The Plumbline

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.  She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. (Proverbs 31:15) We began to look at the characteristics of a "good woman" yesterday.  We pick up this morning with this passage.  In the midst of this mother’s description of her son’s “perfect woman”, I see opportunities and measures of hope in my own life – areas in my life that God’s Spirit has been faithful to work and where I have been affected by his touch.  I dare to say that each of us, regardless of our circumstances, single or married, mother or not, can draw out nougats of truth from this passage of Scripture that challenge us, open us afresh to God’s moving in our lives, and even create a sense of contented assurance in our inner being because we see God in us at work in that area of our life.  Although I rise early each morning and prepare for work in the workplace, not ever...

A good woman is hard to find, and worth more than diamonds. (Proverbs 31:10) According to the writer of Proverbs, a good woman has a favorable character about her.  She is agreeable and pleasant, well-founded, and commendable in her conduct.    The things she engages in are marked by success and bring those in her life much joy.  It is a tremendous thing to be esteemed in this manner, yet it almost seems an insurmountable thing to attain this kind of praise-worthy character in our lives.  It is important to not lose sight of the fact that her character is praise-worthy solely because it has been deeply affected by her God.  It is not because she can plow a field, sew her own clothing, provide a warm meal on the table three times a day, or run a business on the side.  It is simply because she has allowed God access to the inner workings of her heart and has allowed the Holy Spirit to transform the aspects of her character that deeply need the t...