Proverbs 31 Challenge- Day One

Now I know that there are some of you who read the title of this post that immediately grumbled within yourselves, "Ugh, Proverbs 31. How many times have we heard that one before? Get some new material! That is so overused and way too outdated!" Well, sorry ladies, but it happens to be one of my favorite passages in Scripture, even though it is like getting punched in the stomach every time I read it. There is just SO much to this chapter and the section on "The Virtuous Wife." Since I have read these verses a million and three times and still have yet to really internalize much of it, I have decided to start a 21 day (or longer) challenge not just to merely learn the verses, but also to put each of them into practice. If you would, I would love for you to join me. You don't have to be married, you don't have to be a mother, you just need to be female. :)

Each day, I will have one verse from Proverbs 31:10-31 and some simple ideas on what it means and how we can live it out!

Day 1

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

The dictionary defines "virtuous" as morally excellent, upright, good, chaste. Whether or not these words describe you now, they can. Even if you don't have a "virtuous" past, there is still hope! We as Christian women are called to be virtuous, that means we need to be chaste, morally excellent. To me, that means being above reproach, or keeping yourself from any form of evil that could ensnare you. That means dressing modestly so as not cause a man to stumble by looking at you lustfully, speaking words of truth and not gossiping, being careful of the images and thoughts that you take in from the media (especially the moves and TV shows we watch and the magazines we read). It also means respecting your husband at all times- in your actions and words with other people, especially men. Now, like I said, you don't have to be married for Proverbs 31 to speak to you. Even if you are single, it is still your job to honor your husband, even if you don't have one yet! Most people do get married, and as a young woman, it is up to you to honor your future husband by keeping pure relationships. And for those who don't get married, it is STILL your job to respect your husband. Isaiah 54:5 says, "For your Maker is your husband— the LORD Almighty is his name..." So, ladies, there is no getting away from that point, sorry!

Being virtuous encompasses a million different aspects of our lives. We must search out every facet of our lives and discover if we are being virtuous in those areas. If you are- amen, sister! If not, by the grace of the Lord, He can transform you if you are willing.

Why does verse ten ask "who can find a virtuous wife?" Well, probably because they are so few and far between. You don't have to look far to find sad stories and examples of women who steal, cheat, lie, murder, and destroy their own families. Sure, most women walking down the street or sitting in the pews with you in church aren't going home and literally destroying their homes or families, but I bet if you look deep enough, you will see that we all have destructive characteristics. Left untamed, those could be the very downfall of our lives, marriages, and families.

"For her worth is far above rubies." Or in our society, we might say she is worth more than diamonds, Range Rovers, real estate, iPhones, or whatever else we place high value on. The virtuous woman is worth way more than the most precious of stones. That means she is extremely useful and valuable. Are you useful or valuable to the people around you? Do you sit around like a bump on a pickle all day or do you create value, working and helping? A pretty face won't make you valuable. Your service to others will.

The challenge today: Ask the Lord to help you search out your heart to find destructive patterns and behaviors. Give them to Him. No matter how small or inconsequential they may seem to you, I promise you they aren't. It all starts with one glance at the sinful fruit. Also, search out all the different facets of your life and personality and seek out ways to be a virtuous woman in each. And finally, are you valuable or useful to others? If not, seek ways to help others and add value to other people's lives in the ways that God has gifted you.