She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Verse 22 of Proverbs 31 discusses the sense of self worth of a virtuous wife. She thinks enough of herself to enjoy the luxuries her hard work makes possible for her.
Self worth is an area I have struggled with for years.... since childhood. In the past, I have needed the approval of others. This is a dangerous road to be on. If you are dependent upon others for approval, you are likely to do things that are not lovely in the sight of God. A lesson I have finally learned, although have to remind myself of daily, is this...
Our worth is NOT measured by what others think or say of us. Our worth comes from God. We need to know what He says about us.
So what does God say about us? If you are a child of God, here is a partial list of what God has to say:
* I am loved. 1 John 3:1
* I am accepted. Ephesians 1:6
* I am a child of God. John 1:12
* I am Jesus' friend. John 15:14
* I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him. Romans 8:17
* I am a temple of God. His spirit and His life live in me. 1 Corinthians 6:19
* I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
* I am redeemed and forgiven. Colossians 2:10
* I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1
* I am a new creation because I am in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
* I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12
* I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
* I am God's co-worker. 2 Corinthians 6:1
* I have direct access to God. Ephesians 2:18
* I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God. 2 Peter 1:4
* I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need. James 1:5
When you are struggling with self-worth, choose to believe what God says about you. Get out your Bible, and let God's word minister to you.
The Proverbs 31 woman is secure in her relationship with God. She thinks enough of herself to want the best for herself, but always without causing harm to her family. Remember verses 11 and 12 "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life."
When we value ourselves, and want what is best for ourselves, it is reflected in the way we honor our husbands, the way we raise our children, the way we run our households. Being a wife of worth is hard work, but our hard work makes the luxuries possible.
As you mediate on verse 22 this week, think about this question: What is my worth? Dig deep into what God has to say about you, and enjoy the fruit of your labors.
