Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Proverbs 31:30-31
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Commentary:
31:30 The mention of a woman who fears the Lord at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs stated in 1:7. It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord, and therefore that she is a model of the character traits and wisdom taught throughout the book’s 31 chapters. The appearance of this woman’s fear of the Lord at the end of this list is also a reminder that this quality is more important than even great skill and talent, and is foundational to the wise and right use of all activities and skills. A godly woman may well have outward charm and beauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.
31:31 Although it is the husband, and not the excellent wife, who sits among the elders (v. 23), the wife’s works are known and appreciated in the gates, and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her hands means that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.
31:31 Although it is the husband, and not the excellent wife, who sits among the elders (v. 23), the wife’s works are known and appreciated in the gates, and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her hands means that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.
Questions:
- In verse 30, we finally see how this standard of womanhood is possible... she fears the Lord. The fear of God shapes who she is. It is the wellspring that feeds every part of her. There is no fear of the future. She's not afraid, anxious or insecure... because she fears the Lord. She is a woman of character, hard working, generous, wise, elegant, and is a blessing to her kids, husband and community...because she fears the Lord. This is why she is praise-worthy! Not because of WHAT she does, but because of WHO she fears. It's the same in our lives. It's not about all the stuff you do, it's about who your heart bows to. Can you honestly say your lifestyle, behaviors and choices show the world that your heart belong to Jesus? Would people know you are a Christian solely based on the fruit of your life?
- Think about the difference between your outward appearance and your inward condition. Remember, God looks past the outer shell and looks at the heart. How much time, effort, thought and energy do you place on making sure your outward appearance is all it can be? By contrast, how much time, effort, thought and energy do you place on your spiritual life and character? Is there anything out of line here?
Pray:
- That your fruit would reveal your heart.
- That you would place a greater emphasis on the state of your heart.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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