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“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.”
- Proverbs 31:16-19 NIV
God, give me a righteous imagination. Help me use my past experiences to a real advantage. Show me new things I can do which will benefit my household--by using what I already have as a beginning...
IMAGINATIVE
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. —Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
I see that this woman is experienced. The phrase, “Fruit of her hands”, tells me she has resources from past success. Instead of going out and spending all of her money at a bunch of sales and justifying her virtue by how much money she saved, she has used a portion of her earnings for new endeavors.
She reminds me of the Bible story about the servants who were given money from their master as he was leaving for a trip. They received according to their ability, in differing amounts. The ones who received the most, did the most. The one who had the least did nothing and was punished. The disobedient servant gave the excuse that he was afraid of losing what he had.
God, give me a righteous imagination. Help me use my past experiences to a real advantage. Show me new things I can do which will benefit my household—by using what I already have as a beginning.
Inspire me to work at making the things I own more valuable. Help me to not only maintain my home, but strive to improve it. Don’t let me be negative as to it’s potential, and do nothing. Give me a strong, positive attitude about what You have given me. Help me to see my efforts as seeds I am planting that will grow and bring profit.
Motivate me to see everyday matters in a spiritual sense, so that I might be more willing to exert myself in areas where I may not normally get excited. Grant me a greater vision. Help me to see things as they could be, rather than as they are. Remind me that my present circumstances are not permanent. With courage and Your blessing, I can go forward and accomplish great things.
____________________________________________________________
Matthew 25:14-27 - For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents, went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me tow talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The woman of Proverbs considered the field carefully before buying it. Quite likely, she took into account the location, size, price, condition of the soil, and if it would be conducive to growing good grapes. I doubt if she bought it the first day she looked at it...
DELIBERATE RESEARCHER
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. --Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
Thank You that You've promised to give me the desires of my heart. It's so tempting to want everything instantly. We want instant food, instant ovens, instant pain relief, instant success, and instant money.
Everything the world preaches supports the philosophy of buy now--pay later. Easy credit abounds. What's not easy, is when payday comes and there's not enough to cover the cost. Bankruptcy is near an epidemic rate, largely because people couldn't wait to get things and over-extended themselves.
Lord, give me eyes to see the devices of the devil at work to destroy me. I know he is subtle in his pursuit. I'm sure that a lot of people who are in financial trouble never intended to be. It was the little impulse buys that were too attractive to resist that persuaded them to part with just a "little money"...But then when a bill was due, they were just a "little short".
Help me to think twice before buying anything. Help me to ask myself if what I want to buy is something I need--or something I want. Help me to put off purchasing things on the spur of the moment and commit myself to thinking about it for a week to decide if it's something that really warrants my spending.
The woman of Proverbs considered the field carefully before buying it. Quite likely, she took into account the location, size, price, condition of the soil, and if it would be conducive to growing good grapes. I doubt if she bought it the first day she looked at it, because deliberate research takes time. She probably didn't just take the seller's word for what a great deal it was, but did some investigation of her own.
Make me more skeptical in regard to money matters. Let me be willing to wait for things that I really can't afford right now. When I'm seeking to fill an emptiness by getting more material goods, help me instead to seek more of You.
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Psalm 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
I can see that being wise is not necessarily knowing everything, but being willing to ask questions and gather information on which to base a decision...
WISE
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. --Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
I've been taken advantage of so many times in my life because I thought I knew what I was doing and really didn't. Thinking you're right when you're not is worse than knowing you're wrong in the first place. It's such an embarrassment when you've assumed in confidence.
Help me to be more in touch. When I'm preparing to buy something, help me to take the trouble to make a few phone calls or shop around and compare. Put me in contact with experienced people who would be able to advise me in areas where I may be ignorant. I can see that being wise is not necessarily knowing everything, but being willing to ask questions and gather information on which to base a decision.
Sometimes I want to bury my head in the sand and leave the responsibility to my husband to know what's going on in the world. But I think this passage shows that a virtuous woman should be competent in financial affairs and have a keen understanding of what things are worth. She should be willing to do her homework in order to know if an investment is sound.
God, I confess I don't know much of what's going on in the world today. I can't even pray intelligently when I don't know what's happening. Please give me the desire to be better informed. Not that I would spend more time seeking worldly knowledge than knowledge of You, but enough so that I can use good judgment in my dealings and intercede effectively.
There are times when there just isn't an opportunity to study a situation. If I am faced with a circumstance where I am unable to research, help me to use logic and always call on You for the wisdom I lack, knowing You will surely answer--if only I will ask.
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James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Lord, let me be successful in all I do, so that in all of our dealings I will be a valuable, responsible partner; so much in tune with my husband that any decision I would ever choose to make would be exactly what he would do himself...
RESPONSIBLE
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. - Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
As I consider the woman described here, I see someone who is not only capable, but so trusted by her husband, that she is able to make such a major decision as purchasing a piece of land without his apparent involvement.
I don't think I could ever do that. In fact, I wouldn't even want to--but, I don't think that's the point here. It appears to me that there is no struggle for leadership in this home. Even though the wife is obviously a well qualified business woman, she is visibly no threat to her husband.
She has done so much to prove her ability, that he doesn't worry about what she will do next, because she has shown her loyalty and her track record is excellent. "The fruit of her hands" points to previous accomplishments.
I think she also must do a good job of strengthening her husband with positive reinforcement. He is confident enough of her love through all of her efforts around the house, that he doesn't have to fear he will suffer neglect. She has placed his needs and the family's before her enterprises outside the home. She has done such a good job of handling all of her responsibilities, that she is above reproach.
This woman is so respected that she is considered reliable by the seller of the property. She is able to handle the transaction wisely and in a professional manner.
God, give me the attributes of the woman we see here. Help me to do such a good job in my home, that my husband will consider me dependable.
Lord, let me be successful in all I do, so that in all of our dealings I will be a valuable, responsible partner; so much in tune with my husband that any decision I would ever choose to make would be exactly what he would do, himself.
Keep me mindful that You will never confront me with an insurmountable obstacle. By Your grace I am able to pass over, go around, or get through anything that comes my way...
JUDICIOUS
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. --Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
Thanks for blessing me with a sound mind capable of reasoning. I'm grateful that my mind is clear and that I have the ability to comprehend many things.
I confess I don't always use the mind You've given me to my best advantage. Pardon all of my failures. So many times I've neglected to ask You what to do, and have used poor judgment as a result.
I pray that You will increase my power to discern. Allow Your Spirit to guide me when I am faced with decisions to make. Let Your Word rise up in me in my hour of need. If I feel undecided for some reason, speak to my heart with a confirmation. Give me the mind of Christ and help me to pray without ceasing; constantly practicing Your presence.
I know that if I keep my mind on You, You will keep me in perfect peace. Your Word tells me if I trust in You with all my heart, not leaning on my own understanding, and if I will always acknowledge You, You will direct my paths.
Help me to receive the authority You have granted me and use it wisely to glorify You. Make me a true example of the believers. Keep me mindful that You will never confront me with an insurmountable obstacle. By Your grace I am able to pass over, go around, or get through anything that comes my way.
Occasionally, a situation in my life may seem bigger than I am and I may question my competency. Help me to remember that there is an answer to every problem I encounter. You are the source of all wisdom. If I seek You, I will always be able to make the right choices.
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Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Give me courage to use the gifts You have given me, the dedication to develop them to completion, and an eagerness to expand my capabilities and explore new horizons...
VERSATILE
SHE CONSIDERETH A FIELD, AND BUYETH IT: WITH THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS SHE PLANTETH A VINEYARD. - Proverbs 31:16
Lord,
Thank You for showing me through this verse that a wife and mother can be a good homemaker and also find the time and ability to be involved in activities outside the home.
Sometimes it seems like if I'm going to be a good manager of my household, I probably won't have the strength to do anything else. This passage says I can.
Forgive me if I've hidden behind my domestic responsibilities and used them as an excuse. Show me how to direct my affairs at home in a more efficient manner in order that I might be more enterprising. I don't want my family to suffer neglect. Teach me how to give them my best and still have time left for other things.
I see that the virtuous woman does things that will add to the success of her estate. Give me abilities and talents that will be useful and marketable. I don't want to be a "Jack of all trades and master of none". Please help me to not only have ambition, drive, and energy--but excellence in all of my endeavors.
Give me an open mind to learn new skills. Expand my vision of who I am and who I could be. Don't let me look at past failures or areas of my life with a history of weakness. Don't even let me use my age as an excuse for not being more outgoing. I want to be all You want me to be. I don't want to waste any work You have begun in my life.
Help me to seek You more for Your perfect will. Forgive me for presuming what You have in mind for me. Give me courage to use the gifts You have given me, the dedication to develop them to completion, and an eagerness to expand my capabilities and explore new horizons.
Let every facet of my being reflect Your light and may others see You shine in all I do.
