Laugh at the Future
The woman in Proverbs 31 really had it all together. I don't know how. But she worked hard, had wealth, and managed a home and a business. She had everything in so much order that verse 25 says she laughs at the future. She certainly was not afraid of what was to come.
I admit I wish I knew what God's plans are for my life, like if I had a book of directions, it would make things easier. I forget that is what the Bible is. We are not supposed to live with fear. God gives us peace. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I just need to trust in God's plans and obey what He tells me to do. Thankfully, I do not have to have it all together to laugh at the future. God sits in heaven and laughs at my enemies, which means He has defeated them. They cannot hurt me. They will try, but God will fight for me and make a way for me.
According to google, dignity is defined as the inherent worth and the right of a person to be valued, respected, and treated ethically. It applies on two levels: personal dignity (how you value, respect, and carry yourself) and human/moral dignity (the universal right to respectful treatment regardless of status.
God values us. Our worth comes from God, and no man can take that away. I know what it is like to feel unworthy. I have learned that God loves me just the way I am. He has given me a purpose and everything I need to fulfill it, and my life matters. I have been made in the image of God. We all are. We cannot strive to live on our own; we all need God. Having our identity in Christ matters so much.
Even though this Proverbs 31 woman had a lot of achievements, her worth did not come from them. Worth comes from what Jesus accomplished by the finished work of the cross.
According to Google, strength is the capacity to exert physical, mental, or moral power. It encompasses the ability to resist force, endure strain, and overcome adversity. It also refers to inherent assets, like skills or features, and the potency or intensity of a substance, like medicine or light.
The more we overcome and endure, the more we trust God to take care of us. We know God has it, so we do not have to fear. The woman of Proverbs 31 had power and definitely had skills. She had security.
So laugh. Just laugh at all of it. Don't let life get you down.
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Psalm 37:37Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.
Proverbs 23:18There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Present Suffering and Future Glory
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
