The Proverbs 31 woman: The industrious wife

The number of women in business and industry has shot up in recent years. Many women are actively in fields that were previously considered male-dominated fields. Thus in most parts of the world, there is a higher tendency for women to excel in their careers. Unfortunately, there are still laws and traditions that prohibit women in certain places from advancing in life. Even as we pray that nations and societies will open up to accept women in certain positions, we should also encourage women to be prepared, equipped and made ready to lay hold of opportunities. The Bible presents diverse women who rose up to be important members of their societies. Whereas societies prevented women from voting for a long time, in the Bible, we find women who were judges, influential Queens, rich business owners, religious leaders among many others. Christianity doesn’t oppress women. We see women as instrumental partners of God’s agenda. The Proverbs 31 woman shows a woman of substance, grace and value.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (Proverbs 31:13)

Other than being a wife of noble character, the Proverbs 31 woman has other amazing qualities. In this post, we shall consider her hardworking and entrepreneurial skills. First, she is crafty with creating clothing for her home and business. Proverbs 31:13 states that “she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” This all-in-one woman also shops for the best food supplies. Proverbs 31:13 says, “she is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.” Not just that, this woman does not allow her work to interfere with her home duties. Therefore, “she gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants” (Proverbs 31:15). As if these are not enough, “she considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). This woman does not leave all her other tasks, but “she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (Proverbs 31:17). The different businesses she manages are not left unattended because this woman “sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night” (Proverbs 31:18). Thus at work and at home, she has a balance, none is left unattended. As if these skills are not enough, this woman is also skilled in home crafts and is diligent in homemaking. Proverbs 31:19 says that, “in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

This woman is really hard working both in her home and at her businesses. Her line of trade might not be relevant to us but her desire for entrepreneurship is worth emulating. She is multifaceted and is not limited to just one thing. She understands the principle of investing in different ventures. In the 21st century, she could have been a career woman working in the industry, managing a side business and actively taking care of her home. She does not focus on one and neglect the other. The reason this woman is so organized and productive is the fact that she plans her day. She wakes up early in the morning and begins her day on an active mode. She understands the dynamics of work and family. She doesn’t sleep all day and wakes up to just watch TV. Even though she has a husband who would be as industrious and supportive as she is, this woman understands that she has to be engaged in profitable ventures. 

Whether working in an office, managing her own business, managing her home, or being a stay-home mother, the Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t slack in her responsibilities. She ensures that her home experiences her presence as much as she is dedicated to her work. Can the 21st Century career woman make time for her home and family considering the demands of work? The answer is YES! It is possible. If you want to keep your home and work life balanced, you need to make sacrifices such as avoiding overtime shifts, being intentional about spending time with your family and avoiding unnecessary time wasters. 

Where is your confidence?

I recently wrote an exam and prior to that I  was very confident in myself of getting excellent results. To be specific, I was sure that I would get the full marks for a particular section. I was overconfident that after the exam, I reiterated to my spouse that I will get the full score for that particular section. My confidence was in myself and my ability to pass. I forgot that the wisdom to pass comes from God. I did pass the exam excellently. In fact I got the full marks for every other section except the one I was so confident to pass. Of course I got the maximal threshold but the fact that I did not get the full marks was strange. I told my spouse, “I am sure that I did better in that part than all the others.” I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, “By strength shall no man prevail.” A few days after the exam, I came to understand that when you trust in God, you have to trust Him fully. You don’t give Him your worst-case and attend to your best-case. Your best can be your worst anytime and your worst can also be your best.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. (Jeremiah 17:7) 

If self-confidence alone ensures victory, the best drivers will never engage in accidents, the best football players will always score, the best teachers will always have the best students, the best doctors will always save lives, and the best farmer will always get a good harvest. But, this is far from the reality, the best don’t always get the best! Those of us who grew up in developing countries, saw the best students who could not complete their education. Self-confidence is good but does not ensure sustenance. We need to know that the arm of God saves. Jeremiah (17:7) discovered this and said,“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” The gap between those whose confidence are themselves and those who trust in the Lord is favour. The currency in the supernatural that opens doors we do not deserve is favour. When you operate in favour, you receive the kind of kindness you do not deserve. 

How do we obtain God’s favour? First, we need to have a relationship with Him. God created all humanity but not everyone is a child of God. You need to make that personal decision to accept Him (Romans 10:9-10). Then, you need to fully trust in Him. For instance, between 2013-2021, I traveled across Africa, Europe and America. There were months I traveled to 3 different countries. Anytime I sit in the airplane, I do not go to the cockpit to ask the pilot of their flight credentials and their ability to carry me to my destination. I trust the pilot to do their work (and yes, I pray to God!) without any reservations. I have experienced turbulence, bad weather, a plane refusing to descend because of winds, storms, invisible clouds among others, yet I will sit in a plane anytime for another journey. When we trust in God, we are confident in Him to give us a good ride even in the storm weather. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord and whose confidence is in Him. Trust in the Lord.

Kingdom financial principles: Strive for excellence

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to receive information needed to start or even continue a journey with God. Beloved in Christ, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we have gone through a series of kingdom financial principles. As the Holy Spirit reveals these truths to us, we need to consider ways we will be able to apply these truths in handling our finances, businesses, wealth and anything that generates income. As for me, I have decided to ponder over these, seek for materials that will be helpful in managing finances and if possible, seek counsel if the need arises.

It is important for us to be ready at all times to give accounts of our financial well-being just as we are ready to give accounts about our spiritual well-being. We should make a conscious effort to keep our financial principles in line with the word of God. As Paul admonished the Philippian Christians, we should consider it important to think about those things that are excellent or praiseworthy. Throughout this series, we have been encouraged to seek excellency in managing worldly wealth. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8‭-‬9). 

Let us strive towards excellence in managing worldly wealth knowing that God is interested in everything and will bring to light everything we do in the flesh on the last day.