After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem where each line begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It is also the most comprehensive description of a godly woman in Scripture. But these qualities do not belong solely to women—this chapter gives us an ideal personification of virtue, a person “who fears the LORD will be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
Reflection Questions:
How do the virtuous actions described in this chapter benefit both the wife of noble character and the people around her?
What are some present-day comparisons you could make between the woman in this passage and a godly person today?
Who are the women in your life who remind you of Proverbs 31, and how can you celebrate or honor them today?
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92 thoughts on "In Praise of Virtue"
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The proper 31 women to me is an excellent personification of the relation between faith and works— we are saved by grace, through faith, and none of our own works. But because we have faith the fruits of the spirit moves us to do the works with an open and given heart.
1. Her actions bless her with strength and honor, but they also lift up her family, care for the poor, and bring respect from her community. Her virtue multiplies beyond herself.
2. The Proverbs 31 woman reminds me of people today who live with integrity, working hard, caring for family, serving others, and giving generously. It’s less about the tasks and more about the heart behind them
How do the virtuous actions described in this chapter benefit both the wife of noble character and the people around her? Both get the benefits of being God fearing and also showing other people how to do so as well.
What are some present-day comparisons you could make between the woman in this passage and a godly person today? Being God fearing, showing good character through actions, being a good person who wants to good things.
Who are the women in your life who remind you of Proverbs 31, and how can you celebrate or honor them today? My mama and my best friends.
In the past I would read about the proverbs 31 woman and feel so much guilt because I felt I wasn’t living up to her. I love how on the podcast they mentioned that the proverbs 31 woman is an invitation of who we could be. Lately, I have been seeing how valuable my role in my house is. I am a stay at home mom, and since I don’t work outside the home, I sometimes don’t feel as valuable. Many of the tasks that the proverbs 31 woman completes seem to center around taking care of her family. This proverb reminds me that even if I don’t get paid for the work I accomplish, I am very valuable.
The role you are fulfilling is valuable beyond monetary compensation. The investment in your family is priceless, and your family is blessed beyond measure to have you as Mom❤️
I wrote a eulogy of my mom based on the Proverbs 31 woman that her pastor read at her funeral. While my mom checked the boxes in this chapter, I pointed out that it really wasn’t a checklist to be completed. It was an attitude, a lifestyle, a dedication to God that showed through in everything she did. Everyone who knew my mom knew she was a child of God, loved and served Him first, loved her husband and children, and served her neighbors, friends, family and church. I was happy to be able to say that my mom was a Proverbs 31 woman.
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What a beautiful way to honor your Mom and what an example and legacy to have left❤️
Ditto all the other replies! Sending love and hugs back across the pond! ❤
TINA, that was my reply to you. What happened?
Yours was promoted to an independent post somehow :))
Happy Friday shes, my answers for today:
1. How do the virtuous actions described in this chapter benefit both the wife of noble character and the people around her? When I read this proverbs 31, I am always amazed at how hardworking this lady is. Strong work ethics. A busy bee. In the Chosen, it shows the Jewish tradition that recites this poem to praise virtuous women on the Sabbath. It is such a sweet tradition, and a reminder of how hard a woman work to prep the meals, run households, balance finances and business works (amen to SEARCHING for the list).
2. What are some present-day comparisons you could make between the woman in this passage and a godly person today? The striking character to me is a godly person is a person who works hard (don’t eat the bread of idleness), someone who brings food from afar to feed others (real food or spiritual food to nourish the soul and mind), rises early (early risers like many of our dear shes), savvy in financial planning (in real estate, considering and buying a field, resourceful and forward thinking), makes garment and sells (entrepreneur minded, small business minded), opens her hand to the poor (loves non profit, generous giver, volunteering), strength and dignity is her clothing (perhaps leadership roles, executives, strong home makers), speaks with wisdom (one that advocates for truth, justice, godliness, perhaps spiritual mentors, counselors, teachers, wise grandmas and moms), her children call her blessed (family recognition and appreciation for her lifelong sacrifice and commitment to be excellent for the sake of her family)
3. Who are these women in your life? I think of you guys dear shes. Honestly you are the models for me. Every day you are faithful in nourishing my thoughts with your godliness, purity and innocence, gentleness, kindness and strength. Praise God for SRT that brings us together despite any physical distance. I also think of a pastor’s wife, a sweet elder lady, who lives a humble and always so gentle, loving and extremely hard working and sacrificial. She cooks so well and always cooks to feed us with church meals, Xmas meals, potlucks at church or outside in the park. She would make specialty food that takes hours to prep, and then she would do the dishes, and she’s in her 70s working so hard.
Thank you SRT for publishing my post for yesterday. My apologies for being impatient and attempting the second time- something to work on lol.
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Prayer request: would you please pray for Tracy a new mom that I have been helping and her daughter Jenny, who is still going through bad depression? I invited her and the 3 kids over to our house for dinner tonight, but Jenny is very isolating and I pray she will come. Please pray for Jenny’s joyful and a strong sound mind. Tracy told me her daughter has many different characters inside of her which she thinks are multiple evil spirits. Tracy has been crying so much. Thank you for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
Beautifully spoken, Mercy, and you are one of these women! ❤
Prayers for your dinner tonight and for Tracy and Jenny’s situation. ❤
Aww, thank you for such kind words! I’m still more like a Proverbs 31-in-training though, a rough draft that God is still editing ✨
Aren’t we all?
Praying for Tracy and her daughter.
The Proverbs 31 woman reflects the attributes of God through her actions as well as providing for with what she has. She doesn’t seek more than she has nor does she worry about things out of her control. While, we have modern means of providing, we can all reflect the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman.
I have loved this study and even the devotional questions.(mostly haha)
Wendy B I actually chuckled a bit at your summary. It’s spot on and it echoes the sentiment of the wisest man in the Bible. Solomon concludes Ecclesiastes in the same way. “Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”.
Oh to be a Proverbs 31 woman. I wish I wish I wish. I’m saddened by not knowing God’s word in my younger days. That I may have strived to be this woman. But God (Tina) please show me the direction to in which to live now.
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As I read today’s proverbs, I thought of my sweet daughter. She is a godly woman with businesses with her husband; both a godly couple of faith; 4 growing sons; and she is living g this wonderful proverb. To God be the glory!!
We love you too, happy “your favorite ” day Friday!
I’m in tears….read through all your comments! I love you all SO much! In my eyes YOU are all that Proverbs 31 women, the married, the single, the girls in waiting of a husband, the widows, our senior saints! ALL! Our sweet Tina sums it all up! I love sweet Tina! Can’t wait to meet you someday. Can’t wait to meet you all! In the meantime, as our Tina always ends…I’m sending you a hug across the pond. Happy Friday sweeties!
If I had to summarize Proverbs in one sentence, I think it would be “but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This study has been so good to reflect on and be challenged with so many aspects of what it truly means to live life well, to have a heart postured after God’s and His desire for us in walking in accordance with His Word. I don’t see Prov 31 as an unattainable list but as direction laid out to following after Him as we fear Him in the most respectful, honorable way. Its not a must do, to-do checklist but guidance that will lead us to righteousness, wise decisions, virtue, integrity and bearing good fruit in all areas of our lives.
Heavenly Father, lead us in your ways. Guide our hearts to be united with yours, our steps, our thoughts and decisions in accordance with the ways you have for us. May the example of our lives point others to you. We love you, Lord and want to live as women that are lead by you, pleasing unto you and bring honor and glory to your name. Thank you for these sisters, and that we can meet in this space together to learn, grow, be challenged and support one another. Encourage their hearts, lift them up and bless them as they seek you. Amen.✝️
I’m thankful to have a strong data connection this morning :) Thank you for praying for me while visiting my daughter and her family. It has been a precious time that I can’t even put into words in getting to see my daughter as a wonderful Mom, my SIL a doting husband and father and getting to know sweet Jack. My heart is heavy with saying goodbye to them all. Praise the Lord, I have had no health concerns while here. I am very tired….been just a few years since I have been up at night with a wee babe and last night leaves me bleary eyed. Ha, ha. I’m driving part way home today – probably do 4-6 hours and the remainder 3-4 hours tomorrow. I will need to stop a lot along the way. Would appreciate your prayers for safe travels, that I stay alert and attentive and have no vehicle issues. Thank you❤️
Thank you for prayers over us dear Wendy and praying for your safe travels home. Praise God you felt well other than being very tired and had such a nice visit with your family and precious new baby.
I am happy for you to get to travel there and get to be with them all! It certainly is a blessing! My dear mom that had planned to come with the arrival of my first (and only) child had a brain aneurysm the month before and survived but took her out of her normal for the following year or so. And oh the blessings of a healthy baby! I am praying for your safe travels.
AMEN
Praying Wendy for safe driving back ❤️
Praying in agreement and for restful sleep tonight. I know they will miss you, too! ❤
Praying Wendy! I look forward to the day when my kids have their own children:)
Praying for safe travels, and praising God for the time you’ve been able to spend with your daughter and grandson. What a blessing.
What a beautiful finale focus!
THANK YOU, SHE READS TRUTH STAFF for this most excellent study! It is one of the best to me. The reflection questions this time were very helpful.
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In my opinion, the first question is the most important and MacArthur’s quote below on v. 23 answers it well.
Also, her children lived with confidence and security knowing that she literally ‘had them covered”.
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Of all of her virtues, the one I strive most to emulate is
the fear of the LORD.
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I have a couple of quotes to share (Surprise! Lol):
From Warren Wiersbe-
The secret of a virtuous and capable wife’s life is that she fears the Lord. Having charm and beauty is wonderful; the possession of these qualities is not a sin. But the woman who walks with the Lord and seeks to please Him has a beauty that never fades (1 Pet. 3:1–6).”
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John MacArthur-
“Spiritual and practical wisdom plus moral virtues mark the character of this woman …
While the scene here is of a wealthy home and the customs of the ancient Near East, the principles apply to every family.
They are set forth as the prayer of every mother for the future wife of her son, and literarily arranged with each of the 22 verses beginning with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in consecutive order.”
V. 23-
“This woman made a significant contribution to her husband’s position in the community and to his success (vv. 10–12). His domestic comfort promoted his advancement in public honor. A man’s good reputation begins with his home and thus the virtue of his wife (cf 18:22).”
V. 25-
“Strength and honor.
These words describe the character of the woman who fears the LORD. Her inward clothing displays divine wisdom, giving her confidence to face the future with its unexpected challenges.”
END OF QUOTES!
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Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters! ❤
I picked up the “this time,” which I humorously agree.
Good insights!
Lol, Rhonda! I know some of us have struggled with that format in the past, but this was different – at least for me.
Ooo, this brings up an interesting thought. If this is “the prayer of every mother for the future wife of her son” am I being the kind of wife I would pray for my son’s wife to be?
Wow this is deep. Sons are likely to pick wives that resemble their moms. What a question to remind ourselves.❤️
That’s so true, Mercy! ❤
Exactly, Kari! Sting!!! ❤
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These verses tell us qualities of a person with virtue, and applies not just to wives or women as the devo pointed out. A dictionary definition of virtue is high moral standards, but it goes beyond that as LEXY MAY pointed out “ True virtue, as with all things, always points back to the Lord.”
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Noted –
Trustworthy
Hard working provider
Household manager
Prudent, studious, fair business person
Generous
Well prepared
Skilled weaver, sewist, crafter
The values a person lives by reflect on their family and how they are perceived
Wise and kind, visibly strong and honorable
Appreciated by family, recognized by others
Fears the Lord and praised for that faith
Your life will speak for itself as you honor God in all you do.
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VICTORIA E – praying for friend, her son and the search party ❤️
TRACI GENDRON – ❤️
MERCY ❤️ would love for your comment to be cleared for posting
SANDI – praying for your husband’s health. I had a friend with a similar experience, thought they had eliminated all sources of an allergy and eventually found the culprit lurking in a jarred pasta sauce.
CEE GEE – ❤️ kids can be so cruel. Thankful there was a net of sorts for your family during that time, and to remember – there but for the grace of God go any of us, take nothing for granted. Growing up, our needs were met but nothing was wasted and we knew to make do.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – thank you for your testimony ❤️
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Thank you, sisters, thank you for your prayers. Friend has been released to go home with multiple follow ups each week.
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New prayer request for a long time missionary that’s back in the U.S. due to needing a liver transplant. They have put out a plea for a living donor, and his health is declining in the wait for a match.
Great notes!
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Oh, great news for your friend! Prayers for a donor for this precious missionary and for the medical team as they search!
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Yes, NOTHING wasted!!! I always said mama was the “queen of make do” and thankfully I picked up that trait from her! ❤
Perfect summary list sister I love it. My post has appeared :) Joining in prayers for the missionary man to soon have a liver donor, and God’s sustenance during the wait.
Praying for your missionary friend to get a donor right away and for his health to hold steady until he can get the transplant.
I noticed that this is more about doing than not doing. I don’t feel condemned by this chapter anymore and not because I am this woman but because I have finally realized I’m a new creation in Christ. Gods is doing the work in me to become this woman. It is how He sees a woman who is following Him.
This chapter gives us the answers to how to live a godly life. Seek God first, then we will have strength to do what He has laid out for
Love this
As we read through this Proverb and hear of all the “wife of noble character” does – it’s not so we can compare our lives to hers and be depressed that we can’t compete, but it is a testimony of how our lives can be when we fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
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Present day comparisons – She is a woman who sets about her work with pride – whatever she does, she does it well – it’s intentional. She is a good steward of her time and all the gifts God has blessed her with. She marries right and respects her husband (she doesn’t rag on him or demean him to others) She is wise with her words and most importantly She fears the Lord….all of these things could be found in a present-day godly person today.
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@Cee Gee – we lived in Greenville, SC for 3 years.
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Happy Friday She’s! Please pray for our trip – we leave Sunday night for Northern Ireland & then England.
That will be so fun, prayers for a great, safe trip!
I figured! ❤ Prayers for a safe and wonderful trip!
Praying for safe travels and that you have a great time!
My g’daughter went to bible camp and came back committed to be a proverbs 31 young woman.
Love that!
I am praying for my two g’daughters in middle school this year! :/
What a wise decision she made.
Proverbs 31!! What a blessing it is to have a description of what we should strive to be like as Godly women. It’s quite a daunting list to look at though! At her core, the Proverbs 31 woman seeks God and spreads His love through her family, community, and work. In light of recent events, I hope we all become increasingly more bold about sharing our faith!
GOOD MORNING SHE”S!
I am thrilled to be back in my morning spot reading my SRT! We got back home about 30 minutes ago, just in time for my normal time of reading! Hubby drove the 14 hours! I slept!lol)
I love the scripture today that challenges us sister to examine ourselves of being the often quoted “proverbs woman!” Like many I am not where I want to be, but see huge improvements ever since I started daily reading of the Bible. That’s how we grow in our relationship with the Lord, and the fruit naturally will flow out! Like I have said often, my mom was full of wisdom and a woman of God. I do wish I would have heard or seen her pray more and made prayer more visible in our family day to day life! Same with me raising my son. Now he is grown. BUT I did have an opportunity to pray with my sister/ and husband a couple of times.
Lord, help me to grow in you and reveal your fruits and walk in your ways. To not depart from the path you have for me. To stay in step, not turning left or right. Help my tongue to pause before spatting off, letting the Holy Spirit guide. To not be idle, to do for my husband and make him feel loved and honored, and respected. To be a helping hand to those in need, and to open my house in love. Thank you Lord for your provision financially, help me to steward our money well. We thank you, we love you Lord, praying for all our sisters here today! In Jesus name!
Well said, Dear Rhonda… I hear your “Heart for Jesus”!! ♥️♥️
What Carol said! ❤
Plus:
So thankful you made it home safely – especially with your hubby driving 14 hours non-stop!!!
He’s crazy like that, lol. Of the 19 hours up straight, he let me drive about 2 hours. But we DID indeed have a peaceful drive. My sister gave us a good counseling session before, and ya’ll were praying for me! (heart)
Welcome back. Credit to your hubby for his strength all those hours, and sweet sleep for Rhonda :)
Giving glory to God for all He has done and loving others as Jesus Christ modeled, these are ways to be a Proverb 31 woman.
Amen
I like that at the end of the passage, it basically sums up the main “ingredient” for a person/women of virtue…one who fears the Lord.
A reminder, to me, that we can do all the Pro 31 things but if we have no reverence and no honor for the Lord…can we really be called virtuous. True virtue, as with all things, always points back to the Lord. Amen.
I agree Lexy. It’s not a list to accomplish. Reverence, first and foremost, for the Lord and then the rest will follow.
The woman in Proverbs 31 is not perfect because she does everything or achieves balance without stress—she is honored because her life flows out of a deep fear of the Lord, a posture of humility and trust in God. Her strength and success are the result of walking closely with God, not striving for human approval.
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Lord help me value what You value. Teach me to walk in wisdom, kindness, strength. May my life be rooted in reverence for You, and may my actions reflect Your love to those around me. Make me a person of noble character, not for my glory, but Yours alone.
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Amen
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Amen.
Amen!!
Amen
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The virtuous actions described here benefit both the wife of noble character and the people around her because she is walking in the wisdom of God, putting into practice all the proverbs have been teaching.
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What are some present-day comparisons you could make between the woman in this passage and a godly person today?
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Seeking the good of her family and her neighbors and teaching/speaking God’s wisdom to them are the key areas that are translated to today.
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As with all the proverbs, they describe observations of outcomes. This passage is a great reminder of ways to walk in God’s wisdom, pointing to the benefits and blessings of doing so.
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VICTORIA E – praying your friend’s son is found and is safe.
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SEARCHING – may the Lord guide you in the difficult family meeting.
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Another great week of comments and interaction. Thanks to all who added their voice to the conversation.
Praying
Thank you, sister.
sharp observation KELLY “putting into practice the wisdom of God”
Tina, thank you once again for breaking this Psalm down into something relatable. Your questions caused me to pause, some of them made me cringe. “When was I an excellent wife?” Something I need to work on intentionally! “Do I open my mouth with wisdom, and do I by my actions, teach kindness to those around me?” Sometimes – I am a teacher and really need to be mindful of this! “ Do I wear a coat of dignity and strength, and am I able to see the good, the silver lining, the blessings of God, the Father, in each day?” Again sometimes, but I can get caught up in my worries/anxieties that I don’t look up to see the blessings. I have more to answer but will stop here or this response would be way too long. Be blessed! And I hope you are enjoying retirement!
A Proverbs 31 woman is wise in all her work, she care takes others, a good steward of all she has been given and above all else she lives her life in reverence of the Father.
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Amen❤️
Well, who would have thought we would end with this woman of virtue?
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Surprise!
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Maybe, not a surprise, because throughout this study I have been reminded of the person I was, and how far I have come, but boy have I also been challenged! Hopefully in a good way, then BAM! The perfect woman chapter!
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Do I even measure up? Could I even tick any of her boxes?
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When was I am excellent wife?
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Could I ever be one that a husband could put his confidence in?
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When did I get up early and go to ‘market’ for my family, interceding in prayer for them?
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When was the last time I dressed myself with strength and made my arms strong as I held them up in praise to the One who has been gracious to me?
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Do I open my mouth with wisdom, and do I by my actions, teach kindness to those around me?
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Would my family rise up and call me blessed in how I live my life? Am I a good example to them?
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Do I sit idly at home, or do I make the most of the blessings afforded me through Jesus? Am I a hard worker, strong and industrious and work as though it were for the LORD?
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Do I wear a coat of dignity and strength, and am I able to see the good, the silver lining, the blessings of God, the Father, in each day?
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Do I truly know the value of everything, and am I prepared to put in the hours even if it’s inconvenient?
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Do I bring home ‘food’ that feeds the souls of my people both physically and spiritually?
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Much to think about today, and in the coming days.
The Good thing in all the remembering, though I have a way to go, I am not where I used to be..
A work in progress. I will get there by His grace.
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He is good!
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN..
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Happy Friday y’all, covered in many much blessings..
Much love, Tina ❤
Sister, what an awesome recap as you challenge yourself and the rest of us to examine our internal qualities, their external effects and the invisible impact on the lives of our families and those around us … demonstrating high moral standards as we walk with the Lord.
Love you, dear Tina ❤️❤️❤️
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Tina,
What a great way to end this study. Your questions challenge us to do and be better in our relationship with God, our families, and our communities. Lord knows we all need this❤️
Tina, I believe you do this more than you realize! You are continually sharing words of life to those of us here!
Thank you Tina. Such great questions as we wrap up.❤️
I didn’t realize this was the last day of the study, I was trying to read Proverbs straight through as well so will have to get busy today and the wkd! :)
You are a great Proverbs woman “on paper” here! lol. I am as well. :) Praying we show it to those closest to us! It helps center me by asking what my husband thinks when someone asks him about his wife.
Such great questions Tina. Kind of makes me sad that I didn’t know the Lord sooner. That I did not check any of these boxes when I was young. Hoping to manage some at this later age.
Me too Traci. But I think sometimes those of us who come to the Lord at an older age and have made many many mistakes can point to our own transformations. Also, we can be relatable to someone else not walking in the way of the Lord because we have been there. Like in AA:)
Agree!
Ditto all the other replies! Sending love and hugs back across the pond! ❤
You amazed me! This is iron sharpens iron Tina. People who ask themselves hard questions are often the ones who grow the most. Hard questions force us to confront truth, examine our motives and stretch us beyond comfort. They surely uncover blind spots and our denial. Thank you TINA!❤️❤️❤️