Practicing The Principle
A while back I noticed how much everyone loved the term “Proverbs 31 woman”. It’s everywhere. Every twitter and Instagram bio (I’ve been guilty lol) Facebook statuses, shirts, videos, website names, sisterhood groups and more. Everyone, rightfully so, loves the idea of being a Proverbs 31 woman of God. I mean why not? She’s in many women’s eyes as the perfect, virtuous woman that we all would like to be. I’ve also heard that in the same note, she’s impossible to measure up to. Then one day I was reading Proverbs and when I got to the 31st chapter it hit me: If we would just practice chapters 1-30 we would be a Proverbs 31 woman!
"Maturity is the ability to apply the basic things consistently." -Jamal Miller
The lessons taught in the various chapters are full of wisdom, full of prudent behavior that prevents folly, and full of instruction that breeds integrity. I felt like the Lord was telling me that we focus so much on the idea of being Proverbs 31, that we miss the wisdom and life application in the 1st 30 chapters. Sometimes we want to just be the final product when really the glory is in the simple measures that get us there. A wise man once said,"Maturity is the ability to apply the basic things consistently." After that revelation it all started to make sense. I began to be even more interested in the full book not just the ending that we commonly rush to. Why stay focused on proverbs 31, when I can just practice the principles instead.
We aren’t human doings, we’re human beings. We don’t do Christianity, we are that. –Pastor Brian M. Williams
In order to be trustworthy, I pursue that by not betraying a trust. (Proverbs 11:13)
If I make it my aim to love at all times, I won’t become a contentious woman. (Prov 17:17)
If I desire to work and work hard in diligence, I won’t be a lazy woman. (Prov 10:4)
If I honor God in helping others, I won't oppress them. (Prov 14:31)
If I have wisdom, I don’t give way to folly…. (Prov 4:6)
Making sense now?
The Proverbs 31 Reality: Fix Your Focus
It all falls into the practice of these biblical principles. Applying what I read to my life so that my foundation is not faulty, but steadfast. I actually want to be virtuous and not act virtuous. So it’s my intention to focus on the other 30 chapters, and then only will I be the full piece. If I’m that woman, then virtue is a byproduct. Only that woman has much to offer others because she practices the principle…and so will I.
Until next time,
Jess