April 10 – Proverbs 31:22

Proverbs 31:22 NIV She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Diligence and excellence — that’s what I see here. Her hands are busy, providing. She is not only clothed in linen, but “fine linen.” White, probably. Same description for the clothing of the church in Revelation 19:8 — “fine linen, clean and white:... Read More

April 9 – Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31:21 NIV When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. Amp – ….are doubly clothed in scarlet. KJV note – scarlet or double garments. An interesting verse! Because of the scarlet/double thing, I looked it up in Strong’s. “Sani” means scarlet, but “seni” means second or again... Read More

April 8 – Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 NIV She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Opening her arms — to draw them in and embrace them? Writing a check is so much easier! The “poor and needy” can mean lots of things. Some very rich people are poor and needy. Loving a needy person can be “messy,” time-consuming, and often frustrating and thankless.... Read More

April 7 – Proverbs 31:19

Proverbs 31:19 NIV In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. Sounds like we’re being encouraged to multitask! Or rub your tummy and pat your head. HaHa. Anyway…… look at verses 18-22 as a whole picture. This is a capable woman. “Vigorous.” “Strong.” Is she spinning in the evenings after dark? Has... Read More

April 6 – Proverbs 31:18

Proverbs 31:18 NIV She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. NASB – She senses that her gain is good…. Amp – She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God ] is good. Remember all the times we’ve stood back and admired a finished project — a clean room, a canner of beans, a painted chicken coop... Read More

Windows of the Soul

Last week I was away from home, house-hunting. I have a bit of catching up to do and some thoughts to record, so you get two posts from me this week (second post is coming). Thanks, as always, for reading… I live among scrub oak, short pines, and rock on the side of a mountain at 7250 feet. I know that the people who have lived here all their lives couldn’t be torn... Read More

April 5 – Proverbs 31:17

Proverbs 31:17 NIV She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks. As I’ve gotten less strong, I can really see the value in this. It does help you in your work. Paul says bodily exercise helps a little, and this must be where that “little” is! This also seems to say, “Get in there and do it and get it done.” I’ve wasted... Read More

April 4 – Proverbs 31:16

Proverbs 31:16 Amplified She considers a new field before she buys or accepts it –expanding prudently [and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming others]. With her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. I like the Amplified version here. Pray about what to take on. You just moved into a new house and are having a baby... Read More

April 3 – Proverbs 31:15

Proverbs 31:15 NIV She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. (NASB says “portions” means prescribed tasks.) I’d like to attitudinize this one, but unfortunately, this one seems to be literally true — at least the getting up early part. In my own experience, getting up before everyone else does... Read More

April 2 – Proverbs 31:14

Proverbs 31:14 NIV She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. This verse puzzles me. She is LIKE a merchant ship. Which goes out to other places and gets stuff and brings it back. Is it literally talking about food? Why is getting food from far away a virtue? Does that give you a varied diet? And what is the virtuous attitude? Not much light-shedding today!... Read More