QTVOTD: Women elevated!

“Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].” Proverbs 31:31  IOW – After reading the rest of the passage on the “woman of noble character” it became obvious that the last verse needed to be the VOTD.  All those in our culture today who think that the bible degrades women only needs to look at this last verse in Proverbs.  The verse says:  Pay her what she is due (equal pay) and let her own works (remember she makes clothing and sells it in the marketplace) show for itself in the gates of the city.  Her husband also sits in the gates of the city (similar impact as men) with the elders of the land so I would also interpret this verse to also say that he speaks highly of her with the important people and everyone he comes in contact with (every one enters the city through the gate).  Good stuff – Speak highly of your wife today!

QTVOTD: Enabling great women.

“A wife of noble character: a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman – WHO IS HE who can find her?  She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.”  Proverbs 31:10  IOW – I feel that this verse is saying that it takes a great man to find and nurture a woman of noble character.   If we want women who are of noble character then we need to find and nurture that woman in our wives.  God’s sanctified version of your wife is all the attributes noted in Proverbs 31:10-31.  It is our job as their husbands to love our wives as Christ loved the church (giving our lives up for her even) and be the spiritual leaders God has called us to be.  Only then will we have created the fertile ground where the woman of noble character can grow.

QTVOTD: The wisdom of a mother.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8&9  IOW – These last 2 verses of 1-9 in Chap 31 are a part of an instruction to a King given by his mother.  She is convicted of her responsibility to tell her son, the King, of what his life focus should be including warnings of snares and mis-steps (chasing women and drinking wine/beer).  Such a great set of verses to do a small study on.

QTVOTD: God’s Truth – the safe bet.

Ben’s QTVOTD – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be kept safe.”  Proverbs 29:25 IOW – Putting stake or making decisions based on the opinions of men will eventually trip you up. In line with yesterday, seeking the LORD’s truth is the only safe bet.

[QTVOTD] Pity your enemy…

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it FULLY.” Proverbs 28:6  IOW – Those who have a wicked heart are dulled by their folly.  Those who seek the LORD or strive to understand His character will understand the ONE TRUTH.  God’s measuring stick does not change and the Bible defines this stick clearly.  This Proverb helps me apply the following because it helps me pity my enemy, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty give him water to drink” Proverbs 25:21&22.

[QTVOTD] Take the heat…

“Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden.  Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6  IOW – very applicable in regards to our guy time last night. I covet the words and accountability from my brothers in Christ.

[QTVOTD] Stay out of it…

“Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.” Proverbs 26:17  IOW – I have found myself trying to help where my help is not needed between two quarreling parties. I need to stop that. 🙂

[QTVOTD] Stay Humble

“Do not exalt yourself in the kings presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before noblemen.” Proverbs 25:6 & 7