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 31:23-24 (KJV):
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Proverbs 31:23-24 (AMP):
23 Her husband is known in the (city's) gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles (or sashes that free one up for service).

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses from Proverbs continue to describe the many things the virtuous woman does, and because she is such a righteous woman, her husband is also well-known among the elders in the community. There is an old adage that says, "Behind every successful man is a successful woman."  This is true, because according to scripture when a man and woman marry, they become one flesh according to Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5:31-33:
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

A virtuous woman will be a crown to her husband, and by the way she lives, will bring honor to him. How sad it is when a woman disgraces her husband and family.  And how wonderful it is when a woman's life is admired by others because she is such a good person, thus bringing the family honor.

Proverbs 12:4:  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 31:23 mentions that the virtuous woman's husband is known in the "gates" where he sits with the elders of the land. What does this mean?  In Biblical times, the gates of the city was the place where the elders who presided over the affairs of the city would meet, much like our city counsels today. Many towns were built with fences around them to keep out enemies and the gates to those cities were closed at night so there would be no open doors to intruders. Next to the gates of the city, there was usually a high tower, which was not only used as a watch tower, to spot any enemies approaching, but also a place where the elders met.  If this man was known in the city's "gates," then he was a man of influence and recognition, just as the virtuous woman was.

In verse 24, the virtuous woman is spoken of as making and selling fine linen and also girdles (or sashes) to the merchants.  She apparently had good marketing skills, as she was able to present her product to the merchants as a wholesaler, while they in turn sold them at market. This was another way she made money for her family. We also see, once again, a spiritual type of "linen" representing salvation. This would mean she shared her faith in the market place.

She also sold girdles. The girdle was an important piece of clothing in Biblical days, as it was used in two primary ways.  Because it was customary for both men and women to wear long dresses and robes, should they need to work or run, they needed to tuck up their loose garments in the girdle.  This was done by wrapping the long sash (girdle) around their waists very tightly and then pulling their garments through their legs and tucking them in the girdle.  This is where the expression "girding up one's loins" came from.  The girdle was also associated with strength, as wrapping it around the loins and back supported that area, much like our back supports today.

In the New Testament, when we are told to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the tricks of the devil, part of that preparation is to "gird up our loins" with the truth. The truth is found in the Word of God, so when we embrace and walk in truth, we will have victory over the devil, if we also walk in righteousness, peace and faith.

Ephesians 6:13-17:
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my husband, and may I always bring honor to him and to You, by living my life in a godly manner. Lord, may I do the things in the natural to care for my husband and family, and more importantly, may I attend to the spiritual things that will cause all of my family to know the plan of salvation and the Word of God. May I be mindful to put on the armor of God, so that I will be protected from the attacks of the devil, so that I will remain steadfast in the cause of Christ. I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.