October 31 – Proverbs 31:25-28

Although she clothes her family in scarlet (Vs.21), and herself in tapestry and silk (Vs.22), it is her character (strength, honor) that is considered her true adorning. She is not shallow, and when she speaks it is with wisdom. Her achievements have not made her proud, so when she speaks to those less accomplished, she does so with kindness. Considering her accomplishments in business, she would have been considered a very modern woman by the standards of the day, and yet unlike the liberated women of our day, she did not neglect her home. Her reputation does not come from what she claims it to be (most people can talk a better life than they can live), but her testimony is from those who know her best. First, the Lord who puts her forward in this great Book defines virtue through her. Next, our flaws are witnessed by our family who see us at our worst, and her family has only good things to say. What do God and those close to us have to say about us?