October 8, 2017 (Proverbs 31:30)

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Prov 31:30). I believe it fair to suggest that today’s culture in America places emphasis on appearance near if not at the top of all traits for a rather large part of the population. It is a characteristic borne of the opposite of that which is of primary importance to God, i.e. fear of man rather than a reverent fear of God. Far more commonplace are those, male as well as female, whose daily decisions and goals in life are to find both acceptance and approval in the eyes of others. And there are few things that are cause for rejection and depression producing a variety of mental and physical afflictions as not receiving desired recognition and compliments for one’s actions. But as the apostle Paul said regarding himself, “Am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). A follower of Jesus Christ always holds pleasing his Savior and the Father in heaven through obedience to the revealed will of God in highest regard. It is not that all the traits described in Proverbs 31 for a wife of noble character are required to be fulfilled by any one wife or mother. They simply emphasize that being responsible for the many duties and challenges which apply to a faithful wife and mother are pleasing in the sight of God and deserving of commendation both in heaven and on earth.