Worth More Than Rubies.

"We are never more beautiful portrayals of mortals who know and believe God than when others can look at our lives, hear our testimonies, and say, 'It is true.' That's what it means to be living proof." -Beth Moore

As a woman, it's often hard for me to dissociate beauty from a physical appearance. Although I still struggle with this, I have seen God work wonders in my heart when it comes to this self-conscience topic.

At the end of bible study last night, we read Proverbs 31:10-31. If you're like me, this is one of those passages that you know what it talks about, think you know and don't really spend much time reading it. Well, last night the passage was divided up and we were each to take a few verses and summarize what was being said. Some of the answers that were given were something completely new to me. I want to share with you these verses and then attempt to talk about what I got from them.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the rewards she has earned, and let her words bring her praise at the city gate."

She's worthy. She uplifts her husband with only love and encouragement daily. She serves with an eager heart. She provides not only for her family, but for her servants too. She's a wise businesswoman. She doesn't just feel sorry for the poor, she helps them. She's modest. Her words are full of wisdom and given to her children. Her children admire her and her husbands praises her.

Her beauty is found in her service and words. Her beauty is selfless. 

This passage is both an encouragement as well as a conviction. It allows me to see the areas in my life that desperately need God's intervention, but it also reveals the ways in which God has changed my life to mirror some of these qualities. 

She fears the Lord, not the future. She fears the Lord, not the load. She fears the Lord, not anyone else. She fears the Lord...she will be praised.