The Strand Study Bible

PROVERBS PROVERBS understands the importance of being able to expend her energies, for being willing and being able are two different things. Thus, the virtuous woman exercises physically ( She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms ) so she can perform spiritually. The virtuous person understands the importance of feeling well, for if you don’t feel well, you don’t work well. Those willing to work must be able to work. The virtuous person understands this and exercises physically so he can function spiritually, for work is a biblical principle; it’s spiritual. In fact, according to the Bible, work is a “must” (Jn 9:1-4). Work, according to Genesis 2:15, is the will of God for our life. Compass GML notes: As believers, we are called to stay fit as long as we can in order to work, so we can keep on giving to others. Again, if we don’t feel well, we won’t work well. And if we don’t work well, we can’t give well; for giving should be the reason behind why we work (Eph 4:28). Work was meant to be a spiritual thing, not a self-centered thing where the more we work the more WE have. NOTE – For those who choose to exercise for the wrong reasons, the Apostle Paul has a warning. I Timothy 4:8 says: For bodily exercise profitable little ; but godliness is profitable unto all things… Question: Do you work so you can give more or do you work so you can gain more? Fix your view of might (why you work) and you will become “priceless” (virtuous; something that will not be sold because it cannot be sold). 8. Working your money, instead of working for money (vs 18) The virtuous woman studies currency ( She perceiveth that her merchandise is good ). She “perceives” that her investments are good. Whereas a lot of women seek money, the virtuous woman studies it. Thus, she loves to work in order to make money in order to solve the problems of others (I Sam 25:1-35). The virtuous person understands that money is simply a tool, and tools are meant to make your life easier, not harder. Like tools, money shouldn’t work you; it should work for you (Mt 17:24-27). NOTE – The study of money is no small matter. Whereas a lot of people hoard money, the virtuous person generates it, for he understands that money is merely a reward for solving problems. Question: Do you work for money or does money work for you? Fix your view of money (how it works) and you will become “priceless” (virtuous; something that will not be sold because it cannot be sold). 9. Working to make others look good, instead of yourself (vs 19) The virtuous woman cares about the look and the success of others ( She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff ). Thus, tools matter to her. So does using them. Possessing a sewing machine doesn’t mean possessing the where- with-all to use it. The virtuous woman learns to use every tool available to her in order that others around her might succeed (Ruth 2:1-11 & 3:7-11). The virtuous woman: *learns how to use a wrench in order to fix a bike so her child can continue to play and get some exercise. *learns how to use a lawnmower in order to cut the grass so her husband doesn’t have to do it after a hard day at work. *learns how to use a tire iron in order to fix a flat so she doesn’t have to call a tow truck and cost her family more money. *learns how to balance a checkbook in order not to write bad checks so her family name doesn’t get ruined. *learns how to use a flyswatter in order to squash a spider so her husband doesn’t have to come home from work early just to kill it. *learns how to use a gun in order to protect her household so her family can feel safe at home. *learns how to work a second job in order to have extra money so her family doesn’t have to do without. *learns how to use a computer in order to access information and pay bills so her family can benefit. She is a woman of virtue; her tools speak for her. The reason she learns how to use them is so others will look good. The virtuous person expends his energies learning to use every tool available to him in order that others around him might succeed. The virtuous person: *learns how to use a vacuum cleaner in order to clean the carpet so his wife looks good when company arrives. *learns how to use a dishwasher in order to clear the sink so his wife doesn’t have to look at dirty dishes. *learns how to use power tools in order to build a fence, a railing, or a playhouse so his children can have somewhere to play safely. *learns how to turn a ratchet in order fix a toilet so he doesn’t have to hire someone else to do it and it cost his family more money. *learns to use a stud finder in order locate a stud within a wall so his wife can hang a picture that she enjoys. He is a virtuous person; his tools speak for him. The reason he learns how to use them is so others will look good. Thus, he is concerned with the success of others and how they are viewed. NOTE – Sadly, there are a variety of tools within every household that never get used; they simply sit and collect dust. Why? Because the user refuses to learn to use them in order that others might succeed around him. Question: Do you care how others are perceived, including your boss at work? Question: Do you work to look good or do you work to make others look good? Fix your view of might (why you work) and you will become “priceless” (virtuous; something that will not be sold because it cannot be sold). 998 The concept of reaching a point in life where you sit back and do nothing is not supported by Scripture – quite the contrary. God expects you to work all the days of your life (Gen 3:17). As you grow older, you may change your life emphasis (i.e., do less physical work), but nowhere are you encouraged to stop work altogether. 4