Proverbs 31 Woman Part 3

Proverbs 31:19-22

19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

She knows how to sew – verse 19: “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” Both the spindle and the distaff were used with thread and sewing. It’s true that not every woman can sew, but knowing how to be able to fix things yourself is helpful. This does not only apply to sewing, but to many other things as well. You will not always have the finances or the place or time to go get things fixed. Can I do things myself, or do I always have to depend on someone else to do it for me? Now don’t take this too far either. Help is not a bad thing. Sometimes you just cannot do things on your own, and you are not expected to. I, personally, don’t really like people doing things for me. I like when I can do it on my own, but I have also had to learn to accept other people’s help.

She not only cares for her house, but others in need – verse 20: “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” We have been seeing how the virtuous woman cares for her family, which is important; but she also cares for the needy. In Matthew 22:39 we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. The virtuous woman loves and cares for those around her. Do I show others I care for them? How much do I love and care? As much as I love and care for myself?

She plans ahead – verse 21: “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for her household are clothed with scarlet.” Scarlet is a type of woolen cloth which shows us why the virtuous woman is not worried about her family. She had already planned ahead; they are all dressed warmly and are prepared for the cold weather. If she prepared for the cold weather, do you think she has prepared for other things also? Do I look ahead and start preparing NOW for what is coming? We are obviously not supposed to forget about what we have before us now, but always be conscious of what we will be facing down the road. By doing this, we can avoid problems and situations that can easily be evaded by simply planning ahead.

She dresses nicely – verse 22: “She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” Why do people think that a virtuous woman should be dressed in rags, or maybe a bit disheveled and untidy? Is it because she is hard working? Is it because she is constantly caring for her family, friends, and others in need? Is it because she is serving so much that she has no time for herself? I don’t know. But I know that a virtuous woman of God can keep herself looking nicely. After all, our outward appearance should reflect Christ so that when others see us, they can see His light and love shining through us.  We should dress nicely and attractively, yet modestly. We are children of God, therefore princesses of our Heavenly Father.