Action!

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

PROVERBS 31:10 INTRODUCES a poem explaining a woman of noble character.

I have italicized the verbs in the passage. Notice how many there are:

• She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
• She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
• She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
• She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
• 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. . . .
• She holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
• She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. . . .
• She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. . . .
• She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
• She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
• She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
• She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:12-20, 22, 24-27, NIV)

Do you notice a common thread? She’s in action! Proverbs 31:28-29 is the result, and you’re sure to want to be honored and have your kids call you blessed. But remember how she got there—she had an action plan. She’s performing multiple tasks at home, at work, and in the community and is combining those with the responsibilities of parenting and character building. It is biblical to make those to-do lists! Are you in neutral gear in one area of life (home, work, service, church, parenting, etc.)? Select the weak link, and write a goal that will move you into action to make progress in that area.