Desperate Housewives of the Bible
A WOMAN OF FAITH OR FAKE?
When the Artist of Proverbs 31 lifted His paintbrush to paint the portrait that would embody the most winsome of women, He made the face of a blessed mother and a godly woman. It is the mother's voice that conquers every childish fear. It is her gentle touch that gives nurtured confidence. A godly woman is a homemaker. She is encouraging and nurturing. A godly woman renders due benevolence to her husband. The wife holds the key to the productivity and stability of her husband. A godly woman is the supporting rib for her husband. A man of God will recognize his rib no matter how many breasts, thighs, and legs are thrown at him.
What is the truth about Adam's rib? The Word of God translates the word "rib" as a "beam, a pillar of Solomon's house." The husband may be the spiritual leader of the home, but his wife is the supporting beam that holds him up and holds the family together. She is the inward support beam that he would collapse without her support. She is the hidden inward strength and the chisel in the hand of God that sculpts his life. The husband submits to her need, not her lead. There are a dozen roses and billions of stars, but you only have one wife and mother.
The Artist did not describe a hip hellraiser from Harvard or describe a woman who has latchkey kids. He did not describe her physical beauty. He did not describe the dimensions of her figure. He did not mention her poise, posture, and perfect physique. He did not mention the grace of her mansion. He did not mention her crusades, and He did not mention her prominence in society. We have instilled in women that their beauty, conformation, poise, and physique are the consummate reasons for their sense of well-being.
Through the pen of Solomon, the Artist describes the woman of Proverbs 31 as a composite of many women. Solomon, who had hundreds of wives and concubines, said, "A virtuous woman, who can find?" Even the worst of women can learn from her ways. The woman of Proverbs 31 is a composite picture of perfection.
She is a deeply committed believer. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30, NIV).
She is perfection personified. "She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:12, NIV).
She is the mother of the year. "Her children rise up and call her blessed..." (Proverbs 31:28, NIV).
She is unselfish and a philanthropist. "She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy" (Proverbs 31:20, ESV).
She is a gifted real estate investor and farmer of the year. "She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard" (Proverbs 31:16, BSB).
She's a gourmet cook of Italian and Mexican foods. "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar" (Proverbs 31:14, NIV).
She is chemical-free and an all-natural disciplined exerciser, not a hormonal woman who takes performance enhancers. "She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms" (Proverbs 31:17, NKJV).
She never complains and is a brilliant diplomat and politician. "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (Proverbs 31:26, BSB).
She is not concerned with her age. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" (Proverbs 31:25, NIV).
She makes an entire wardrobe of winter woolies for her husband, children, and staff. "When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for they are all clothed in scarlet" (Proverbs 31:21, NIV).
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