacrificial, and wise. Her actions reflect her commitment to her family's well-being and her dedication to providing for them. This diligence and provision are not just beneficial for her family; they also create a harmonious and fulfilling marriage that honors God.

Personal Application: 

Living out the principles of Proverbs 31:13-16 involves cultivating diligence and provision in our marriages. Here are a few ways we can apply these truths to our daily lives:

1. Cultivate Diligence: Diligence is the foundation of a strong and healthy marriage. As godly wives, we can cultivate diligence by being proactive, hardworking, and enthusiastic in our daily tasks. This means actively seeking out opportunities to contribute to our family's well-being and working with a joyful heart. When we are diligent in our responsibilities, it creates a sense of stability and security in our relationship.

2. Be Resourceful: Resourcefulness is the essence of a godly marriage. We can be resourceful by finding creative solutions to meet our family's needs and going the extra mile to provide for them. This means being wise in our decisions, seeking out opportunities, and making the most of what we have. By being resourceful, we create a nurturing and uplifting environment that strengthens our marriage.

3. Show Sacrificial Love: Sacrificial love is a hallmark of a godly wife. We can show sacrificial love by prioritizing the needs of our family above our own comfort and convenience. This means rising early to prepare food, offering support and encouragement, and demonstrating kindness and compassion. By showing sacrificial love, we create a nurturing and uplifting environment that strengthens our marriage.

4. Be Wise in Investments: Wisdom in investments is essential for a godly marriage. We can be wise in our investments by carefully considering opportunities and making decisions that benefit our family in the long term. This means being prudent in our financial decisions, seeking out opportunities for growth, and using our earnings to provide for our family's future. By being wise in our investments, we create a stable and secure environment that honors God.

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom and guidance You provide in Your Word. Help us to live out the principles of Proverbs 31:13-16 in our marriages. Give us the strength to cultivate diligence and be resourceful in our daily tasks. Help us to show sacrificial love to our families and be wise in our investments. Open our hearts to Your guidance and wisdom, and empower us to fulfill our role as godly wives with grace and dedication. May our marriages honor You and reflect Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Written by Sarah Leasure