Proverbs 31:17 A Source of Strength and Inspiration
The Proverbs 31 woman was not afraid of hard work. But how was she able to keep up with everything? Not only did she have diligence and fortitude, but she was physically strong too. She took care of her body in order to be able to accomplish her many daily tasks. She was healthy, energetic, and fit. And not only that, she took matters into her own hands and did all she could to constantly become a better version of herself, in God.
Proverbs 31:17 says:
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. KJV
She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor. NAB
She girds herself to work and plies her arms with vigor. NCB
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. NLT
At first glance, this verse may appear simple, yet its depth is profound. Let us delve into the layers of wisdom in Proverbs 31:17
Initiative and Diligence: "She sets about her work vigorously." This line speaks volumes about the importance of initiative and diligence. It portrays a woman of action, someone who does not wait for circumstances to change but actively engages with the tasks at hand. In a world that often praises passive waiting or procrastination, this verse challenges us to embody proactive attitudes towards our responsibilities and goals.
Strength and Resilience: "Her arms are strong for her tasks." Here, strength is not merely physical but encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. It speaks to the inner fortitude required to face life's challenges head-on, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to emerge stronger on the other side. This strength is not brute force but a product of dedication, determination, and faith.
Proverb 31:17 shows commitment to an energetic attitude and diligent work.
Every woman who wants to please God and men must commit to working vigorously. Being a wife and mother are not comfortable and restful roles, when properly fulfilled. The Proverbs 31:17 woman does not rise slowly to lackadaisically go through her life day after day. She rises with vigor and has a plan. She intends to be better today than she was yesterday. She takes regular steps to notice her strengths and weaknesses and to constantly improve herself because she wants to increase her productivity for the benefit of her family.
Faithful woman of God, are you the best wife you can be? The best mother? The best teacher? The best cook? The best budgeter? The best shopper? Is your house clean and tidy? Do you apply yourself with full vigor every day for your husband and children? Or are you resting on the job? Do you face your tasks with the desire to accomplish them? Or do they overwhelm you? Stand up! Gird up your loins! Strengthen your arms! It's time to do what God has called you to do.
What does God say a woman should do?
Remember, the LORD’s emphasis for a virtuous woman is on marriage and domestic. Every reference to the activities of women in the Bible is related to their husbands, children, and home. You can not hide behind Bible verses and reading Christian devotionals; God has not made that a priority for your life as a wife and mother. Your priority as a biblical women of God is your husband, children, and home. We were created in the beginning to be a helpmeet to our husbands. If we are making life harder for our husbands but not fulfilling our domestic duties, we are dishonoring not only our spouse, but also God Himself.
Pray to God, but take action too.
If you find yourself too tired or weak to live your full potential, maybe its time to take your health into your own hands. We can pray and even beg God to be better wives and mothers, but there comes a certain point that we have to put in our own will and effort to improve. It is not God strengthening the proverbs 31 woman. She does it herself, because she fears the Lord. Do not be defeated and only hope for improvement; take charge and improve yourself.
Learn how to be better! Read, talk to other mothers, exercise, drink more water, eat healthier, learn better routines, takes classes, change your bad habits, keep a schedule, organize and declutter, do anything it takes to be better. Be committed to get things done, and put forth whatever effort it requires.
Proverbs 31:17 tells us to take care of our bodies.
This verse can also be taken quite literally by strengthening your arms through a healthy lifestyle and exercise.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Our bodies do not belong to us. God has given us our bodies as a gift. Therefore, we shouldn’t defile something God has given, since every gift from him is good (James 1:17).
This verse in Proverbs 31 directly refers to work and diligence. However, a broader approach can also be given to us woman living in the modern world. This means caring for our own health. Comparatively speaking, people in the past worked harder for food and survival, while currently we are more at risk of the dangers of the modern lifestyle. That can include unhealthy foods, excessive eating, lack of exercise, and so forth. A godly woman cares for herself and her strength as a necessary part of tending to her home and family.
How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 31:17 in our lives today?
Embrace Proactivity: Instead of waiting for opportunities to come knocking, take proactive steps towards your goals and aspirations. Cultivate a spirit of initiative and diligence in everything you do.
Cultivate Inner Strength: Strengthen your inner resolve and resilience. Cultivate habits and practices that nourish your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Remember, true strength emanates from within.
Adopt a Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive mindset and attitude towards life's challenges. See obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, and approach tasks with vigor and determination.
Know your God given role and purpose: Remember that God has created you for such a time as this (Esther 4:14) and that you are meant to be a helper to your husband (Gen. 2:18) and children. Take that role seriously and make a full time commitment to living out your true vocation.
