Show Notes
In this nineteenth week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case reflects on Proverbs 31 and how women reflect these virtues in both the home and workplace.
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Episode Transcript
Women walking through ordinary time are invited to embrace a spirituality that values persistence over grand gestures. This period encourages them to find God in the simplicity of their daily lives, whether through managing households, working in their professions, or engaging in community life. It is a time to listen to God’s voice in the steady rhythm of routine, and to recognize the divine in the small daily choices they make. The faith journey during this season is one of steady commitment where the transformative power of faith is revealed in the ordinary actions of love and kindness and perseverance. By staying grounded in their daily practices and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life, women can experience a deepened connection with their faith and a clearer sense of their purpose in the broader tapestry of God’s plan. Today, we focus on the spiritual life of women. But hey, any men listening, may this time teach you as well and encourage you to pray for the wives, girlfriends, mothers, or more in your own life.
The Proverbs 31 woman: (Proverbs 31:10-31)
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 begins her work with eager hands. She is like merchant ships bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night. She provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 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 treating 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. 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 woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a powerful portrait of a virtuous woman whose worth is described as far beyond rubies. She is diligent, wise, compassionate, and strong. In the home, the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies qualities such as managing household affairs with skill and dedication, caring for her family, and using her resources wisely.
Her role reflects a balance of nurturing and leadership, showing that domestic responsibilities can be approached with both grace and competence. Today’s women who take on roles within their families or as a single parent find inspiration in this passage to approach their responsibilities with intentionality and diligence, creating environments of love and support while also managing the practical aspects of home life.
In the workplace, the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman translate into qualities that are highly valued. Her strength, industriousness, and capability helps her navigate her career, pursue goals, and contribute to her field. Whether leading a team, managing projects, or innovating within her industry, the Proverbs 31 woman’s example encourages women to bring integrity, excellence, and a servant’s heart to their professional endeavors. By integrating these principles into both domestic and professional life, women today embody a holistic and empowered vision of their role, honoring the timeless wisdom of this biblical passage.
The First Psalm:
Blessed is the one who does not walk and step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked!
They are life chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
A prayer by Anne Graham Lotz:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit yearning for your guidance, Lord. I acknowledge that you are the source of all wisdom and strength, and I seek your direction in every aspect of my life. Help me to trust in your plans, even when the path is unclear, and to find peace in knowing that you are always with me.
Grant me the courage to follow your will and the strength to persevere through challenges. Fill me with your grace and clarity as I navigate the decisions and responsibilities before me. May my actions reflect your love and truth and may I be a vessel for your light in this world. I pray for your wisdom to guide my steps and your strength to sustain me each day. Thank you for your unfailing presence and for the assurance that you are working on all things for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Selections from the Wisdom of Solomon, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.
But the ungodly by their words and deeds have summoned death. Considering him a friend, they pined away and they made a covenant with him because they are fit to belong to his company. For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, short and sorrowful is our life. And there is no remedy when a man comes to his end and no one has ever been known to return from Hades.
Let us lie in wait for that righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions. He reproaches us for sins against the law and accuses us of sins against our training. He professes to have knowledge of God and calls himself a child of the Lord. He became to us a reproof of our thoughts. The very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others and his ways are strange. We are considered by him as something base and he keeps himself aloof from our ways as from impurity. He calls the last end of the righteous blessed. Let us see if his words are true and let us test what will happen at the end of his life.
For if the righteous man is God’s son, he will help him and will deliver him from the hand of his enemies. Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death for, according to what he says, he will be protected.
