Proverbs 31: 19-22

Do you like to go shopping?! Do you like to be organized and prepared?! Keep reading! Surprisingly we can glorify God in doing these mundane tasks! Hallelujah! lol

Proverbs 31:19-22New International Version (NIV)

19 

In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 

She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

21 

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 

She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Reading verses 19-22 got me feeling like "Hey, I'm doing something right!" LOL

The Proverbs 31 woman is about fending for not only her family but even serving the poor and needy! She is giving a helping hand wherever she can by opening her arms to them. I sometimes find myself starting to almost judge in a way, certain homeless people that I see day in and day out, in the same spot with the same sign and wonder "They must have more money than I do by now just from standing there at that same spot for the past month!" The Bible does not say "you must extend your arms to the poor, if you think they are worthy..." NO! God is the only one who can make that call, who can judge. Being the woman God intended for me to be means obeying his scripture and helping those in need where I can. 

"Do NOT neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." 

Hebrews 13:16

Now, as mentioned, when we shop for our family we are pleasing God. Why? Because we are preparing our family for certain needs before hand. It is good for us to plan ahead of time and have what we need so that our family is clothed and clean. Verse 21, says .." When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." When we go shopping, we do it so that our family benefits. As Courtney of Women living well.org expains, that we are glorifying God when we do this the right way. Budget so that we have set aside money for this, or shop clearance or as I do, second hand. Do what you must to do this the correct way. If you are overspending and doing this when you cannot afford to and putting your household in debt, that is doing it in the wrong. Make a list and plan ahead of time to be able to provide your family with their needs. 

Verse 22, .."She makes coverings for her bed.."

Obviously most of us do not make our own bedsheets or duvet covers.. We buy all of that. But we do need to make sure to keep these clean and have our beds made. This is again for the benefit our family. I know that I like to have two sets or more of sheets and bed coverings so that every week I am able to change them out, wash them and never be in need of them. I especially make sure the bed sheets and blankets and what not are cleaned often when my Son or husband is sick. Me and Germs do not get along at all. I am a bit of a germ a phobe, and am always thinking about the different types of bacteria or sickness that can derive from germs and want to do my best to keep my family healthy and my home clean.

The last verse says "She is dressed in Purple.." meaning she is dressed in quality clothing. Now like I said, stick to your budget and dress in what you can afford. Courtney also said in her video, if you are able to afford quality clothes, wear it, you are glorifying God in that way and should not be put to shame because of it. This reminds me that as women, we need to be nice to one another, and accepting. Not judging of each other. We are all doing our best to be the Proverbs 31 woman, and should keep trying and keeping one another accountable. 

*I Pray for God to show me to give with a giving heart, and to stop me when I begin to judge someone else's situation. I pray for forgiveness and that I learn to become the woman he intends for me to be. *