I can’t believe these are my last two verses of my Proverbs 31 reading journey. I have learned so much from these verses about a virtuous woman. I pray my notes have been as helpful to you in growing your relationship with the Lord, as it has been helpful to me.
I wish I could say I have instantly become a virtuous woman, but it is a journey. Everyday just trying to love Jesus and my family more.
So let’s discuss the last two verses – Is your heart beautiful?
Since having a baby, I know for sure the woman’s body changes. Not in a bad way, but things never completely go back to the pre-baby body. I even started getting my first gray hairs when I was first married around the age of twenty-five. Oh how soon, we as women learn that “beauty” does not last.
I believe God made men and women different. There is something special and beautiful about a woman’s body. I read an interesting book that argued how women are the “crown of creation.” Other than the Sabbath rest day, we are the last thing that God created.
That should make us a feel a little special. 😉
As women, I feel we are all beautiful in our own different and unique ways. Some of us have luxurious hair, or gorgeous skin. Some of us have a perfect smile or dreamy eyes.
One thing I notice, as women, we often forget we only look “perfectly beautiful” maybe ten percent of the time.
Most of us especially as mothers, we have pulled back hair, with baby hairs growing back ( postpartum hair loss is no joke), we have no makeup on, we most likely have sweatpants on with a food stains somewhere on us.
While I am blessed to have a husband who would still tell me I look beautiful, I know that is not the word I would choose.
I am reminded of the Bible story when Samuel is going to choose King David to be king of Israel.
Based off appearance, David was not Samuel’s first pick. But God said –
So let me ask – Is your heart beautiful?
Most people are remembered for their beautiful character and heart, instead of just their beautiful face.
True beauty is a pure heart, a clean tongue, serving hands, a kind spirit, and a love for others above yourself.
So as a virtuous woman, on the days you are wearing sweatpants, know that your lasting beauty comes from the Lord. While its okay to dab on some concealer and coat your lashes with mascara – The beauty the Lord provides you with is a beautiful heart.
I also really like the KJV version – “Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
It says let her “deeds” publicly praise her, not let her words or other people praise her.
Are we living as virtuous women for verbal praise?
I know sadly, sometimes I do. As a mom, sometimes I selfishly want to hear – “Good job!” “You’re amazing!” “I don’t know how you do it!.”
A virtuous woman instead of waiting for her own praise, should be praising the Lord. We should daily be praising – “I praise you Lord for giving me my children.” “Thank you Lord for my husband’s job. “ “What a blessing this meal is.”
Let my works praise the Lord and not myself.
I hope as a virtuous woman my deeds declare:
She loved her children.
She cherished her marriage.
She served her church.
She was an encouragement to others.
She showed Jesus through her words and her actions.
So remember :
Is your heart beautiful?