Several years ago, I was able to take a basic biblical counseling class, and one of the sessions focused in on the “Anti-Psalm.” This exercise was a challenge for us to better understand what a text is saying by carefully thinking through the exact opposite meaning. It can be very insightful to look at the “opposite” of what we…
Search Results for: Proverbs 31
A Skillful Producer (Proverbs 31:17-22, 24)
“[SHE] MAKES HER ARMS STRONG. SHE PUTS HER HANDS TO THE DISTAFF, AND HER HANDS HOLD THE SPINDLE. SHE OPENS HER HAND TO THE POOR . . . SHE IS NOT AFRAID OF SNOW FOR HER HOUSEHOLD, FOR ALL HER HOUSEHOLD ARE CLOTHED IN SCARLET. SHE MAKES BED COVERINGS FOR HERSELF; HER CLOTHING IS FINE LINEN…
A Generous Giver (Proverbs 31:20)
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20 VERSE 20: “SHE OPENS HER HAND TO THE POOR AND REACHES OUT HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY.” The woman described in Proverbs 31 is a giver. You know the term close-fisted? When it says “she opens her hand,”…
A Prudent Investor (Proverbs 31:16-18, 24)
“She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. . . . She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.” Proverbs 31: 16-18, 24 As we discuss this passage, keep in mind that…
An Eager Worker (Proverbs 31:13-15, 27)
“She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. . . . She looks well to the ways of her household and does…
An Excellent Wife (Proverbs 31:10-12, 23)
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. … Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the…
The Proverbs Woman (No, Not THAT One!)
When prompted to think of “the Proverbs Woman”, anyone who has read a handful of books, skimmed a few blogs, or heard a sermon or two aimed at Christian women will automatically call to mind the Proverbs 31 woman. Land investor, wise guru, accomplished seamstress, careful shopper, generous philanthropist, and dependable wife and mother all rolled into one,…
Evil Shepherds/Spiritually-Abusive Pastors: The Opposite of Ezekiel 34
God calls His people “sheep,” and calls our spiritual leaders “shepherds.” But spiritually-abusive pastors harm God’s people, and make us fearful of the very people (shepherds) and the very place (church) that we need in order to be healthy, growing sheep. After being harmed by wolves-in-shepherds clothing, it is difficult to come to a place…
Beware the Mom Idol of Affirmation
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…” In the human heart there is a desire to be blessed, to be loved, and to feel special… As moms, we long for what we do to really MATTER and be NOTICED. Especially in this modern age, moms are desperate for notice….
Ep. 18: Practical Help for Parenting in Public
Every mom knows the struggle of the grocery store run… WITH kids in tow. Listen in as Jess talks with Bethany Weathersby, a mom of 4, about: what expectations are reasonable for kids’ behavior, practical ways to train your kids, realistic ideas to include kids in your shopping, and the benefits of training kids for…