#proverbs 31:13

[wiirocku]

Proverbs 31:13 (ESV) - She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

[bevanne46]

Proverbs 31:13

[christinacooklee]

Allow me to never compel others to comply with my standards, but through my joyful willingness about my work, give them an attraction to excellence which will bring You glory...

PROFICIENT

SHE SEEKETH WOOL, AND FLAX, AND WORKETH WILLINGLY WITH HER HANDS.  --Proverbs 31:13

Lord, 

I guess I never really saw a need for actual proficiency in relation to household matters. Let's face it, how much skill does it take to dust furniture and vacuum the floor? And yet, I'm starting to see that if I want to be truly virtuous, I will be willing to go far beyond the ordinary.

Grant me the desire not only to be active in my domestic affairs, but to be a real expert at even the most mundane chores.

I have the feeling that the woman of Proverbs could easily pay someone else to do her spinning or weaving, and yet she gladly does it herself. Either of those tasks require perseverance and are not the type of work a gentlewoman would need to do. This woman is not afraid to get her hands dirty or chapped, but really gets involved at a grass roots level. She is not only creative and energetic, but hard working, experienced, and she pays attention to detail.

In this woman's time, the skills needed to prepare fibers for spinning and weaving were learned from someone who had been trained in that area. Often the art was passed from one generation to the next.

Help me to seek instruction from others who are more qualified and accomplished than I am. Let me be eager to gain from the wisdom and maturity of friends and relatives. Take away any stubbornness or pride that would prevent my asking for advice when I may lack knowledge. Let me look for the most competent methods of doing things, so that all of my efforts will be refined.

Grant that I may learn much, in order that I might be a fine example or proficiency to my descendants, Lord willing.

Allow me to never compel others to comply with my standards, but through my joyful willingness about my work, give them an attraction to excellence which will bring You glory.

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Proverbs 1:5 - A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

[christinacooklee]

Show me how to do things in ways I may have never done them before. Help me to approach situations that appear difficult with inspiration and optimism...

INGENIOUS

SHE SEEKETH WOOL, AND FLAX, AND WORKETH WILLINGLY WITH HER HANDS.  --Proverbs 31:13

Lord, 

Thank You for giving me my hands. I'm sorry I have taken their usefulness for granted. They are such a miracle. Help me to use my hands to benefit my household. Let me be willing to do the things I'm able to do--and not expect others to do what I can do for myself. 

Make me more inventive. Give me vision as to how I can produce things for my home and family which will be not only economical, but examples of my love. Show me how to do things in ways I may have never done them before. Help me to approach situations that appear difficult with inspiration and optimism. Let me work with the raw materials You have placed within my reach to meet my family's needs.

Keep my eyes open for new ideas. When it seems to me I'm at a roadblock, reveal another route. Don't let me be a quitter. Give me determination not to be defeated by a missing ingredient, but instead show me a substitute that will work as well, or better.

In our society, we have become so accustomed to fast food, read to wear, and convenience items that we've lost the desire for the diligence and enthusiasm to make it from scratch. Help me to seek You more for the most creative way to do something--not necessarily the quickest or easiest.

Give me a heart that is truly willing and dedicated. Break me of the careless, thoughtless, mentality I have cultivated from the "disposable" generation.

Encourage me to seek a whole new realm of possibilities right here at home. Remind me to fix things instead of throwing them away and to consider making it, rather than buying it.

I believe I will experience more intimacy in my relationship with You as I seek You for ingenious solutions to the everyday needs of my household.

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Proverbs 10:4 - He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.