16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
I think that many in today's culture have this view (above) of the housewife or homemaker of today. Frazzled and frumpy, she has a gloomy look on her face as she considers the chores ahead of her. Added to this picture is the outlook that some people have of Christian women -- they think that our faith dictates our being at home, non-stop, and not having a career . . . Not what I would call a good match for our Proverbs 31 woman, would you?
Where am I going with this?
Well, let's dive into this verse!
We've seen from our studies so far in Proverbs 31 that our top priorities need to be those whom we love and minister to, each and every day. Those have to be our first and most important focus. But I believe that Lemuel's mom is making an important point here -- the ideal woman has the ability to focus on other things, as well. It may be that she has the opportunity to help her family in other ways.
(Our example here is one from an ancient era. Women in ancient times usually were not property owners. So I am guessing that she purchased the property in her hubby's name....now, let's go on.)
By "in other ways" I mean that this Spirit-filled, God-powered, wonderful woman was also a -- hold it --- are you ready for it?
A savvy, smart business woman! Yes, Virginia, there actually are Christian business women!
Alright, the first part of this verse says "she considers a field." She isn't rushing into this. She is thinking carefully, weighing the advantages and disadvantages, and probably making sure that she isn't doing this for her own ambition, but for the benefit of her family that she loves.
Proverbs 24:27 tells us:
The next portion of the verse says "she buys it" . . . yep! She did it! After her careful research and consideration, she bought the field! She followed through on what she carefully considered. No dropping the football from this lady!
Then, "out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard" . . . She is so careful with her household finances, with her business projects -- she is also careful with what she earns. She has obviously salted away some of her profits for just this type of venture, and now she can add value to this field she purchased. She can plant a vineyard, which will be another source of income for her and those she loves.
Let's consider tomorrow how we can apply these nuggets to our own lives.
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
I think that many in today's culture have this view (above) of the housewife or homemaker of today. Frazzled and frumpy, she has a gloomy look on her face as she considers the chores ahead of her. Added to this picture is the outlook that some people have of Christian women -- they think that our faith dictates our being at home, non-stop, and not having a career . . . Not what I would call a good match for our Proverbs 31 woman, would you?
Where am I going with this?
Well, let's dive into this verse!
We've seen from our studies so far in Proverbs 31 that our top priorities need to be those whom we love and minister to, each and every day. Those have to be our first and most important focus. But I believe that Lemuel's mom is making an important point here -- the ideal woman has the ability to focus on other things, as well. It may be that she has the opportunity to help her family in other ways.
(Our example here is one from an ancient era. Women in ancient times usually were not property owners. So I am guessing that she purchased the property in her hubby's name....now, let's go on.)
By "in other ways" I mean that this Spirit-filled, God-powered, wonderful woman was also a -- hold it --- are you ready for it?
A savvy, smart business woman! Yes, Virginia, there actually are Christian business women!
Alright, the first part of this verse says "she considers a field." She isn't rushing into this. She is thinking carefully, weighing the advantages and disadvantages, and probably making sure that she isn't doing this for her own ambition, but for the benefit of her family that she loves.
Proverbs 24:27 tells us:
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.So, this business woman is not making a rash decision here; she's doing what we call her "prep" work. She will be able to thoughtfully, carefully and wisely make a decision.
The next portion of the verse says "she buys it" . . . yep! She did it! After her careful research and consideration, she bought the field! She followed through on what she carefully considered. No dropping the football from this lady!
Then, "out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard" . . . She is so careful with her household finances, with her business projects -- she is also careful with what she earns. She has obviously salted away some of her profits for just this type of venture, and now she can add value to this field she purchased. She can plant a vineyard, which will be another source of income for her and those she loves.
Let's consider tomorrow how we can apply these nuggets to our own lives.
This reminds me of a conversation I recently had with my sweet Mother-in-law. For several years she owned a small dress shop. I worked part time for her during those years. The other day she was telling me what prompted her to purchase the business. "I wanted to be a Lydia! I wanted to be a Christian businesswoman."
ReplyDeleteYes, I do believe you can do it all and be in the will of God. I don't believe He would have given her the opportunity in that very very small town to purchase that business had He not been in favor of her desires.