“A virtuous woman, who can find her…”
Proverbs 31:10a
Throughout history and in many nations women have been treated as second-class citizens. However, Jesus Christ always went to great lengths to include women, treating them with respect and dignity. In Proverbs 31:10-31, King Solomon describes the characteristics of a virtuous, Godly woman.
I would say that the success of a marriage is dependent upon the woman. When two people come together and join their lives in mutual faithfulness, they are building their relationship in the fear of the Lord. In obedience to His Word, they can establish the foundations that will lead them to prosperity. Solomon also said that the wise woman builds her home. In other words, she determines the future of her descendants. Solomon goes on to compare her to a merchant ship, one filled with the most precious and amazing things any man can find. I can personally say that this has been the image that my wife has always portrayed, not only for me, but also for our entire family and all of those around her. Here is a short poem I wrote a few months ago to express the way I feel about her:
The Most Beautiful Rose in the Garden
Beloved wife, you are like the Rose of Sharon. You are the one that stands out among all the flowers of the meadow in such a way that you even captured the attention of the Lord. He took you in His hand to care for you and protect you from the harshness of the weather and the wild animals of the field. Wherever you go, you outshine everyone else around you, for the brightness of your beauty has never waned. When you speak it is as if the rose has opened her petals and all of those around you can smell the wonderful fragrance behind every single one of your words, you even capture the attention of the most stubborn hearts. You have always known how to posture yourself because you know that you are a rose. You have never thought of yourself as the owner of the garden because you only think of pleasing the Lord, your God. You have always allowed Him to take you in His hands and guide you through any path He Has chosen; and you never raise your voice to question, “Lord, what are you doing?” With simplicity you accept the direction He gives you. You live to please Him and wherever you find yourself, you honor Him and give Him all of the glory. You are so delicate yet no one can hurt you. People will never understand why, but you and I know why. It is because you are in the Hands of God and whoever wishes to hurt you would be trying to hurt the apple of God’s eye. You know how to please the Lord, how to honor your husband and how to take care of your children. I am so privileged that God would take that gorgeous rose and bring her to me. Furthermore He trusts me by placing you under my care. For this very reason I treat you with much tenderness and love because I know that you are a lovely rose protected by the Lord. (Cesar Castellanos)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
The virtuous woman: “is like a merchant ship, she brings food from afar” (Proverbs 31:14). In Solomon’s time, all commercial trade and travel was made by ship, and the most precious and luxurious things were carefully transported by the merchants. Solomon says that the virtuous woman is a ship filled with the most amazing things. The virtuous woman is determined to do good to her husband and not evil. She is like a river that brings peace and blessings to her family. She also has the ability to encourage and build up with her words, She does this not only to her own husband and children, but also everyone else around her.
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“Lord, because I obey Your Word and am walking in Your promises, I will have the best family in the world.”
Today’s post is an excerpt from Pastor Cesar Castellanos’ book, Declarations of Power for 365 Days of the Year: Volume One.
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Numbers 3-4; Psalms 49
- New Testament: Matthew 21:33-46; Romans 1:18-32
