Being Women of Influence

She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20 NKJV

Think about hands for a moment. So many things come from hands: a warm hello in a handshake, an encouraging pat on the back, help carrying items, build things, write letters, to communicate, pushing a child on a swing, walking a dog, watering the grass, washing the dishes, paying bills, cooking dinner, sewing, crafting, wiping away a tear-streaked cheek, etc. Just imagine all this woman’s hands have created: cooked wonderful meals, spun thread and yarn, made clothing, planted a vineyard, and done good things. Now, we see this woman is reaching out to help others outside of her immediate family.

She uses her gifts, talents and abilities to meet the needs of the poor. No doubt she provides food and clothing. She probably spends time with the needy as well. Envision her sitting next to a down-and-out sister, reaching her arm around them sharing the love of God with them.

Yes our hands show we care. They can be healing agents of love, grace and kindness. They can extend help, care and encouragement. Just as our hands can be used for good, they can also be used for evil. Hands can be used to withhold love or not used at all. Hands can be critical pointing out flaws. We all have a choice on how we choose to use our hands. How are you using your hands today?

Lord thank you for blessing us with hands. Use them to bless others in our life today. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21 NKJV

My family loves to go skiing. As you can imagine my job is to pack everything we will need for the trip. I take this responsibility seriously for it’s a long way from home and I don’t want to be caught without something we need. I take my time planning out what each person will wear each day of the trip. I even factor in the “snow play” days where we might need an extra change of clothes for our 3 year old. Why spend all this time planning? For the peace of mind it brings. The point of this personal story is rest. My work is thorough so I can rest assured all is taken care of which brings me peace of mind.

The same is true for Proverbs 31 woman. She cares for her household’s clothing needs. She doesn’t worry about the weather, for she has made them enough clothes to keep them warm. As she is diligent with her responsibilities she can rest as well. She has thought through everything and is prepared for anything. That brings her peace of mind.

How about you? Do you fret over what could happen? Or do you plan for it to happen and prepare for it?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the righteous robe you have given each of us. Due to your sacrifice for us we are able to stand before Father God with our heads held high covered by your righteousness. Thank you for loving us enough to die for us so we might live for you. Enable us to plan for the future and rest in your love. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:22 NKJV

Even with all she does for others she manages to entreat herself with fine clothing. By dressing nicely she not only cares for herself but also her husband. As a married woman she knows she is an extension of her husband, so how she looks reflects on him. Looking great also affects the husband is positive loving ways. Are you someone your husband can be proud of and want to show off? When we dress nicely and care for our bodies we give a gift of love to our husbands.

Focus on our self is not necessarily wrong when tempered with serving others. We need a healthy balance between self and others. If we focus too much on self, we loose the godly balance. A little shopping for nice things is okay, but when one shopping spree towards into two or three or more, you might want pull back the reins! Excess in one area can cause problems in other area. Spending too much time and money on self not only makes one selfish, but causes financial and relational problems in your marriage.

In looking at Proverbs 31 woman we read eleven other verses about her caring for others before this one was mentioned. That should give us some indication of the proper priority we should place on our self. Only after others are served due we then tend to our needs.

Lord, help us to recognize the gift we can give our husbands. Enable us to love him as he would want to be loved. Equip us with sense of responsibility so we will be good stewards of all you have given us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31:23 NKJV

You have probably heard the saying “Behind every good man is a good woman”, well I happen to think that came from this verse. Here we see the Proverbs 31 woman’s husband is well known, probably successful too.

In this verse, we see the result of Proverbs 31 woman’s previous good deeds. Let’s look back to verse 11 and 12: “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” God has given woman certain gifts to help her husband. This woman apparently has used her gifts correctly, for her husband benefits.

Remember the original purpose of woman from Genesis was to be the man’s helpmeet, a companion suitable to him who helps him. When our gifts are used properly they will always build up our man and our family.

How does a man need our help? There might be many ways but let me share one from my own life. For example, it used to drive me crazy how my husband and son were always misplacing things like wallet, keys, glasses, phone, shoes, etc. But you know what? I always knew where to look for them. Once I realized this talent of finding things was actually a gift for helping my family life ran much smoother. Now, I embrace what used to make me crazy. It’s kind of fun being the one others depend on to help them stay organized.

However, it is possible to misuse our gifts. So as you help, do it with a humble heart. Be sincere with your help. Do not grumble about their problem with loosing things, but cheerfully do good instead. For the Bible says “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (Philippians 2:13-15).

Lord, thank you for gifts to help us help our families. Teach us to embrace the opportunities to use our gifts for your glory. In Jesus’ name Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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She makes linen garments and sells them , and supplies sashes for the merchants. Proverbs 31:24 NKJV

This woman is an entrepreneur. She not only makes and sells linen garments, but she also distributes her items to other merchants to sell. She creates a brand for herself through items she sells herself. She helps others merchants develop their business by supplying sashes for them to sell. She is known by individuals who buy her garments. She is also known by other business owners.

She is wise not to burn herself out providing full garments to both individuals and merchants. She focuses her efforts. Full garments take more material, time, and effort on her part to make, so she sells these items herself. Also thinking of the community and the merchants, she creates needed sashes. These items take much less material, time, and effort but are still a value to merchants.

She possesses a keen business sense. There is more margin in selling a sash because the cost is low to produce one. Likewise, the full garments have lower margin, so she sells them herself to maximize her profits. She pursues both what she enjoys to do and that which will generate an income. She is wise with her abilities, time and resources.

Lord Jesus, help us to be wise with all you have given us. Teach us to benefit others and provide for our families too. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:25 NKJV

Why didn’t the write say “strength and honor are hers”? Why did he add “clothing”? There are at least two reasons which come to mind as we meditate on this verse.

1. Clothing is a cover. We use it to cover our bodies. It protects our fragile bodies from elements like sun, wind, rain, and snow. Without our clothing we would wither burn terribly from the scorning sun or freeze in the wind, rain or snow.

2. Clothing is something we decide to put on. It won’t just fly up and cover us. No, it requires us to select the appropriate garment for the season we’re in. In summer time, shorts and halter top may be all we need. While in winter time multiple layers like thermal underwear, pants, shirt, sweater, and out jacket may be needed. Most of us in America are fortunate to have a choice of clothing. We may have several items to select from and it’s our choice what we wear.

In our spiritual life, it is the same way. When we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, He clothes us with His righteousness as a covering. Only Jesus’ righteousness can protect us from judgment to com and the temptations of sin. In order to receive the benefits of Christ’s righteousness we first must choose His way instead of our own. When we do will rejoice in time to come just as Proverbs 31 woman did.

Lord Jesus, only your righteousness counts for anything in the heavenly relm. Help us accept you as our Lord and Savior that we might be clothed in your righteousness and able to stand before Father God one day. Thank you for your sacrifice to cleanse us from all our sin. In your precious name we pray Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 NKJV

Knowing when to speak is a sign of wisdom. For even a fool can appear wise by keeping their mouth shut (Proverbs 17:28). How many times have you wished you could take back something you said? We all have said things we wished later we hadn’t. Just imagine what it would be like speaking wisdom every time you opened your mouth. We have much to learn, don’t we?

There is much said in the Bible about the tongue. Such a small body part and yet containing power to build up or tear down. Proverbs 14:1 NKJV says “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” Oh how often the tongue is used for evil, speaking one moment praises to God and the next cursing man made in the image of God.

The apostle James compared this oxymoron to a spring, fig and olive tree, as well as a grapevine. James 3:11-12 NKJV says “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” The same applies to us, the children of God. Should good and evil come from our mouth? The answer is a resounding no.

Therefore it is a wise Christian who has tamed the tongue by allowing God’s word to renew their mind (Romans 12:2). How about you? As you examine your own words, what to you find? Is your mouth ruled by law of kindness?

Lord, thank you for your truth and your Spirit to carry out truth in our lives. Help us to desire you more with each passing day so your good work in us will continue. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NKJV

What we focus on has great significance. If we strive for outward appearances to be perfect, we are sorely disappointed. For our hair may lay perfectly one day and not the next. Our faces may be flawless one day but blemished or wrinkled the next. New clothes are nice but they eventually fall out of style or wear out. Nothing external is permanent. It is all temporary, fading, and passing away.

But there is something that lasts. It is our very soul within. When our sole is connected rightly with God we shine. As we conduct our lives according to His will for us we are renewed inwardly by His Spirit. We are transformed into His likeness and as a result are pleasing to God.

The apostle Paul said there are some benefits to physical exercise but the real and lasting benefits come from spiritual growth. Are you focused on outward appearances or inner beauty found in a quiet and gentle spirit?

Lord help us to focus on the things that truly matter, a quiet and gentle spirit. Keep us from the temptation to strive for perfection on the outside. For your word tells us you do not look at the outward appearance but you look at the heart. May our hearts be holy and pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31 NKJV

Those who work deserve their pay. Proverbs 31 Woman is a wonderful example of a dedicated, responsible and loving woman. This verse describes her due.

She worked willingly and now deserves the fruit of her labor. Her works were done to benefit others, not to gather glory to her self. Therefore, praises come from her very work it self.

So remember, if you haven’t yet experienced the fruit or praise from labor done in obedience to God’s will, be patient. It will happen as surely as the sun will rise again tomorrow. Continue doing what’s right without growing weary for at the appropriate time you will reap a harvest.

Lord, help us not focus on the reward itself for doing good, but rather doing good out of love for You. May we continue in your ways all the days of our lives so your purposes will be carried out in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29 NKJV

Following the Lord’s leading will have its consequences. Here we see Proverbs 31 Woman receiving praise from her husband. Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV says “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” This woman knew how to do just that.

If our aim is to please God, we find favor with God and as an added bonus we also receive favor from man. The priority must be God and His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), and then all these other things will be added. Confusing these by aiming to please man first will result in much disappointment, bitterness, resentment, anger and discouragement. Therefore, if you are experiencing these side affects you may want to revisit your priorities through prayer.

Father God above, forgive me for loosing my focus on You. Help me regain the balance of being rightly related to You and man. Enable me to seek Your will first. Break the people-pleasing tendency by helping me focus on pleasing You alone. Jesus said in Matthew 11-28:30 NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Help me bring my burdens to You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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