Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

Proverbs 31:19-20 (KJV):
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:19-20 (AMP):
19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy (whether in body, mind or spirit).

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses from Proverbs continue to describe how the virtuous woman works with her own hands and reaches out to the poor and ministers to them with a portion of the fruits of her labor. In verse 19, we see that part of the work that she does is spinning and weaving, as the spindle (rod) and distaff (staff) were used to wind either wool or flax on them. Using this "rod" and "staff," she was able to create the threads that would be used to weave clothing.

In Psalm 23, we find another "rod" and "staff" mentioned that brings comfort to the shepherd's sheep. Although this was a different kind of rod and staff, the shepherd used them to  protect and guide the sheep, and retrieve them when they got into dangerous places; they still were important tools that brought comfort. The clothing that this woman made for her family also brought comfort by keeping them warm.

Psalm 23:1-6:
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This wonderful Psalm has brought comfort to countless people over the centuries. It is a picture of our Lord as a shepherd caring for His sheep; and we, as His people, can identify with the sheep.  The shepherd takes care of all the needs of the sheep, so that they lack nothing. He causes them to lie down and rest in beautiful green pastures where they can graze. He then leads them to a place where they can drink in "still water,"  as opposed to swift running water where they could be in danger of drowning, if they got caught in the currents.  Since sheep can have heavy coats of wool on them, they would not be able to swim in swift water and it would be death for them. 

The Lord restores our soul, as He causes us to lie down, as the shepherd does his sheep. He also leads us in paths of righteousness, as He knows there is safety in those paths.  Even when we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is there with us, so that we do not fear any evil. Notice that we do not walk in the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death. A shadow cannot harm us, although it could look ominous to us.

The Lord will also prepare a table for us to eat, even in the presence of our enemies.  When our enemy, the devil, tries to tell us that God is nowhere in sight and will not be able to help us, the Lord is right there with food and guidance for our soul, to lead us through the battles and trials that face us. He will give us such a wonderful victory that our cup will run over when we stay close to the Shepherd. He will anoint us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we are able to triumph in all things. His goodness and His mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.  I asked the Lord one time why goodness and mercy "followed us," instead of going before us.  He spoke to my heart that "goodness and mercy" were behind us to catch us when we fall down.  He is there to catch us and lift us back up, so we can continue on the path of the Lord.  We are promised that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Verse 19 in today's study tells us that the virtuous woman is also a woman of compassion. She reaches out to those who are poor and needy and helps them in many ways.  This woman not only gives of her money and goods, but she also gives of herself.  Sometimes giving money is easier than the giving of our time and energy to help others. This woman was a giver, so she gave in every way. This is one reason she was so blessed, as those who give to the poor are promised a special blessing. When we celebrate our Lord's birth at Christmas each year, one of the main things Christians do is reach out and feed and give to the poor.  There is more joy in this, than just giving gifts to our family members. Giving to the cause of Christ is the best gift we can give anyone.

Luke 6:38: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the account of the Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible. Lord, may we all be inspired by her virtue and love.  Lord, may we be givers like she was. May we reach out not only to the poor and needy, but to all those who You lead us to help.  Strengthen me to not only give of my money, but also to give of myself.  May I share my faith, my love, and my time with those who need encouragement and help.  Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and not to just walk by when someone needs the help that I could give them.  I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.