Decoding The P31W
I have been looking deeper into the Proverbs 31 Woman (P31W). She is probably one of the most famous Scriptural heroines, though she’s not even a person. She is just a description of what King Lemuel’s mother, most likely Bat-sheva, told her son to look for in a wife. P31W is given much reference and many don’t even know how to view her in the correct manner because they have not looked deeper into the role or era of which “she is in”. Many interpret her from a 21st century view, where true morals, strength, and beauty alone with the traditional family have all been nearly destroyed. For so long the view of women, as portrayed in the Scriptures, has been warped into something completely different. She is no longer a Jewish woman following Torah, mother of many, homekeeper. Instead she is a working woman, with her children away at school, shared provider of her family, independent of her true provider: Yahuwah-Elohim. It is vital to properly understand the woman she would have been and not apply our own culture to her if you are to understand the passage.
I emailed a friend and respected Hebraic culture and history authority, Robin Sampson to find out a little more about the role the woman played in the Ancient times, and this was her reply:
Woman as inferior beings (Inferior meaning more like an animal than a person) is from the Greek mindset. The Hebrews revered women as precious delicate vessels.
The Proverbs 31 woman was an independent business woman and in a supervision in her home and lover her family’s land. Woman took an active part in the community and religious life.
The primary role was that of mother and wife. The demands of motherhood took precedence over religious duties. She was permitted to do the religious observances but not required as the men.
Much of the misunderstanding of Paul’s writing is because of the lack of Hebrew understanding. Some of his teaching were against female domination from Greco-Roman paganism (temple prostitutes and female gods) not from women in general.
This gave me a better understanding of how to view the P31W. In no terms do I believe that a woman is inferior in any respects to a man in worth. I think she is just as smart and just as capable in nearly all cases. However, Elohim {God} gave them each different roles, of which they were both better equipped for. As Mrs. Sampson explain, women weren’t suppressed or viewed as weak. They were active in their community, in their religion, and good managers of their homes in every respect.
A lot have used the P31W in defense of women working, and I find that she cared for her home, brought food, and had a few home-businesses to help with funds, but I didn’t find any verse where it indicated her going off to a job, all day, while her children were being cared for by someone else. Jewish children had roles to do themselves. “The secondary purpose in education (the first being religious education) was to teach about the practical aspects of everyday life: a trade for the boy and the care of the house, application of dietary laws and how to be a good wife for the girl.” (Education In The Bible Times) While the Proverbs 31 Woman was homemaking she was also training her daughters as well.
I read over Proverbs 31 and the last part of the previous chapter to try to get a good view of her, and why King Lemuel’s mother was telling her son all of this in such detail. The Scriptures is so amazing. Each time you read it you find something new. There is something more that Yah has opened your eyes to. Here is what I found as I read, and please note that I am reading it from a Scriptural-worldview. There are some Believers today who just do not have a Scriptural Worldview. They don’t necessarily believe everything the world does, but they have been trained into believing a lot of what the world believes rather than what the Sctiprutres says. I believe we must go back to the WORD, and not rely on what another man or even a religious institution professes.
I am going to go through the whole chapter because when she’s referred to it’s usually in whole. I just wanted to share with you some of what Yahhas been showing me.
Verses 1-3
1 The words of King L’mu’el, the prophecy with which his mother disciplined him: 2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows! 3 Don’t give your strength to women or your ways to that which destroys kings.
A mother speaks to her son about the traits to look for in a wife, and then the mother warns her son not to give his strength, his manly ways, to women. I definitely think women today have taken the man’s strengths and made them their own as we can see with feminists who believe that women should be able to do whatever a man can. Sadly men have let them. They have given thy strength unto women. This is the first part that women fail to look at when they look to the P31W for defense. She was not a feminist.
Verses 4-9
4 It is not for kings, L’mu’el, not for kings to drink wine; it is not for rulers to ask, “Where can I find strong liquor?” 5 For they may drink, then forget what has been decreed, and pervert the justice due to the poor. 6 Give strong liquor to one who is perishing, wine to the deeply depressed; 7 let him drink, forget his poverty and cease to remember his troubles. 8 Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves, for the rights of all who need an advocate. 9 Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the needy.
Here she tells Lemuel not drink that which will cause the minds to forget the law or pervert judgment. I believe she is speaking of wine, and today drunk-driving causes a large number of deaths, which the Scriptures forewarns about – keeping all things in moderation. We are to keep from strong drinks so we are of a clear mind. Paul reminds us of that in Ephesians 5:18.
Verse 10
Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.
The woman who has capabilities of such a wife is priced far above pearls or rubies, but this is begging the question who can find such a woman? And what are the capabilities she speaks of? As you read through the rest of the chapter you will see what capabilities make her so valuable. They place a bar that seems to be very high for us to strive for, but so worth it and nothing is too hard to bare if we are instructed to do it. Elohim doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He knows we’re not, but He does expect us to strive, in every way possible, to be holy and obey His Word. Let us be encouraged by that.
Verses 11-12
Her husband trusts her from his heart, and she will prove a great asset to him. 12 She works to bring him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
This part right here is one I think many people miss, and that is that the P31W was married. Right there is says her husband trusts in her with his heart. I have seen countless sites and icons about girls being the P31W in their teens years, and while I think it’s great for them to strive to be her, they can’t fully achieve this role until they’ve married. When Yah created Eve it was to be a companion unto Adam, that was her purpose. If one never marries these are still traits of a capable woman and ones to strive for always. We are the Messiah’’s bride, and we have many opportunities to serve and obey unto our families, the fatherless, and the widows.
I’ve also been referred to P31W in defense of a girl going out to get a job (v 16) before she’s married, but if you’re going to quote the P31W you can’t defined single woman/Miss. This is confirmed in the following verses, and you will also notice that all the things she does is in direct relation to making her home and working from it. It also says that she will do good for him. Not herself. For him all the days of her life.
Verse 13-14
She procures a supply of wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.
I’ve never had anything to do with wool or flax so I looked it up, and found this “Pioneer Clothing” and it’s a lot of work! Yes, indeed she worked willingly with her hands. The article says it took “a lot of work, and many steps” and it was all done to make clothes. She was a diligent homemaker and did a lot to cloth her household. It says she went to bring food from afar, but still it doesn’t say she had a job as merchant. In today’s world we go to the grocery store to bring food from a far. Back then she would have gone to the market or merchant ships, which brought in goods. Same thing.
Verses 15-16
It’s still dark when she rises to give food to her household and orders to the young women serving her. 16 She considers a field, then buys it, and from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She rises early before anyone else so that she may prepare her meals. It says she buys a field to plant a vineyard. Today we would buy seeds to plant in our gardens. Recently a lady told me, after quoting Proverbs 31 in defense of her working with men at an oil-refinery, that “It give a perfect outline of how women should behave in a Godly society. This verse says that women are not only to have a place in the home but also in business dealings.” Yes, it says she went to buy things, but still no indication she had a job as this lady is trying to make it seem. Business dealings are quite different than one going and having a job outside of the home. You can sell your vegetables from your garden and have a business dealing, without having a job.
Verses 17-18
17 She gathers her strength around her and throws herself into her work. 18 She sees that her business affairs go well; her lamp stays lit at night.
The P31W is not weak in form. It says here that she gathers her strength around her – I would say that means she was well-built and in good-shape. Her merchandise is of good quality and is well stocked. Her candle will not go out. She’s a smart and an able manager of her home.
Verse 19
She puts her hands to the staff with the flax; her fingers hold the spinning rod.
She was a great seamstress. She put her hands to the spindle to make clothes, linens, and other cloth-items. Knowing how to make your own clothes is one of the most necessary arts of homekeeping. She knew how as you seen in verse 21.
Verses 20-21
20 She reaches out to embrace the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; since all of them are doubly clothed.
She helps those who are less fortunate and extends the hand of kindness. She is motherly and loving towards all. In the New Testament the Believers is told to care for the widows and fatherless, and here we find a lovely example of that. She keeps her family well-clothed.
Verse 22
22 She makes her own quilts; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
She dresses in modest, beautiful, feminine clothes just as we should dress. In purple and fine linens… like that of royalty.
Verse 23
23 Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.
She is caring for her home in such a way that her husband has no need of spoil (verse 11) and is able to go study the Scriptures and sit with the elders at the gates.
Verse 24
She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchants with sashes.
Again here is an example of her making something, probably in her home, and going to sell it. Not the same as having a career.
Verse 25
Clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.
She is not in an array of jewels or has a lot of money, for her capabilities are far above that. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and notice is says she can laugh at the days to come. What does that mean? She is firm in her faith in Yahveh and her role as a woman. She doesn’t have to worry about what others think of her or about the troubles to come, for she is ready. Instead of worrying she will LAUGH. What does the WORD say about laughter? It’s the best medicine! Are you able to laugh at the days to come?
Verse 26-28
26 When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely; on her tongue is loving instruction. 27 She watches how things go in her house, not eating the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise; they make her happy; her husband too, as he praises her:
She is a wise and kind woman. She is loving in instruction. She watches her household. What does this mean here? A household is not only the family, but the actually house/land. Does this mean that if you don’t look unto your household, you are eating the bread of idleness? Does this mean that your household is the most important thing and to do otherwise is simply idle? I would venture to say yes. Because she has done all of this for her family and house her children are not a source of anxiety for her, but a joy. They make her HAPPY. Her husband praises her. What a reward!
Why do we so distort this wonderful woman who is so attentive to her husband, children, and home? Why do we make her out to be one who is deals with money all the time, away from her home and her children, just to fit what we want? The next verse is quite profound.
Verses 29-30
29 “Many women have done wonderful things, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm can lie, beauty can vanish, but a woman who fears Yah should be praised.
It says many women have done wonderful things, like the same as the P31W, but she surpasses them all? Women can strive to be the highest in the world, but what really matters is a woman who fears Yah and keeps His commands for her. Do you fear His commandments – given in both the Tanakh (OT) and Renewed (NT) Covenant? There are many verses in the WORD about what women are to do, and many either ignore or refute them by using Scripture out of context. How can they do that? I believe it is because they don’t have a healthy fear of the Lord.
Verse 31
Give her a share in what she produces; let her works speak her praises at the city gates.
This last verse just tops everything off. After going through all of the things she does, working with her hands and doing good for her husband (all her days), it says she shall share in what she produces. What are some of the produce that might come out of being the P31W? What about being praised in the gates? Notice it doesn’t say “let her praise of her own works in the gates”. No, it says let her works speak her praises at the city gates. Who is the gates? Look back up at verse 23. It is her husband. Perhaps this is indicating that he is the one who is praising the works of his wife and praising her for all her good works.
There are many blessings, or fruits, of being the true P31W. One is your husband with trust in you, which means he won’t go looking for other ways to fill the place you will/should. No indeed, he praises you. He is proud of you. Your children will make you happy and you shall be praised because you fear the Lord and have done all to be the woman He ordained you to be.
As for women who can’t look well unto their household, please know I am not unrealistic or naive and think that all women should/can be at home. I know that is not the case. My life is very realistic and I have known many in difficult situations. I know sometimes there is no other option for the woman than to work. I also know that it is the Church’s place (James 1:26-27) to care for the orphans and widows, but they do not and this causes women to have to provide for themselves. My grandmother had to work all her life, because my grandfather wouldn’t care for them. Today, though she still has to work, my grandmother believe that the woman’s place is at home. It is about your worldview. It’s about viewing the family as the Scriptures do.
As I said before, on the Deborah post, It has nothing to do with being weak – women are capable of just about anything. It has to do with the God ordain-roles for the family, men and women. Are we truly following His will for our lives as far as roles? Or are we distorting something truly wonderful to fit what we want? Is our life all about “me, me, me” or is it all about “Him, Him, Him”? How big is God in your life, Big Enough?
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Posted By Miss Jocelyn Tzahala on September 11, 2008 | Category: Editorals, Feelin' Feminine, God's Listening Ear, History, Homekeeping, Homesteading, The Scriptures
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42 Responses to “Decoding The P31W”
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Welcome to A Pondering Heart. Blessings to you in your visit here! This site is owned by a 18yo young lady, Miss Jocelyn who is striving to please Yahweh in everything she does. She is the second eldest daughter of two wonderful parents, sister to seven siblings, and "momma" to beautiful Nubian goats. Currently completing her education and serving Yahweh until she further serves him in marriage and motherhood. In hopes she might encourage ladies in a Scriptural-worldview she shares about her daily life, beliefs, and heart’s ponderings. Here you will find stories from life on the homestead, encouragement, the Scriptures, photography, reviews, giveaways, memes, and much more!
Hello Jocelyn!!
You’re online too, huh? Oh Jocelyn! Your blog is so pretty. :) Well, I sent you a letter a few weeks ago and the card had two birds on it. Did you ever get it? I haven’t heard from you so I was wondering if it got lost in the mail. Anyway, I got the ecard you sent me. :) That was sweet of you Jocelyn! But you were not that late to wish me happy birthday LOL. We all got sick (Sep. 1 I think) and had to put it off until Thursday and then our fridge went out so we had to wait till Friday (because we had to refridgerate the cake) so we celebrated it on Saturday LOL. So what have you been up to lately? Anything new? I’ve been meaning to come by more often but sometimes our bad internet connection disconnects and we can’t get on the internet! Anyways, I’ll hope I’ll be on more often! Ttyl!
Jessica
Jessicas last blog post..Another Caption contest.
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Your wisdom for someone so young astounds me. Although, honestly, is really should not. If we were doing a better job or raising our daughters and sons in the Truth (as your mother and father are) then this would be the norm rather than the exception.
I love your heart for Him Jocelyn, and your desire to walk in His Truth.
Chelseys last blog post..Word Filled Wednesday
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Hi Jocelyn,
Awesome post – loved reading it. This is a passage of Scripture which has always fascinated and challenged me. I know I’ll never be perfect, but it something to strive for.
I recently heard a sermon on it which has given me much food for thought – it looks at Prov. 31 in relation to our relationship with Jesus and the christian walk. It was so good! For example, read verse 20-21 again and think of it in terms of our christian walk. I can send you the link if you like – you can listen to it online. It is by the senior pastor at David Wilkerson’s church (NYcity). I keep meaning to do a post on it – it has impacted my life considerably – but it does take Prov 31 from an entirely different angle – it does not diminish the impact of it in anyway for the christian wife and mother, just takes another view of it, which I guess is one of the unfathomable mysteries of God’s Word.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading your post, and now I must get into the day here – it is early morning here in New Zealand!
Rachel
Rachel L from NZs last blog post..Entering the Sarah Palin Debate – And I’m Not Even American! A foreigner’s perspective
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Hi Jocelyn,
I hope you will be assured that I understand your heart, and that I think you are a precious, wonderful young women! You are a wonderful example.
I did read your entire post. I am reading some of Robin Sampson’s books, myself, and I am interested to hear the rest of what she would say regarding a woman in community leadership…even national leadership. From what she is saying in the excerpt you posted, it sounds like from a Hebraic perspective women WERE involved in their communities – which is outside of their home. I have no need to argue with you – none at all (!) but I do wonder what she has to say.
I have been thinking a lot since the Sarah Palin announcement, and have to say that I believe that God can call a woman to serve a nation, and that she can do so without neglecting her children. She will have to sacrifice some things – but not neglect them. I see that she is taking her children with her right now. There are some fabulous stories of people who have met her already on the campaign trail…and her little guy is right there with her; as is her husband.
I’ve also been thinking about my role as wife and mom to my eight children. I love to serve them. But they serve me a lot, too. Our family practices a LOT of mutual building up of each other in love. And that would be the key, I think…love.
As a mom of many, I sacrifice for them. I sacrificed my very body to give them life. I sacrifice many things to be at home and homeschool them rather than bring in a second income. (So does my husband.) I sacrifice my personal development and gain in order to be with them; but I trust that the Lord will restore what I need for this life and work His perfect will out and I will be lacking in nothing – nor will my children.
However…..
By the very virtue that it is called “sacrifice,” it means that something is given up. We submit ourselves out of love, not out of duty. If it is duty only, then it is not the same sacrifice. A person can submit from duty, but still resent the sacrifice. A sacrifice of love resents nothing; only hopes for the good of the one for whom much is given.
I, personally, am touched by the sacrifices Sarah Palin made for her little son, Trig, and I pray that through his life and his time in the national spotlight the horrid genocide (90 percent) of Down Syndrome people can be stopped.
I wish you well, sweet Jocelyn. May we all remain teachable through this amazing time in History.
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You put a great deal of though, prayer and research into that Proverb. I’ve see a different side of this than before. Thank you.
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I really enjoyed this post! It’s so nice to see a strait-forward interpretation. :) So many twist this around.
Another thing … if her children were “praising” her, she probably had some older than toddlers. Which would really help if she was still having children, I’m sure!
I’ve been thinking about that lately, and how much of a help another pair of arms will be as my Samuel gets older. Already, he helps a lot with just entertaining his little brother. I’m enjoying my littles but at the same time I look forward to some help. One of these days!
Oh, and that was a good point, too, that maybe it was talking about future praise because it’s not always pleasurable or easy RIGHT NOW. What a thought!
Thanks for a great post and some good insights.
Ashleys last blog post..So, I Guess We Married Young?
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Thank you for sharing your study with us Jocelyn! I memorized this passage ages ago, but it has been on my mind a ton in the last few weeks. How neat to come to your blog and see a post on it! I appreciate the effort you have made to look at the historical context. It takes a lot of extra effort to see that aspect of Bible study, but, like you said, it is so important for accurate interpretation.
The only thing I wanted to point out/discuss was what you said about how young ladies can not be a P31W until she is married. I disagree. My reasoning stems from the point you made that this passage is advice to King Lemuel on traits to look for in a wife. Obviously, he wasn’t supposed to be looking for a married woman, but for a woman that ALREADY had these traits and would be a wife like the one discribed. Also, the phrase “all the days of her life” seems like it may refer to the time prior to marriage as well. I haven’t done a word study to affirm that though. :)
I guess my question is why do you feel that only married women should be called a P31W? What about women that never marry? What about married women who never have children to rise up and call them blessed? What about women who’s children are still too young to talk? Do they have to wait until the kids are old enough to call them blessed before they are P31W?
I hope my tone doesn’t come across as nit-picky or a nag. I hav a difficult time conveying my tone in writing.:)
One last question, what translation do you use? The wording is slightly different from mine. I am just curious. :)
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Your sister in Christ,
~Carrots
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Well done! I could probably comment on or disagree with some things, but I have no need to. Picking apart a sensible “taking apart” of the P31 Woman is not on my agenda. ;-)
Christinas last blog post..For the Frugal Flower Gardener
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Mrs. J I have already spoken my opinions on Sarah Palin, which can be found here http://aponderingheart.com/blog/?p=786, and I’m sorry I cannot agree. :)
Carrots – What I meant by not being the P31W until you were married was in reference to her in whole…. such as keeping a house for her husband, having children, and managing her husband’s household so he can do what is required of him. Obviously, as you pointed out, before you marry you will want to have the traits of P31W, but as the chapter says she has a husband, children, and a home to run.
I don’t know all the answers about single and barren women. I know God’s original design for them was to be wives and mothers, but the world is not as God designed it because of sin…. it is not perfect.
I use the King James Version Bible as it is the closest to the original meanings and greek. I don’t trust the newer versions…. some research would be a good idea for information about the different versions.
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Hi Jocelyn,
I would like reccommend a book called His Chosen Bride, by Jennifer J. Lamp. The entire subject of the book is about applying Proverbs 31 to the lives of single women. The basis of this is a verse, Isaiah 54:5 that says:
“For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name…”
Using this, Miss Lamp applies Proverbs 31 to the lives of single women in a really neat and helpful way. This book has been really inspiring to me.
Have a very bright, very cheerful day!
Miss Eyebright
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You did a great job on that post Jocelyn!
I can tell that you really read and prayed about it before you posted it!
It is so nice to be able to read someones blog that you actually agree with ! ;)
((hugs))
Miss Ellie
Miss Ellies last blog post..It’s here
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I agree with you on this post. I do think that women can have a role in Church or community service and still be at home and serve her children. And even though young single women can’t be the Proverbs 31 woman, they can still strive to model themselves after her.
Like I said… I mainly agree with you. I will not make any political statements. ;)
Thank you for being a Godly example for many young women!
In Christ,
Emily
Emilys last blog post..Kittens! Yay! :)
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Oh, I just browsed this, i’ll get back tonight to read the whole article.
Your wisdom is awesome. Thanks be to God He has gifted you with such wisdom.
I’ll comment again after reading everything.
Blessings
jhunnelle
jhunnelles last blog post..THANKFUL THURSDAY
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[...] have heard comparisons of Deborah, Queen Esther and the Proverbs 31 Woman applied to Mrs. Palin. *sighs* I suppose, taken out of context, any Biblical story can be made to [...]
I’m back, i wrote also about my understanding of Proverbs 31 woman, we may have different views but I respect yours.
Hugs:)
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Very well written, and full of information presented in a way that was easy to understand.
I understand the verses on flax, and wool, and all of the things that I really don’t know about a little better. :)
Thanks for sharing!
Have a Great Day!
Maggie
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Yipes! Long post! I will have to print this out and read it when I get a spare moment. I did skim over it though…Proverbs 31 is really great and definitely worth studying.
I have to point out, though, that the “daughters,” in all likeliness, isn’t referring specifically to unmarried women. It’s probably simply referring to women in general. I don’t have the Hebrew cross-reference on this computer, but I would look it up if I got a chance. In the context, though, that’s what it looks like. I wouldn’t jump over any extra implications if I were you.
Anyway, good work on the post. :) I am still enjoying the FF blog a lot, btw!! keep up the good posting,
Regards,
Sylvia
Sylvias last blog post..The Tolkien Reading Quest!
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I think that Proverbs 31, just like so many other verses, is too often applied to peoples lives, rather than people’s lives being applied to IT.
I agree with you, it is something to be strived for while young and unmarried but definitely not achieved until married. (Although we cannot ignore the value of this verse for those women who God chooses to be husbandless for whatever reason and whatever length of season.. I think that this section of scripture is equally important for the unmarried women to strive for)
I always think of the part regarding selling her goods/making income as speaking towards being resourceful and helpful. Not as a way of taking over meeting the family financial need, but more in helping the husband in small, encouraging ways. I also think of it as a way to earn some money while teaching sons and daughters skills and the value of work.. not taking the wife away from her keeping of the home/children but instead encouraging it.
I will say also that your blog is intensely encouraging to girls in this way Jocelyn.. I only pray that there are such young men out there who are equally striving to encourage each other.
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Hey Jocelyn!! Great post!! I really enjoyed reading it. Keep up the good work!
In Christ~
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Still reading your post ~ You always bring out so many wonderful points. Thank the Lord for his wisdom in our lives~
As for Palin, I am praying for this woman; whether she is in the place God has called her to she needs God’s guidance for sure! She has such a strong sense about her.
I know when I was a new Christian I was a very Head-strong person…ain’t no-body gonna get in my way; tell me what to do etc. I don’t know Palin personally and I pray she has sense enough to follow God in whatever he leads her to do!
But enough about her :) we are talking about the Proverb 31 Woman :P I am so thankful to be at home where God called me. Time and time again I think Wow God knows my name; my every need and I’m so thankful he answers when I call on him.
Love to you Joc,
AJ
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Wow, great post! I have studied Proverbs 31 as well, and it really does go much deeper if you actually read it well and think about what it means (as with the whole Bible, I suppose!). Proverbs 31 is such an insighful and motivational chapter for us young ladies, and I’m sure for older ones too. Every woman should be required to study it!
I was wondering…how do you find the time to write these long posts? With a large family, I know how hard it can be to write even a small post with everyone around. I’ve pretty much just gone to blogging at night, but sometimes will regret it at wake up time in the morning!
Thanks,
Serenity
Miss Serenitys last blog post..Looking to the Lord for Truth
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Very good expounding on this chapter! This chapter speaks so much to women, both single and married. Thanks for posting this!
Vanessas last blog post..For All Sufferers ~ F. B. Meyer
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Hi Jocelyn…Just checking in to see if you found time to see what else Robin Sampson says about Hebrew women involved in community leadership? I’m very curious about that! I’m enjoying her study of Biblical Festivals, and know that a lot of things I once thought have been challenged, for good!
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Miss Serenity – This particular article took a number of days to write, not counting any of the research or the editing/discussing I had with my mother before posting it. I usually do write late at night too, and always get carried away when there is peace, after the Littles have gone to bed, and regret it in the morning! LOL
Mrs. J – Mrs. Sampson is on vacation right now so she’s not answering any emails. From what I read from her email, which I didn’t post all of because it was quite long and had many references, women were involved in the continuity, but their main focus was on their homes and training their daughters. I will have to ask her about being in leadership. I am sure they did have roles of leadership, but not as you see today, probably in the sense of the aged women in Titus 2.
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LOL! Yes, totally know what you mean. :) And yes, I would be honored to have my picture on Feelin’ Feminine! I have a few other pictures that you might be interested in too. You can see them at: http://femininityinafeministworld.blogspot.com/2008/08/shop-shop-shoppinshoppin-at-ross.html
Do I need to do anything for this?
Thanks so much!
Serenity
Miss Serenitys last blog post..Looking to the Lord for Truth
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Very good post, Jocelyn
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Thank you for the welcome!
I noticed you left a comment on my August 7th addition. Something is wrong with my blog! You should be able to see all my posts after August 7th too. Were you logged into HSB when you looked at my blog? I’m not sure why nobody can view them. Do you have any ideas???
Thanks~
I also have another blog that a I friend and I do together all about modesty, homemaking, purity and the likes. You can visit it here at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PureJoy/. Right now mostly Lindsey has been posting on it. My family and I have been going through some pretty tough times right now what with not being able to find a house and all that.
Thanks again, and hope you are doing well!
Tessas last blog post..The Aroma Of Fresh Coffee
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Thanks so much Jocelyn. I really appreciate your interpretation of this passage. :D
Maria
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When I saw this post last week, it was so long, that I wasn’t planning on reading it. However, a few days ago I was meditating on, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” I asked the Lord what good works I could do and suddenly the verse in proverbs 31 suddenly came to my mind, “let her works praise her in the gates.”
Afterwards I remembered your post and thought it could be an excellent aid to my understanding. From your post I learned my good works should be done in diligence and serving others and done all for God alone! Thank you for this post!
Kalanis last blog post..A Popular Boy Doesn’t Mean a Happy Boy
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Well done! I’ve been out of town and just now read your post.
Great job Miss Jocelyn. Just imagine, this is a study you will share with your children.
Blessings.
Robin @ Heart of Wisdoms last blog post..Spiritual Roots of Diseases (Fear)
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Did I really not leave a comment on this post? I cannot believe it! I guess we discuss these things IRL for so long that I forget to go and read them on comment! UGH!
Having lived on both sides of the Christian fence, I can say that the WORD is the WORD is the WORD. The Bible is for today, and we cannot pick and choose and say, “Well, this was for those times; today is different.” We have GOT to stop that. No wonder people do not believe Christians. We preach what we want people to live by, but we stop when it gets too uncomfortable or puts us in a ‘weird light’. Too bad.
Be in the world but not of it. I believe we are called to be aliens. I believe we can live in this world as aliens, unpopular and walking in the LORD. Can we live in the world and be like the world and be popular and well-liked because we look like the world? sure. Are we still saved? sure, some are. But why would we? God commanded us to:
Be separate. [2 Corinthians 6:17]
Be holy. [Leviticus 20:7, 1 Peter 1:15-16]
Be perfect. [Deuteronomy 18:13, 1 Kings 8:61, 2 Timothy 3:17]
Who cares what the world thinks? Who cares what anyone thinks? Not in a negative, whatever attitude, but in a sold-out, living for God at all costs, please Him attitude.
Live THERE. Read the WORD and live THERE.
LOVE YOU DEAR! May the LORD bless you as you walk in Him, learning and being teachable to Him.
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[...] am sure you have read Jocelyn’s controversial post on Decoding The Proverbs 31 Woman. I revisited it today, and I could not believe I had not left a comment on it. I guess we discuss [...]
Wow, I enjoyed reading your post. I ran across it a week ago, but did not have time to read so I wanted to come back when I had time. I also read you posts on Make-up, I will say that I mostly go natural, but my husband prefers make-up when we go out. I am glad I made it back, it was a very good read, and you did an awesome job. I do want to share what I tell others though, I do have a career, it is my family, in fact I could not pay someone to replace me. I figure with all the jobs I do I am worth about $75-$100 an hour. That response usually quiets any “feminists” down quickly. Again great job, I will be meditating on this for awhile.
Valerie Neal
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This is wonderful! I will be posting the link to this on my blog’s sidebar. :)
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Oh, Jocelyn!
This is exciting to read! I just finished teaching Proverbs 31 to our teen girl’s class and although my interpretation wasn’t word for word the same as yours, our conclusions to these verses are almost frighteningly alike!
One particular issue of debate was that some ladies use this view as a defense to work outside the home. I said to them almost the same exact thing as you did, even though I just read your article for the first time.
Also, some women sadly view these verses as if it were a “to do” list instead of looking at it in light of character qualities that she possessed. Because they view it this way, many of them get defensive and proclaim that “they could never measure up!”
If any woman feels this way even after reading your verse by verse interpretation, I would encourage them to remember that it is Christ that works in us for His own good pleasure and that as long as we are remaining in the Vine, then being a virtuous woman will not be reduced to a stressful to do list but rather a joyful life dedicated to serving our Lord Jesus Christ!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Welcome! =-.
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Your writing & knowledge & wisdom are quite impressive. It is clear that God cares less about our number of years on earth & more about our willingness to be used by Him. You are the embodiment of I Timothy 4:12. I truly believe that if we read the Bible, God will increase our knowledge, wisdom, & speaking/writing abilities even if it is on topics not necessarily covered in the Bible (like biology, current events, etc… I know the Bible covers how to approach these topics but not always the specific issues). I have found this occurring in my own life. When I got into daily reading my Bible, I found that I was able to express myself through words better. All of a sudden the perfect word was there. I remember reading in “Mere Christianity” CS Lewis talk about this exact thing but for the life of me, I cannot find that quote right now.
I loved what you had to say about men giving women their strength. I had never thought of it that way. Our culture had completely emasculated men & with that, God. God has become this loving being that would never hurt a fly. While He is unbelievably loving, He is also jealous & His wrath has no comparison. While I don’t think we should preach “fire & brimstone” all the time, I do feel that today’s church & the culture it has given birth too has little respect for God & even less knowledge of who & what He truly is.
I pray that I am one day able to be a stay-at-home wife/mother but for now, I must work. This was not always the case. I wanted to be in the workforce or rich enough that I could lay around & not do anything & I was pretty sure I didn’t want children. Then, about 6months ago, out of the blue, I started having a growing desire to be a homemaker & even home school my children one day. I’m not sure where God is going with this but I am a completely different person than I was 5 yrs ago. I must work right now because I have no husband & my parents (wonderful as they are, are somewhat feministic) would not be willing to support me unless I was incapable of working. I agreed with you post about being a homemaker being the ideal but not always realistic in our fallen world. Great post. I will be taking one of those graphics tags for my blog. Thanks.
.-= Kristy´s last blog ..Homeschooled 10-yr old ordered to attend public school for being "too religious." =-.
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I LOVED what you wrote:
My life is very realistic and I have known many in difficult situations. I know sometimes there is no other option for the woman than to work. I also know that it is the Church’s place (James 1:26-27) to care for the orphans and widows, but they do not and this causes women to have to provide for themselves.
this spoke volumes to the love of God poured forth in and flowing out of it!!
I thank God He has placed such a desire within me to strive to be a Proverbs 31 Woman! I just love her example.
I’ve been blessed to be a stay at home mom.I run a home daycare business from my home (caring for the wee one’s whose mothers are in a place where they have no options, AND for others that have no desire to stay home, sigh). God calls me to love these wee ones, nuture them and build them up on a firm foundation on Christ Jesus. Some of these children ONLY know about Jesus’ love for them because of attending my daycare, since they do not receive any of His teachings at home.
It is TOTALLY God’s doing that I desire to make my house a home, finding content in washing the toilets, folding the clothes, preparing meals.
thank you so much for the ’sharpening’ Proverbs 27:17!!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..IT’S NOT ABOUT ME =-.
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How wonderful women are turning to God’s Word for definition….you are young and so wise….my respect to you for researching in this way…a Greek Septuagint word by word sometimes is helpful….blessings to all of you women who love the Lord and your family so much!!
.-= Judee Dufresne´s last blog ..Daniel 2:20-23 =-.
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Hi MJ, i grabbed one of your tags:)
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Praise God! I was greatly encouraged this morning. Grabbed an Image!
JOYfully in Him,
Kelli
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Well, I’m off to go quit my job, pop out a few babies, and call it a day’s work!
Sarcasm is a wonderful thing.
Now onto my own notes:
Can you honestly believe all of this? I am sixteen and I guess I’ve been graced with a mind of a sinner (or a man) because I honestly think you are crazy. Sure all of that would have been fine back during the culture where the bible was written. Today, however, we would see a completely different culture entirely. First, there would be a lack of education, a lack of medical help, a lack of prison reform, and slavery. Strong, feminist women formed the way for all those things to happen (ref. Seneca Falls Convention).
Now to my last note about the bible. The bible was formed off of many different parts, most pieces were not put in because the pope thought that it shouldn’t be there. The bible is basically a sham made by the leaders in our history to control the people. The whole reason the Anglican church was formed was because Henry the 8th wanted to divorce his wife.
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Miss Jocelyn Tzahala's Reply:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:51 am
Sarcasm, yes, it is a great way to puff yourself up and put people down but I am not going to stoop to your level. You’re welcome to think and believe any way you want to, and so am I and I will. I am posting this here on my own blog for those who want to read it. If this site or any of the content offends you you’re welcome to close the window.
Seeing how I’ve had many opposing views sent to me via comments and emails I am not unaware of the ‘advantages’ many people believe they have because of women-in-the-workplace. Yes, indeed we would have a completely different culture.
I can agree with you partly about the Scriptures and leaders in history. The Scriptures have been corrupted and mainly for personal gain. History for me is a hobby, and 1500-1600 happens to me one of my favourite eras to study, more specifically the line of Tudors. So I know exactly what you mean by “The whole reason the Anglican church was formed was because Henry the 8th wanted to divorce his wife” remark. Fortunately I’m not apart of any said religion, catholic or anglican or christian, and do not adhere to their ’shams’.
Though not too much younger then myself you will start to gain a better perspective of things in the next few years, and I hope that you will be a little more open to things that are opposing to your personal beliefs (the best way to counter something is to study and understand as best you can) and to learn to be a little more pleasant.
Shalom.
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