Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
The virtuous woman is one of wisdom knowing her merchandise is good. She uses the old custom of holding a distaff in one hand while twirling the long wooden spindle with the other hand. There was no spinning wheel as was used later in history. This type of work was tedious requiring quick hands and long hours of handling wool.
She knew what she produced was good. God tells us that what we do we should do for His glory.
1Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
If we would keep that one principle in mind, we would find our labour to be acceptable to God never minding critics. Let God and His word be your critic.
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Notice, the work this virtuous woman does is good, and it is for the needy.
The virtuous woman is mindful of the needy. Let me remind you, the needy, with biblical reference, are those who are truly in need and cannot help themselves. There are many who fane neediness when in fact they can help themselves.
The dear woman is careful with her diligent work and good and product.
I remember, years ago, working at a sporting goods store, in the warehouse, there was a young man who was supposed to be separating shoes to go to the different stores in this particular chain. He was constantly reading his bible and not doing the work assigned him. He was eventually fired. He was not doing his work for God and to the glory of God. He had his priorities mixed up.
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
This dear woman was known for what she did, how she worked, who she helped. What are you known for?
Our Lord Jesus Christ is known for what He did, how He worked, and who He helped. His work at Calvary was perfect providing salvation for all mankind.
Whatever you do, do for the glory of God. The greatest work anyone can ever do is to share the wonderful grace of God in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. What greater joy is there when a soul repents of sin and comes to Christ.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
