It’s ironic me currently writing a blog post on work ethic. I’ve taken a nap and only completed two things on my list for today. (It almost 3pm as I’m writing this. 😉 ) But hey, I’m pregnant! Right?!
Honestly though, pregnant or not, you’re going to win some and you’re going to lose some. The key, is handling it gracefully!
Proverbs 31:17 – “She sets about her work vigorously; and her arms are strong for her task. ”
Once again, I love synonyms. Vigorously might not mean the same to every person. I honestly thought vigorously was more intense, more hard core. However, when I looked up some synonyms for it is – powerfully, energetically, eagerly, enthusiastically.
So, it’s not all about how hard you are going to attack a plan or project. Rather how you attack it. Instead of doing your household chores, wifely duties, or projects at work like you must attack it with strength…. What if you attacked it with enthusiasm?
The Bible says – “All hard work brings a profit.” Proverbs 14:23
I imagine the Proverbs 31 woman does all her work the best she can and she does them with a positive attitude.
“Her arms are strong for her task.” Anyone else agree that cleaning house is a form of exercise? 😉
Proverbs 31:18 – “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”
A Proverbs 31 woman sees her success. How often as women we see our failures first. I wonder if she struggled with wife duties, mom duties, house duties, and all while trying to not drive herself crazy. I mean back when this was written, they didn’t have deluxe kitchens, Walmarts, or an iPhone.
It all depends on how we measure success. Do we measure it by a clean home? A paycheck? Everything checked-off our never ending to-do list?
Or do we measure it by we tried our best, we have a warm meal tonight, and everyone went to bed knowing they are loved?
Matthew 16:26 – “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, and yet forfeit their soul.”
Please don’t lose who you are in the work you do. You are a beautiful daughter of God. Who you are and your success is found in Christ.
“Her lamp does not go out at night.”
I do not take this literally, I mean the woman has to sleep. But, she is not lazy with her time. She has “work time.” Which probably means she isn’t checking social media or procrastinating. That is another goal of mine.. for my lamp to not go out at night. 😉
Proverbs 31:19 – “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
This verse has to do with working with fabric. I have no sewing skills whatsoever. I made one bag in 4H and let’s just say it’s not my trade.
However, she is providing for her family and teaching her children, servants, and maidens a Christian work ethic. She is a leader by example.
I hope I don’t forget with my upcoming son that more is “caught than taught.” This can apply to your employees or spouse. I hope that as a Christian woman, I can lead by example and not by words.
Work vigorously.
Flex your arms. 😉
Find your success in Christ.
Lead by example.
Jesus loves you oh virtuous wife!