Solomon shared a lot of insight into family life and the home. We know his famous book about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Most women describe themselves as a Proverbs 31 woman. Let us have a look at the core concepts in this chapter, in order to learn more from it. “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Solomon started by describing a woman of high moral standing, who was also quite capable. She is also a woman of value, as she is considered to be more precious than rubies.

Her husband has confidence in her and she adds great value to his life. She brings him good and not harm, she is industrious and she demonstrates good leadership skills. She has good money management skills and understands how to invest and increase her earning. “She is energetic and strong, a hard worker” (Proverbs 31:17). She uses her time well and has enough to help the poor. She does not fear hard times, because she makes provision for difficult seasons. Her husband is well known in their city of residence and he is a leader among men. She is an entrepreneur who produces items for sale.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”(Proverbs 31:25). She speaks words of wisdom and she instructs with kindness. She manages her home well and her children respect and honour her. Her husband offers words of praises to her; “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all” (Proverbs 31:29)! This woman fears God above all else and her relationship with God is more important than her outward beauty.

These characteristics may seem daunting for most women and can appear unachievable. I don’t believe that a woman can achieve these attributes, without the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit. We anticipate that women will have godly, supportive and loving husbands, who will help them to be who God created them to be. I also believe that as women, we can set the tone for our homes and families. Prayer is the main foundation upon which homes are built. As we grow in God and develop Christlike characteristics, he will perfect his work in us.

“Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise”(Proverbs 31:31).

A.P.-Y.

Jesus had many choice words for the Scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 23, he outlined seven woes (great sorrow or distress) concerning their leadership practices. Jesus also outlined many challenges that he observed with them. 1. They did not practice what they preached. One of the most important traits, for people in leadership is integrity. People need to feel confident, that we not only say the right things, but also demonstrate right living. As such, Christians should live by example, as our lives speak a louder witness than our words.

2. They set unreasonable standards for people to follow, which they themselves could not maintain. We have to ensure that our judgement and assessment of other people is reasonable. We cannot set unreasonably high standards for people and lord our standards over them. 3. They did their good deeds to be seen by others in public. This is why Jesus said that we don’t need to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). 4. They loved to be esteemed by others and demanded recognition and acknowledgment. Jesus cautioned them to be humble and not to exalt themselves.

5. They put stumbling blocks in the way for people who wanted to serve God. They neither lived in a manner, which would guarantee them a place in eternity, nor did they pave the way for others. This is similar to standing in the way or sinners (Psalm 1:1). 6. They travelled to far distances to find a new convert. When they were finished with this convert, he was equally on his way to hell as they were. Jesus was distraught with their level of hypocrisy, as they were avid tithe payers, but neglected the more important laws. Jesus placed greater emphasis on the need to show justice, mercy and faithfulness.

Jesus described the Pharisees as blind guides who strained over a gnat (tiny insect), yet they were swallowing a huge camel. The emphasis here was that they were ‘majoring on the minor’ or ‘making a mountain out of a molehill.’ While there are fundamental things in scripture, which are important to be emphasised, we should not create unnecessary barriers for people. Three things which Jesus emphasised are justice, mercy and faithfulness. If we can get these three concepts right, then we can truly win people to God. Rules, restrictions and regulations serve as a burden and present barriers to people serving God in freedom.

“neither as being Lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).

A.P.-Y.

Joshua spoke of meditating on the law of God, both day and night. His reference to the book would have been the religious scrolls of his time. This is our bible which contains the written word of God. To meditate is to quietly reflect and to ponder over something. Scriptures are good for reflection and meditation, so that we can gain revelation knowledge. We hear the voice of God through scripture, so our quiet devotional time in the word is our time to communicate with God. As we meditate and God speaks, he will reveal deep and hidden mysteries.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). I have heard about business men who credit their success to prayer, fasting and listening to the voice of God. I would say that God can reveal insight, into a business venture to guarantee success. The books of Solomon for example, offer a lot of wisdom and insight for everyday life. The entire bible contains hidden mysteries and truths that cannot be found anywhere else. In our praying, reading the bible and fellowship with God, we also spend quiet time to listen.

We commit our plans to God and trust him that they will prosper. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Solomon went on to say that we should acknowledge God in everything that we do, and he will direct our steps. I know that some religious factions believe, that the Christian journey is all about suffering. It is true that we should expect, to experience persecution for the sake of the gospel. This does not mean that God wants us to live, a life that is characterised by complete suffering and heartache.

Jesus multiplied the fishes for Peter, in order to meet a financial need. The bible talks about success, prosperity, abundance and wealth. The key is to maintain balance and any system that is emphasised, over and above the rest of God’s word, leads to contrary doctrine. That being said, God desires that we prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers (3 John 1:2). Some people who hit out against teachings about prosperity, have never truly experienced suffering themselves. There are people who have experienced incredible hardship, for most of their lives and I believe that God is invested in meeting their needs.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

A.P.-Y.

David spoke in Psalm about God being his help and his deliverer. He waited patiently for the Lord to help him out of trouble. The Lord drew him out of the pit of trouble and placed a song in his mouth to sing. “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie” (Psalm 40:4)! David knew that God did not take delight in burnt offerings. He spoke of taking pleasure in doing the will of God. David kept the laws and precepts of God, hidden in his heart, so that he could walk in his will.

Knowing the word helps us to know the will of God. The enemy cannot temp us with false doctrines and erroneous teachings, when we know what the bible says. Jesus responded to satan when he was tempted, using the word. “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”” (Matthew 4:4). We can test the perfect will of God against what the scripture says. One of the main ways to hear from God is through his word. We can know the will of God when we can listen, hear and respond to his voice.

David not only wanted to hear God and know what his will was, but David said that he took pleasure in doing it. How can we take pleasure in doing the will of God, even when his will does not always seem pleasant? We can take delight in knowing, that there are rewards to living in the will of God. Some of the rewards for us transcends this earth. There are also benefits that we will gain in this lifetime. God knows the end from the beginning and he knows how we will benefit, when we walk in his will.

We can take delight in knowing that if it is the will of God, then it will work out for our good. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

A.P.-Y.

I once listened to a sermon by the late Kenneth E. Hagin. He described a time in his life when he experienced lack. This was after the Lord called him to change ministries. He remembered struggling to meet his needs and those of his family. He prayed about this and asked God why his needs were not being met. God spoke to him and told him that he had done what he wanted him to do, but that he was not willing. What it meant was that although he obeyed, the attitude of his heart was still unwilling. He shared how he quickly changed his attitude and became both willing and obedient. He shared that his circumstances changed once his attitude changed.

This sermon helped me to realise, that we can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and mindset. I never thought that it mattered as much, how I felt about it, as long as I did the right thing. “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). God sees and knows both heart, will and emotions. This is why David said, that God would not despise the sacrifices of a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). We also see Jesus telling the father who brought his son to be healed, that all things are possible to them that believed. The father cried out in desperation, “I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

The father said this because he knew enough to understand, that the state of his heart and mind mattered in that moment. Sometimes we also have to cry out to God, to help us to fix our will and emotions. Half submission is not submission and even if we do the right thing, having the wrong attitude can affect the outcome. Jonah ran away from God because he did not want to prophesy against Nineveh. It nearly cost him his life, but may be he understood the consequences of doing something half hearted. God rejected Cain’s sacrifice because his heart was not in it.

When your heart is at the right place, you have no choice but to give God your best. The state of our hearts matter in order to guard against anger, bitterness and resentment. These emotions give an entry point for the devil, who can find legal grounds on which to afflict us. We can remember the reprimand from our parents, when we walked away with a grumble. This was often because we were sent to do something that we did not want to do. Doing what God has asked you to do while grumbling and complaining will steal your joy and peace. Maintain an excellent spirit and trust in God to reward your obedience.

A.P.-Y.