Proverbs 31.18-19
“She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.”
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A quick update on my medical condition. I had the final round of chemo last week. My labs look good, so the docs are pleased with the positive results of the chemo + hormone therapy. They will do scans in a few weeks to determine the detailed impact of the treatment protocol.
At that time we will decide on next steps. I am very optimistic! Thank you all for your prayers and support. God is great!
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This passage speaks to the strategic mindset and relentless work ethic of the godly woman. First, she recognizes that the things she makes are sought-after in the marketplace, and are also a source of revenue and profit for her family. Therefore, she works diligently not only to make clothing for her family, but also to sell clothing or textiles in the marketplace. She is very resourceful.
The text says, “Her lamp does not go out at night.” In other words, she continues to labor late into the night in order to get her work done. Her diligence is exceptional.
Two times in verse 9 it says that she works with her hands, once again putting the focus on her work ethic. A distaff (also called a “rock”) is a tool used in spinning. It is designed to hold the unspun fibers of wool or flax, keeping them untangled, thereby facilitating the spinning process.
Bottom line: she is a craftsman. She is skillful in the tools of her trade.
- What tools are essential to your job?
- How skillful are you in the use of those tools?
- With respect to the work you do, are you a true craftsman?
- When necessary, does your lamp not go out at night because you are doing the work build skill and do your job?
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29)
Trust God and do the work.
