Thought for the Day

Verse 25 - The virtuous woman is well-prepared for the future. Like the ant storing up food for winter, she sets money aside for the future. She listens to the Lord's voice, and He guides her to avert dangers. Because she acts prudently today to make her family's tomorrows easier, she will rejoice in the future. Preparing for emergencies and future needs provides us with a secure future. Failing to do so can make us vulnerable when faced with tribulation. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life" (Proverbs 22:3-4). The lord wants us to be wise and store up in good times, so that when the lean times come, we will have a store to fall back on. Storing up when things are plentiful is not hoarding, but rather wise, as is noted in the admonition to go and look at how the ant provides for its food in the winter. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).

The virtuous woman is also described as full of strength and honor. Those who strengthen themselves in the LORD will receive honor from Him. "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places" (Psalm 18:31-33).

The Lord gives us feet like those of the deer who can leap upon the mountain's peaks. We are able to walk securely on the high places of intimacy with Him, above the storms of life and attacks of the enemy. God is our Rock, our high tower. When we take refuge in Him, our position is strong and secure. By humbling ourselves to worship and follow Him, we not only will escape destruction, but we shall receive the reward of riches, honor, and life. God will prosper us and honor us with long life, if we follow in His ways.

Verse 26 - A woman of character is kind and helps others to grow in the knowledge of God by her wise counsel and instruction. 2 Peter 1:4-8 tells us that we have been given great and precious promises. Through them, we can grow in grace by adding virtue to our faith; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, temperance; to temperance, patience; to patience, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. These things sum up the characteristics of a virtuous woman or a godly man. By abounding in these things, we will always be fruitful in our knowledge of Christ, and able to help others.