1. Fellowship: with God and man.
We are given opportunity to have fellowship with our Heavenly Father
and Creator! He longs for fellowship with His children so much that He
was willing to send His beloved Son, Jesus to die that we might be with
Him and have life forever. His Son lived the perfect life we could
never live and died the death we deserve, to provide the cleansing
required to be able to stand in His perfectly Holy and awesome
presence. Through Jesus we have eternal life, and by His wounds we are
healed. Because He loved us first, and poured His love into our hearts
through His Spirit, we too are able to love, which is true living. And
as we walk in His light, asking forgiveness and giving forgiveness to
others, we enjoy spiritual health and fellowship with Him and one
another (1 John 1:7). “She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out
her hands to those in need,” which includes sharing with others in need
of God’s love (v.20).
2. Family: Pursue a peaceful home.
According to Proverbs 31, a good wife will first nurture the trust of
her husband, doing good to him daily, not harm, while building his
reputation with others (v.10-12 & 23). Her dedication to the needs
of family, household and others inspires her husband and children to
praise her and call her blessed (v.27 & 28). Since disputable
matters (i.e. eating, drinking etc) can easily cause friction and
injury, it is best to quietly trust oneself to the Lord, while being
prepared to share convictions in these matters only when others ask or
God leads; for even though our convictions may vary, God welcomes each
of us that live by faith, with grateful hearts. “Let us then pursue
what makes for peace and mutual up-building. The Kingdom of God is not
food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”
(Romans 14:19).
3. Fitness: May our bodies work for us, not against us. “She
girds her loins with strength and makes her arms strong…Strength and
dignity are her clothing” (v.17 & 25). Whatever our goals in life
are, they can be accomplished best if we are fit (physically,
spiritually, emotionally and mentally). Our physical bodies are
strengthened through exercise, by receiving adequate rest, nutrition,
and *proper hygiene (*see page 5 for tips); we strengthen our spirit by
spending time with Jesus (through His Word and prayer) who is the bread
of life and living water. We become emotionally and mentally fit as we
exercise joy, forgiveness, gratitude and humility; and God is glorified
as we care for and maintain His temple, our body (1 Cor 6:19-20 &
10:31).
4. FAITH: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Charm is deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be greatly praised (from Proverbs 31:30-31). Book
knowledge is helpful, but does not assure wisdom or good health; yet,
as we follow Him, He leads us along a pathway that is right and good.
This does not mean that we will never be sick, but that as we pursue
knowledge of Him, we can be assured that any sickness is being used for
good: to refine our character, to build our endurance, hope and faith,
and to know or show His faithfulness, with the assurance that afterward
He is able to remove the illness or provide grace to endure. There is
no end to the making of books, and much study brings weariness to the
flesh; but in Him is rest: whether sick or well. We have rest since we
follow the One in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge. And like a good shepherd who cares for his sheep, we only
need to know our Shepherd’s voice, who will lead us well.
5. Food: Choose the best, and prepare it to bless. She
is willing to go far and wide to bring in the very best foods; and to
get up early if necessary to prepare these foods for her household
(v.14, 15).