The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 stands out to me as an all-encompassing role model. I remember many times thinking “Oh, I could never be HER! The virtuous woman is unattainable!” I have since come to realize that this woman’s life is not a command, or even a list of things to do, but rather an essence to weave into my being.
We have been blogging about being a gracious woman, and every aspect of Proverbs 31:10-31 leads me to believe that the virtuous woman was a lady of grace. I would like to highlight verse 26 :
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Has your mouth ever gotten you into trouble? Mine has. Have you ever had the feeling – as words were slipping off your tongue – that, perhaps, they were not your best choice?
It is said that the virtuous woman spoke with wisdom, and the law of kindness. This presents the picture of having personal standards for the way we speak!
David prayed in Psalm 141:3,
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
I also love this quote by Amy Carmichael:
“Let nothing be said about anyone unless it passes through the three sieves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”
I often say to my children, “think before you speak”, but am I doing the same?
It’s not always necessary to point out someone’s error, but I am afraid that I do it more often than I should. How embarrassing when I open my mouth and then realize that, in fact, I am the one who is mistaken! It is always better to pause before letting our words flow, and then to proceed with grace.
What a difference we make when we purpose to be gracious communicators! The law of kindness is a daily, sometimes even a moment-by-moment discipline, but when we walk in the Spirit, we have the power to overcome our flesh.
Father, please continue to work in my life in this area, that I may glorify You with all that I say and do.
A lovely and inspirational devotion this morning. Thank you!