“She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. . . She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:13, 22).
Gracious God, we are willing to learn more of the true meaning of virtue in all its applications. Please teach us, and may we not only be good hearers, but may we also apply our hearts unto wisdom. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Today we will watch as the woman manifests virtue by dedicating time to prepare clothing for her family. She misses no opportunity to provide all that she can for those she loves. Someone has said, “you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.” For me, that is a true statement.
However, giving is not always tangible. Some of the greatest gifts are not tangible. Time, is not tangible. We have to make it available by being with someone. Lending a listening ear is not tangible. You have to be willing to be attentive to what the person is saying.
These are gifts of love that are priceless. Oftentimes, people will say, “Thank you for your time.” And, “Thank you for listening.” I have also said this to friends. For me, these gifts are Priceless!
On the other hand, these acts that can have a monetary value as well. People pay others for spending time baby-sitting their children. This is a kind of giving that can be with, or without, love. It can be done just for the pay. But there are baby-sitters who love the children they baby-sit. Therapists, and counselors also get paid for listening to their patients. There are therapists, who do it as a job, for the money. While others, overtime, learn to love their patients in a professional manner, without any physical demonstrations.
In our verses for today we find the woman shopping for special materials and willingly, working with her hands. She is showing in tangible and useful ways how much she loves her family. They mean a lot to her, and she is dedicating both her time and her talent in doing things that will be a blessing to them.
She knows the kind of materials she will need to prepare adequate and attractive clothing, according to the season of the year, or the occasion. When it is winter, her family will be clothed in garments made of wool and flax. If there is a special occasion, they will be well dressed (fine linen, purple, and scalet)! These are materials for making costly priestly, and, royal garments!
Is her husband a Levite? Scripture does not reveal the answer as far as I can see. But she knows that as children of God, her husband would be considered the priest of the family, and they were all royalty, as members of the family of God! Therefore, whatever the season, or occasion, her family was ready!
When our self-concept is healthy, we tend to treat others, the way we treat ourselves, which is what the Bible teaches: “Love your neighbor as [you love] yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). She treats those she loves, with the highest regard!
She also seems to keeps a nice. beautiful, home! Tapestry is very beautiful work that can be hung, or used as a covering for furniture. It is obvious, that every hour of her day is spent doing something that brings delight to all! What a worthy example for her children, as well as for others. This is virtue in action!
Note: This devotional was prepared for March 5.