" ... women should adorn themselves...with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." I Timothy 2:9,10
Girls & women who profess godliness should be rich in good works. Their lives should not be filled with frivolity & vain amusements. We must encourage them to be adorned by kindly, helpful deeds. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" Proverbs 31:30 The noble woman of Proverbs 31 is a person of great character. She is not known for her fanciful style of dress but rather for her VIRTUES, which will always include good deeds.
Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful. These are not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for professors of godliness, are good works. ~ Matthew Henry
"Their adorning is to be effected by means of good works... Works...is their province (1Ti 2:8, 11, 12; 1Pe 3:1). Works are often mentioned... in order to oppose the loose living, combined with the loose doctrine..." ~ Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What picture does the Bible paint of a virtuous woman? Here are some virtues of a godly woman gleaned from Proverbs 31. She is:
1. industrious (according to Pro 31:15 the godly woman rises early & works long & hard, til after dark, vs 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness)
2. eagerness to serve (Pro 31:13 'She...works with eager hands')
3. physical strength (Pro 31:17 'She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks)
4. desirous to help those less fortunate (vs 20: "She opens her arms to the poor & extends her hands to the needy")
5. places utmost confidence in God's sovereignty & provision (she is not fearful, but trusting, vs 21 'she has no fear for her household..are clothed in scarlet', vs 25 'She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.')
6. dignified (vs 25 'She is clothed with ...dignity')
7. wise (vs 26 'She speaks with wisdom, & faithful instruction is on her tongue')
8. faithful, vigorous homemaker (vs 27 'She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness')
9. if she is married, she is a good wife (vs 11-12: 'Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.)
10. a woman who fears the Lord (rather than being vain, flirtatious & seeking to be viewed as charming to men & others of the world, she fears & reverences the opinion of God rather than men. vs 30; 'Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.')
Proverbs 31:31 speaks of the joyful inheritance for the godly girl & woman. She will eventually be rewarded for her good works! 'Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.'
This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her.
1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good.
2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not.
3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter.
4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her.
5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully.
6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world.
7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever.
8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described. ~ Matthew Henry
May we seek the Lord's grace & help as we all strive to be the picture of a godly woman, adorning ourselves with good deeds and practicing virtue, to the glory of God & to good of our family & neighbors. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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A gospel worth believing
is a gospel worth sharing.
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