What Does It Mean To Be The Woman Of Proverbs 31? Poem by Macrina (Rire) Cloutier

A thoughtful encounter with scripture.

'More precious than jewels'
because she knows her worth in Christ.

'Works with willing hands'
she strives for perfection and works toward her calling or vocation.

'Makes her arms strong'
she sacrifices her wants for the benefit of spiritual growth. She guides her family and friends to Christ.

'Her lamp does not go out at night'
even in the hard times, you will find her praising the Lord, and when everything around her is in chaos she will be filled with peace.
She doesn't let others drag her down, and in turn, she doesn't drag others down.

'She opens her hand to the poor.'
gives of herself in service to others. The lowest among the servants.

'She makes herself coverings.'
she does not expose her body, she is chaste and pure. She does not flaunt her beauty before others nor does she take pride in herself through vanity.

'Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the times to come.'
virtue is what others see when they behold her, for she knows her worth lies in Christ. She is dignified not only in deed but in thought.

'She has no anxiety about the future.'
she knows that the Lord holds all things and she is completely surrendered to His will. She harbors no fear in her heart but is a refuge for the fear-filled. she calms them with an abundance of love and speaks truth over them.

'She opens her mouth and wisdom and kindness are ever on her tongue.'
To open her mouth with such wisdom she must first open her mind to its teachings, and close her mouth to let them seep in. She never curses or wishes evil on another but when she speaks all strain to hear her wise words. She doesn't slander her neighbor and others know they can seek her out and confide in her.

'She eats not the bread of idleness.'
she is not selfish or lazy but she has learned to balance work and rest. she knows when to help others and when to put her own house in order.

This is the wisdom of Proverbs 31. This is the woman you have been called to become.