Ten Things NOT Found in Proverbs 31
About the Author: Kelly Harbaugh is a recovering perfectionist, disciple of Jesus, wife, mother, writer, and president of Tabitha's Team Inc.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The little bit of research I have done has indicated that Proverbs 31:10-31 was actually an acrostic poem that most Jewish women would memorize. It was a guide to Jewish men on finding a good wife. Well, what things in these verses could a man actually evaluate BEFORE he married the woman? I’m thinking he probably would not be looking at a woman who was already married with children, so he couldn’t observe all of these specific daily tasks. He could however, pay attention to the beginning verse where she is titled a “wife of noble character.” Could it be her character that is being described?
This passage describes a woman who “fears the Lord,” who “speaks with wisdom” and has “faithful instruction” on her tongue. She is a generous woman with a strong work ethic who does not get
woman cannot possess all of these characteristics together apart from a daily walk with God. A great listing of the works that flow out of this character are also listed in this passage. It is a beautiful picture of what a husband will see in his wife when she fears the Lord and how beautiful she will look to him. (“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”)
Following is a list of the 10 verses NOT found in Proverbs 31:1. Her coffee table never has dust on it.
2. Many have eaten off her kitchen floor.
3. Better Homes and Gardens just did a photo shoot in her living room.
4. She does all of the housework herself while the kids play Wii.
5. All of the words that flow from her children’s mouths are blessed.
6. All of her children are straight A students, musical geniuses, and all-star athletes.
7. Her hair is always fixed perfectly and her make-up is artfully applied.
8. She does not touch make-up or hairspray because it is vain and the art of Satan.
9. She never makes a bad decision.
10. She is classroom mom, PTO President, the bearer of orange slices at soccer games, and the church committee queen.
Remember these 5 Rules to Happiness! :)
1. Free your heart from hatred. God is Love. Love one another.
2. Free your mind from worries. Jesus said, "come to me & I will give you rest."
3. Live simply. Love generously. Leave the rest to God.
4. Give more. It is better to give than to receive. Give cheerfully.
5. Expect less. I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
