Proverbs 31: Week 15 | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome to week 15 of our Proverbs 31 journey! This week we interpreted what "working willingly" and "seeking" mean in our own lives. If you'd like to return to one of our previous stops, let our "Wolfe Notes" guide you. 

• In January we examined our value with the help of Proverbs 31 verses 10 and 29.
• In February we learned what uplifting means by looking at Proverbs 31:11 and 23.
• In March, we considered the virtue of respect by studying Proverbs 31:12 and 28.
• In April, we are training to be hardworking with Proverbs 31:13 and 19 as our instructors.

If you're ready to travel with us, welcome! Grab your April calendar with daily activities, the lamp for your feet (the Bible), and let's get going! We're journeying through the concluding poem of Proverbs and we're so glad you decided to walk along this road with us! Imagine that as we walk, we're talking about the daily activities. Our side of the discussion is outlined below. What would you add? How would you challenge us? (Ideas that are our thoughts alone are designated with an *.)

Contents:

*As Christ's Bride how Proverbs 31:13 relates to us.
*Look at Roles for helpers and keepers regarding Proverbs 31:13.
*Godly Wisdom What this verse teaches us about God.

*Application in the past, present, and hopes for the future.
*Worship Listening and responding to "The More I Seek You".
*Worship Listening and responding to "Do Everything".
Verse Two Noting key phrases and words of Proverbs 31:19.

*As Christ's Bride

How Proverbs 31:13 relates to us.

• WE, AS CHRIST'S BRIDE, respect Christ's purifying and holy work by submitting to His authority and working willingly towards His purposes.
• BECAUSE JESUS, loves us by working to bring about the best for us and leads us in righteousness. 

*Look at Roles

For helpers and keepers regarding Proverbs 31:13.

• A HELPER submits to her husband's authority and willingly works toward his purposes because she respects him as a man handcrafted by God who was positioned to seek God with her as they walk together through life.
• A KEEPER loves his wife by willingly working to lead her in the quest for sanctification and oneness with God.

Godly Wisdom

What this verse teaches us about God.

He is what we truly seek (sanctification and unity) and is worthy of every work of our hands. 

Application

 In the past, present, and hopes for the future.

• In the past, I DISMISSED this verse. It seemed irrelevant to the present or to my life specifically. "That was when they had to make their own clothes. You cannot honestly tell me God still expects this of all women. And, of course, she 'willingly worked,' we all have to - it's a fact of life."
• Presently, I'm STUNNED. This verse has little to do with finding what you want and everything to do with diligently seeking what you need.
• From now on, I hope to PRIORITIZE the importance of my role as "keeper of the home" as a pivotal one from a spiritual standpoint. That I not only work to carefully select material goods that are best for my household and God's glory, but that I also regard the intellectual, relational, and spiritual consumption carefully. It matters.

Worship

Listening and responding to "The More I Seek You".

As I listen to this song, I feel God's presence when I internalize these lyrics: "I wanna sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand." You, God, are what I want to seek. "My soul follows hard after thee. Early in the morning will I rise up and seek thee." (Don Moen)

Worship

Listening and responding to "Do Everything".

This song encourages me to get up and work to "tell the story of grace with every move that [I] make and every little thing that [I] do." While my daily tasks may feel tedious, when I seek God's glory in and through them, I can work willingly - happily even.

Verse Two

Noting key phrases and words of Proverbs 31:19.

She layeth her hands / to the spindle / and her hands hold / the distaff.

Key Words: lay, hold, hands, spindle, distaff

Final Thoughts

My true, eternal work is not about what I do from 8 to 5, but about the motivation behind it. Am I seeking sanctification and unity in everything I do? Am I working to wrap the ones I love in purity and holiness? This is work I need to willingly do because I care for my flock, and I am being led by The Great Shepherd who does the same for me.

The frustration lies in breaking away from my routine, in learning to question the expected. I get caught in repetition and forget to seek. Just because I can anticipate what is coming, doesn't mean I should allow myself to be comfortable with what is predictable. 

Teach me, Lord, to willingly work at seeking Your best instead of settling for what's familiar.

Growing with You,

Review Week 14 or 

Move on to Week 16.

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