How does everyone justify this scripture with regards to women having a part in the ministry? I was seriously stumbled recently when I read this as part of my daily reading, because one thing I can't stand is cherry-picking of scriptures to believe but I somehow can't believe that God really views it like it reads.
Am I making any sense?
Hi there and welcome to you 12uthy! :hibye::friends:
This is a very interesting verse you chose to talk about!:read::thumbup:
I am pretty sure that we have discussed these verses before but I am sure the sisters and brothers here would love to talk about it again ...
Words ...
How they can sometimes not reflect the real 'meaning' of things ... :blush:
1Tim. 2:11,12 ...
King James Bible
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
New International Version (©1984)
11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
Bible in Basic English
11 Let a woman quietly take the place of a learner and be under authority. 12 In my opinion it is right for a woman not to be a teacher, or to have rule over a man, but to be quiet.
Perhaps seeking to understand what 'silent' may mean might be a starting point ...?
G2271 ἡσυχιÌα
hēsuchia hay-soo-khee'-ah
Feminine of G2272; (as noun) stillness, that is, desistance from bustle or language: - quietness, silence.
G2272 ἡσυÌχιος
hēsuchios hay-soo'-khee-os
A prolonged form of a compound probably of a derivative of the base of G1476 and perhaps G2192; properly keeping one’s seat (sedentary), that is, (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing): - peaceable, quiet.
G1476 ἑδÏαῖος
hedraios hed-rah'-yos
From a derivative of ἑÌζομαι hezomai (to sit); sedentary, that is, (by implication) immovable: - settled, stedfast.
Sooooo, this 'silence' that is spoken of here may not mean what immediately comes to mind as to the definition as we understand perhaps?
marked by absence of sound; mum; not made to sound; hush: cause to be quiet or not talk.
For if indeed we were NOT to meant to 'speak' or to 'teach' ... then how could the scripture be attributed to the women spoken of in Ps. 68:11 ...
English Standard Version (©2001)
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:
11The Lord gives instructions. The women who announce the good news are a large army.
Young's Literal Translation
The Lord doth give the saying, The female proclaimers are a numerous host.
Notice what the Hebrew words means for 'proclaims' or 'announces' ...
H1319 בּשׂר
baÌ‚sÌar baw-sar'
A primitive root; properly to be fresh, that is, full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news): - messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings.
So, I would tend to think of the words of Paul as showing the ORDLINESS of the 'congregational setting' for LEARNING ... and I would also tend to think that this would apply to BOTH the men and women if things were to take place 'decently and by arrangement' ...
For example, if we go back to verse 1Tim. 2:8 ...
New International Version (©1984)
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
International Standard Version (©2008)
Therefore, I want the men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative.
Then after speaking to the men, Paul goes on to INCLUDE the women in how they were to be as well ... not necessarily a 'separation' but rather next in the 'list' of how to conduct themselves as 'ministers' of the 'good news'... hence the use of the words ... 'likewise', 'in like manner', and 'in the same way' ...
He wanted ALL to show respect and modesty and decorum in how they would not TEACH but HOW they would LEARN ...
The holy spirit was poured out upon BOTH ... men and women ... and they were to USE whatever 'gift' they were blessed with were they not ...?
And I would think whatever 'gifts' we have today would and should be viewed in like manner ... and when the holy spirit is once again poured out in great measure ... we will know more and do more than ever we thought possible! :thumbsup:
Not sure if this helps any ... but maybe some others will put in a thought or two as well!
Luv, BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
Here is Gill's Commentary on the verses, which probably best describes the mindset behind the instruction:
The apostle goes on to give some other instructions to women, how they should behave themselves in public worship, in the church of God; he would have them be learners and not teachers, sit and hear, and learn more of Christ, and of the truth of the Gospel, and to maintain good works; and he would have them learn in silence, and not offer to rise and speak, under a pretence of having a word from the Lord, or of being under an impulse of the Spirit of the Lord, as some frantic women have done; and if they should meet with anything, under the ministry of the word, they did not understand, or they had an objection to, they were not to speak in public, but ask their own husbands at home; see 1Cor_14:34. And thus, they were to behave with all subjection; both to the ministers of the word, and to their own husbands; obeying from the heart the form of doctrine delivered to them; and submitting cheerfully to the ordinances of Christ; the whole of which is a professed subjection to the Gospel, and which becomes all professing godliness.
Regards,
Brendan.
Here is J.N. Darby on it
Paul has plainly now laid the foundations, and he proceeds therefore to details. Men were to pray everywhere, lifting up pure hands, without wrath, and without vain human reasonings. Women were to walk in modesty, adorned with good works, and to learn in silence. A woman was forbidden to teach or to exercise authority over men; she was to abide in quietness and silence. The reason given for this is remarkable, and shews how, in our relations with God, everything depends on the original starting-point. In innocence Adam had the first place; in sin, Eve It was she who, being deceived, brought in transgression. Adam was not deceived, guilty as he was of disobeying God. United to his wife, he followed her, not deceived by the enemy but weak through his affection. Without the weakness, it was this which the second Adam did in grace; He followed His deceived and guilty bride, but in order to redeem and deliver her by taking her faults upon Himself. Eve suffered on earth the penalty of her fault in a way which is a mark of the judgment of God; but walking in modesty, with faith and love and holiness, she shall be delivered in the hour of her trial; and that which bears the stamp of judgment shall be an occasion of the mercy and succour of God.
BB:happyheart::heartbeat::happyheart:
Matthew Henry
Here is a charge, that women who profess the Christian religion should be modest, sober, silent, and submissive, as becomes their place.
1. They must be very modest in their apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness (you may read the vanity of a person’s mind in the gaiety and gaudiness of his habit), because they have better ornaments with which they should adorn themselves, with good works. Note, Good works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Those that profess godliness should, in their dress, as well as other things, act as becomes their profession; instead of laying out their money on fine clothes, they must lay it out in works of piety and charity, which are properly called good works.
2. Women must learn the principles of their religion, learn Christ, learn the scriptures; they must not think that their sex excuses them from that learning which is necessary to salvation.
3. They must be silent, submissive, and subject, and not usurp authority. The reason given is because Adam was first formed, then Eve out of him, to denote her subordination to him and dependence upon him; and that she was made for him, to be a help-meet for him. And as she was last in the creation, which is one reason for her subjection, so she was first in the transgression, and that is another reason. Adam was not deceived, that is, not first; the serpent did not immediately set upon him, but the woman was first in the transgression (2 Co. 11:3), and it was part of the sentence, Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee, Gen. 3:16. But it is a word of comfort (v. 15) that those who continue in sobriety shall be saved in child-bearing, or with child-bearing—the Messiah, who was born of a woman, should break the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15); or the sentence which they are under for sin shall be no bar to their acceptance with Christ, if they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety. II.
Here observe,
1. The extensiveness of the rules of Christianity; they reach not only to men, but to women, not only to their persons, but also to their dress, which must be modest, like their sex; and to their outward deportment and behaviour, it must be in silence, with all subjection.
2. Women are to profess godliness as well as men; for they are baptized, and thereby stand engaged to exercise themselves to godliness; and, to their honour be it spoken, many of them were eminent professors of Christianity in the days of the apostles, as the book of Acts will inform us.
3. Women being more in danger of exceeding in their apparel, it was more necessary to caution them in this respect.
4. The best ornaments for professors of godliness are good works.
5. According to Paul, women must be learners, and are not allowed to be public teachers in the church; for teaching is an office of authority, and the woman must not usurp authority over the man, but is to be in silence. But, notwithstanding this prohibition, good women may and ought to teach their children at home the principles of religion. Timothy from a child had known the holy scriptures; and who should teach him but his mother and grandmother? 2 Tim. 3:15. Aquila and his wife Priscilla expounded unto Apollos the way of God more perfectly; but then they did it privately, for they took him unto them, Acts 18:26.
6. Here are two very good reasons given for the man’s authority over the woman, and her subjection to the man, v. 13, 14. Adam was first formed, then Eve; she was created for the man, and not the man for the woman (1 Co. 11:9); then she was deceived, and brought the man into the transgression.
7. Though the difficulties and dangers of childbearing are many and great, as they are part of the punishment inflicted on the sex for Eve’s transgression, yet here is much for her support and encouragement: Notwithstanding she shall be saved, etc. Though in sorrow, yet she shall bring forth, and be a living mother of living children; with this proviso, that they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety: and women, under the circumstance of child-bearing should by faith lay hold of this promise for their support in the needful time.
BB:happyheart::heartbeat::happyheart:
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
This one volume commentary was prepared by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown and published in 1871.
1 Timothy 2:1-15 . PUBLIC WORSHIP. DIRECTION AS TO INTERCESSIONS FOR ALL MEN, SINCE CHRIST IS A RANSOM FOR ALL. THE DUTIES OF MEN AND WOMEN RESPECTIVELY IN RESPECT TO PUBLIC PRAYER. WOMAN'S SUBJECTION; HER SPHERE OF DUTY.
10. professing--Greek, "promising": engaging to follow.
with good works--The Greek preposition is not the same as in 1 Timothy 2:9 ; "by means of," or "through good works." Their adorning is to be effected by means of good works: not that they are to be clothed in, or with, them ( Ephesians 2:10 ). Works, not words in public, is their province ( 1 Timothy 2:8 1 Timothy 2:11 1 Timothy 2:12 , 1 Peter 3:1 ). Works are often mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles in order to oppose the loose living, combined with the loose doctrine, of the false teachers. The discharge of everyday duties is honored with the designation, "good works."
11. learn--not "teach" ( 1 Timothy 2:12 , 1 Corinthians 14:34 ). She should not even put questions in the public assembly ( 1 Corinthians 14:35 ).
with all subjection--not "usurping authority" ( 1 Timothy 2:12 ). She might teach, but not in public ( Acts 18:26 ). Paul probably wrote this Epistle from Corinth, where the precept ( 1 Corinthians 14:34 ) was in force.
12. usurp authority--"to lord it over the man" [ALFORD], literally, "to be an autocrat."
13. For--reason of the precept; the original order of creation.
Adam . . . first--before Eve, who was created for him ( 1 Corinthians 11:8 1 Corinthians 11:9 ).
14. Adam was not deceived--as Eve was deceived by the serpent; but was persuaded by his wife. Genesis 3:17 , "hearkened unto . . . voice of . . . wife." But in Genesis 3:13 , Eve says, "The serpent beguiled me." Being more easily deceived, she more easily deceives [BENGEL], ( 2 Corinthians 11:3 ). Last in being, she was first in sin--indeed, she alone was deceived. The subtle serpent knew that she was "the weaker vessel" ( 1 Peter 3:7 ). He therefore tempted her, not Adam. She yielded to the temptations of sense and the deceits of Satan; he, to conjugal love. Hence, in the order of God's judicial sentence, the serpent, the prime offender, stands first; the woman, who was deceived, next; and the man, persuaded by his wife, last ( Genesis 3:14-19 ). In Romans 5:12 , Adam is represented as the first transgressor; but there no reference is made to Eve, and Adam is regarded as the head of the sinning race. Hence, as here, 1 Timothy 2:11 , in Genesis 3:16 , woman's "subjection" is represented as the consequence of her being deceived.
being deceived--The oldest manuscripts read the compound Greek verb for the simple, "Having been seduced by deceit": implying how completely Satan succeeded in deceiving her.
was in the transgression--Greek, "came to be in the transgression": became involved in the existing state of transgression, literally, "the going beyond a command"; breach of a positive precept ( Romans 4:15 ).
BB:happyheart::heartbeat::happyheart:
"the order" of God's judication was not Eve second, Adam third.
"for through one man, sin entered into the world..."
Here is something that may interest you, 12uthy....from a poster named "Athanasius". :hibye:
http://shelter.jwreform.org/viewtopic.ph...highlight=
Were there women apostles in New Testament times? Though this may be a surprise to some, yes, there were. St. Paul mentions such a woman in the sixteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans. Often times Romans 16 is glossed over when reading the Bible, being treated like the cast and credits that appear at the end of a film that one glances as you leave the cinema. So it is easy to overlook Romans 16:7 (New Revised Standard Version), which says: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.â€
Was Junia an apostle? Jehovah’s Witnesses and some Fundamentalist groups say no! Fred Franz’s New World Translation, following a medieval tradition, renders Romans 16:7 as: “Greet Andronicus and Junias my relatives and my fellow captives, who are men of note among the apostles and who have been in union with Christ longer than I have.†Interestingly the Greek word that Fred Franz translates as “men of note,†is translated as “notable (ones)†in the Kingdom Interlinear Translation, thus not necessarily referring to two men, but to persons of note. So did St. Paul commend Junia, a woman, or Junias, a man?
Regarding Junias/Junia, the ANCHOR BIBLE DICTIONARY Volume 3, page 1127 says: “Without exception, the Church Fathers in late antiquity identified Andronicus’ partner in Romans 16:7 as a woman, as did minuscule 33 in the 9th century which records iounia with an acute accent. Only later medieval copyists of Romans 16:7 could not imagine a woman being an apostle and wrote the masculine name ‘Junias.’ This latter name did not exist in antiquity; its explanation as a Greek abbreviation of the Latin name ‘Junianus’ is unlikely.â€
St. John Chrysostom, one of the Church Fathers who lived in the Fourth Century A.D. clearly understood Junia to be a woman. In commenting on Romans 16:7, Chrysostom writes: “And indeed to be apostles at all is a great thing. But to be even amongst these of note, just consider what a great encomium this is! But they were of note owing to their works, to their achievements. Oh! How great is the devotion of this woman, that she should be even counted worthy of the appellation of apostle! (A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church Volume 11, Edited by Philip Schaff, page 555.
The fourth century Christian scholar, St. Jerome, also understood Junia to be a woman. In the Latin Vulgate Jerome translates Romans 16:7 thus: “Salutate Andronicum, et Iuniam cognatos, et concaptivos meos: qui sunt nobiles in Apostolis, qui et ante me fuerunt in Christo.†Which literally means: “Salute Andronicus and Iunia my relatives and fellow-captives, who are well known among the Apostles, who before me were in Christ.†Granted my Latin sort of ruff due to years of inactivity but the name Junia, though in this sentence the name appears in the accusative thus the “am†ending, is in the feminine gender. Therefore, from above and other early Christian testimony, there is no doubt that Junia was a woman. THE NEW INTERPRETER’S BIBLE COMMENTARY, Volume 10, page 762 says: “Junia is thus one of the female ‘apostles,’ the only one so called; though presumably others, such as Mary Magdalene, were known as such as well.â€
It is most likely that Andronicus and Junia were married, or perhaps brother and sister. Though not of the “Twelve,†to be apostles Andronicus and Junia would have held positions of responsibility in the early church. Perhaps as a husband and wife team they shared these responsibilities. Nevertheless, Junia has the honour of being the only female apostle mentioned in the New Testament.
Cheers mate! :friends::friends::friends:
Wow you really have come up trumps for me and restored my faith considerably. :thumbsup:
I've been so low lately that my mental faculties have been dulled to the point of almost inactivity.
You have all certainly given me food for thought here and I promise I will look deeply into this matter. I'm disfellowshipped so I'm not in a position to teach publicly in the congregation even if I wanted to but I was dismayed to read, as I thought, that I wasn't supposed to teach at all.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
:heartbeat:
Hey 12uthy!! :clap:
Hows it going matey? :thumbsup:
I just wanted to add, that even though you are disfellowshipped, speaking for myself (and I am sure most here too) - your "status" as disfellowshipped is not an issue for me - all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - since Jesus, there hasnt been a man or woman alive that has managed to evade the truth of that statement! So please, please, please feel free to share your thoughts and insights! :thumbsup:
So you know what that means? That means, that regardless of what you have done, I am no better than you are -- we are equals, sis - ive done plenty in my time to warrant what I feel should be eternal destruction from God -- but lucky for me (and for the rest of mankind) - our God's ways and thoughts are MUCH higher and MORE merciful than our own! :peace:
To conclude, I simply wish to convey to you, that any feelings of inadequacy, or unworthiness need not be weighted on you. And hey - we ALL have something (or in my case, some-"things") to work on....and thanks to the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ and the wonderful mercy of our Father Jehovah God, we truly dont have anything to worry about....you are worth more than many sparrows sister! :grouphug:
Cheers, dear sister!! :friends::friends::friends:
your friend and brother, Beau! :groupwave:
Hi again 12uthy! :hibye:
So glad you have been reading the wonderful things the brothers and sisters :grouphug: have written for you and that it has been helping in rebuilding your faith! :thumbsup::friends:
I just read your last comment and wanted to say something in regards to it :giverose:
you said ...
I'm disfellowshipped so I'm not in a position to teach publicly in the congregation even if I wanted to but I was dismayed to read, as I thought, that I wasn't supposed to teach at all.
hmmmm ... :thinking: :scratchhead:
I am sitting here and thinking about how I felt to about this after my and my husband's announcement ... :(
After some time I got to thinking ...
'WHO' is it that says 'I' ... and now 'you' cannot teach ...?:huh::dontknow:
Or maybe a better question might be ...
What IS 'teaching' ... and 'WHERE' and 'WHEN' does one teach ...? :grad:
I know that once one is disfellowshipped from the congregation we are not allowed to speak in the congregation IN ANY WAY, of course including giving talks and such ... as well as going from door to door ...
But if we have the most important thing in our lives, our love for Jehovah and his Son in our hearts, than we just cannot help but feel the compelling need to speak about them can we!!
And yet, if we were to go out and 'publicly' speak about them, our brothers and sisters would view us as 'apostates' for speaking such, for 'of course' since we left Jehovah and he has left us we cannot possibly speak 'the truth' anymore can we? (not said with sarcasm, just as to how our brothers would think) :blush:
But isn't it what our GOD and his SON thinks that is MOST IMPORTANT after all and not what MAN-MADE RULES distate that our worship is to be?
Also, something else you might like to think about if you are a 'sister' (I am assuming you are by the scripture you chose :love: )
To me it is kind of 'spliltting hairs' so to speak about 'sisters' being 'teachers' in the CONGREGATION ...:shocked:
For when we go up on STAGE or PLATFORM and GIVE TALKS (even if it is to another sister) is that not 'technically' ... not TEACHING in the 'congregation'?? :dontknow:
What I find very interesting about the word 'teach' is that it seems to go BOTH ways as to being a STUDENT or learner ...
The Greek word for 'teach' is ...
G1321 διδαÌσκω
didaskō did-as'-ko
A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δαÌω daoÌ„ (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): - teach.
So, wouldn't it make sense to say then that ALL of us are not only TEACHERS ... but LEARNERS as well ... (or should be) all one in the same and at the same time?!:grad:
Which is why that scripture that says we should be 'slow about speaking and quick about hearing' is so appropros for us isn't it!!
One thing that I deeply TREASURED :present: about our beautiful cafe was that it gave me the opportunity to continue to learn and to speak about my love God and my hope and love for all of my fellow man ...
No one could take that away from, and neither can they to you as well, so please don't ever forget that!!
Speak out boldly for truth and right and your heart will soar with wings and you will make Jah's and Christ's as well!! :flyinghigh:
Do it whenever and whereever you want to!
May Jah richly bless you and yours ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
Thank you so much BR and Digital punk :love:
I've just been trying to explain to my kids why I am in floods of tears at your beautiful posts :cry:
I've missed you all so much.
To cut a long story short I've been to hell and back after my disfellowshipping resulting in a complete spiritual breakdown not to mention a near nervous breakdown.
Consequently I'm now as the Hebrews who need milk rather than solid food, but most of all I need posts like yours to remind me that Jehovah has not abandoned me. I had been feeling as though he had.
Thank you again
I love you all so much:happyheart::heartbeat::happyheart::heartbeat::grouphug:
Hi again 12uthy!! :hibye::rose:
This is for you amongst your tears :cry: ... :hug::friends::cheekkiss::heartbeat::grouphug::happyheart::siskiss::rose: :rose::rose:
Those feelings of worthlessness that can overwhelm because of how man treats us can feel soooo overwhelming can't they?:shocked::(
However, you CAN prevail!!!!!:cheer::cheer:
Take comfort, courage and hope from these words spoken so long ago in the face of discouragement against seemingly insurmountable odds of Jah's people ...
Deut. 31:6 ...
New Living Translation (©2007)
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you ."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Be strong and courageous. Don't tremble! Don't be afraid of them! The LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He won't abandon you or leave you."
Young's Literal Translation
be strong and courageous, fear not, nor be terrified because of them, for Jehovah thy God is He who is going with thee; He doth not fail thee nor forsake thee.'
We who have been disfellowshipped or 'thrown out of the synagogue for Jesus' name' are in a WONDERFUL POSITION when you sit down and think about it ...
For do we not have to TOTALLY RELY on Jah's spirit and Christ's to nurture, guide, and strenghten us in ways we have not thought possible nor perhaps had FELT before? :friends:
Have THEY not become to us MORE than ever? Instead of looking at an 'organization' for 'truths' and 'guidance' are we not IMPELLED to looked ever higher to the SOURCE?
And do we not FEEL them in our lives in an even RICHER way than we may have felt before?
I know that I have sister dear ...
And even though being out in the 'wildnerness' or 'outside of the camp' may seem to some to be a 'lonely' place to be ... I found, and am continuing to find the experience very rewarding and enriching in developing my 'spiritual suit of armor' and in becoming a 'new spiritual person', hopefully to the glory and honor of my heavenly Father and his Son.
I have sought to use this opportunity to 'see what I am made of' I guess, that my worship and love for my Father and Christ is NOT because of 'what' I was (JW) ... but because it is WHO I am at heart and who I want to be! :heartbeat:
You are NOT ALONE dear sis ... as you can see there are MANY who love you and the suffering you are experiencing is in the 'whole association of brothers' ... but a suffering that will make BEAUTIFUL DIAMONDS of the coal we were!
Open up your heart and feelings to your Father and his Son, and whenever you feel the need to express yourself here ... we are all ears and hearts :grouphug::heartbeat:... well at last 'fingers' as that is the mode of communication here! ;):whistle::P:happyheart:
Talk again soon,
Luv as always with a hug and kiss thrown in ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts::hug::cheekkiss:
Hi BR I can't begin to say how much good your comments have done me.:hug:
I never saw disfellowshipping that way and of course you are right we have the opportunity to rest our trust on Jehovah's undeserved kindness in a whole new way.
Thank you again I feel like I've come home to you all. Why did I ever leave?
Love to you all
Rach
12uthy -
One of the most amazing things God does for us is to let us become broken. At the time its horrible, confusing, it hurts - anything being broken hurts, but God does it because its the only way to build us up into the people He desires us to be. Its a mercy to be totally broken, because God only disciplines his sons and daughters and never illigitamate children.
My old pastor called it "Spiritual deconstructualisam" the point where all our pre-conceaved ideas and theology is dragged out of us, leaving us in a place where the only thing we have left to hold on to is "God is."
When God loves you he isn't content for you to have anything other than the best. He knows that letting people hold on to theology or people or habits that aren't of him is not a mercy or a kindness. God wants the best for you, for all JW's and ex-JW's. He wants to be the biggest part of your life, he wants you to know you can trust and rely on Him, even when things seem blackest. He wants to to remember that the worst situation can be turned round for His glory and your blessing.
10 a 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 dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
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.â€
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
In Hebrew, it is better translated as "Superwoman."
A woman of God lacks nothing. Everything she turns her hand to prospers, and, through her, her household prospers.
When the woman cried at Jesus "Blessed be the mother who bore you." he responded, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.â€
In judaism, bearing a son is the zenith of a woman's achievement, nothing else she does can compare - yet Jesus points out that the real blessing for either sex comes from hearing the word of God and obeying it. Being able to hear God is the most important thing in any of our lives. Being broken so that God can refine us in His fire, that's the first step to really hearing His voice. We can't obey Him if we're confused over His word and what it means, and we can't know what his word means if we can't hear him speaking.
XXXX