Are Looks Everything? Pt. 2

Are Looks Everything?

Pt.2

Last week’s article was on appearance. This week we will talk about the gentle and quiet spirit and how we should act.

Proverbs 31:10-31 says,

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV, Proverbs 31:10-31)

Wow. Let’s break this down so we can understand it more clearly. All of us can learn to have the beautiful character described here. This is the gentle and quiet spirit.

First, noble character. What is that? Well I read in a book that,

“What harm is wrought in the family circle by the utterance of impatient words; for the impatient utterance of one leads another to retort in the same spirit and manner. Then come words of retaliation, words of self-justification, and it is by such words that a heavy, galling yoke is manufactured for your neck; for all these bitter words will come back in a baleful harvest to your soul. Those who indulge in such language will experience shame, loss of self-respect, loss of self-confidence, and will have bitter remorse and regret that they allowed themselves to lose self-control and speak in this way. How much better would it be if words of this character were never spoken. How much better to have the oil of grace in the heart, to be able to pass by all provocation, and bear all things with Christlike meekness and forbearance.”(Messages to Young people, p. 327)

Again, “Those who would truly follow Christ must let Him abide in the heart, and enthrone Him there as supreme. They must represent His spirit and character in their home life, and show courtesy and kindness to those with whom they come in contact.” (Messages to Young People, p. 331.

Also, “When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God.”(Messages to Young People, p. 339)

Her worth is far more than rubies. We want to have a good character, which is worth far more than rubies! I guess that value can’t be beat! But wait.There is more.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. This means we should always be kind to others, not just our husbands, and this includes parents, children, friends, and siblings. All are blessed because of her presence.

Next, she works with eager hands and is willing and helpful. She works happily and thoroughly. Even now it is important for all of us to look for ways to help. We call this initiative. We are willing to help and actually look for things to do to bless others.

She provides food for her family. We should learn how to cook healthy food; and here are links to some of our favorites.

Next, she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. So, we should not lazily or listlessly do tasks. We must use our skills, and do chores vigorously and perfectly.

This very special woman opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Ok, so this does not not mean we always have to wear fine purple linen, or red when it snows. This means that no matter what, the woman clothes her family in appropriate clothing for the season and occasion. And we are generous to feed and dress people who need it.

She can laugh at the days to come. This means we should not be worried about the future. Jesus said that too: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Mt 6:33, 34, KJV.)

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. The family is so appreciative of everything this wonderful woman does. They praise her diligence. This means we should practice always knowing what we are talking about, and we should not be lazy.

These thoughts are the real “gentle and quiet spirit.” We see that looks and clothes have very little to do with having a beautiful character.

This concludes this two-part series on “Are Looks Everything?”-Lynnie