Certain Advantages Of Living Closer To The
Lord
Pro. 31:10-31
Pro. 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is
far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust
in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do
him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh
wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She
is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She
riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and
a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth
it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She
girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She
perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out
by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands
hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are
clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry;
her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known
in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She
maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the
merchant. 25Strength and honour are her clothing; and
she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with
wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She
looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of
idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have
done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favour is
deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth
the LORD, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her
hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
When we live close to God…
We are special - vs. 10
Like a ruby, worked well by the Craftsman…cleaned by His blood,
worthy by His righteousness
By family and others…
We are trusted - vs. 11
Confidence and a trust placed upon us
It should always be known…
We bring peacefulness - vs. 12
Word gets around - both ways - peaceful or troublesome
And…
We are industrious - vs. 13
For others, for self, for the Lord
Certainly…
We are helpful - vs. 14-21
Helpfulness brings help (helps others to help themselves and help
others)
One main advantage is…
We encourage others - vs. 20
Poor = depressed in mind; Needy = beggars
After all - we know the encourager!
The world will see Him in us, because…
We exemplify righteousness - vs. 22-26
Honor = beauty (it was so important); Garment = could even mean wife
(so her appearance was vital); Rejoice - will have victory at His appearing!
They may not always tell us, but…
We are perceived well (by our family)- vs. 28
Raise up = make good or succeed; Blessed = honest; praise = boast,
rave or celebrate
They can tell He lives in us!
And last…
We excel for the Lord - vs. 29
Excellest = set the standard or "curve"
This comes because you want to excel - it is not a mistake or a fluke
So I want to ask you…
What advantage are you sharing with others?
In other words…
What do they see in your life that would make them want Christ?
What standard are you setting?
What standards do you hold to?
What examples are you putting forth for your children/grandchildren?
What examples are you putting forth for your neighbors?
What examples are you putting forth for your friends?
What are you doing for the Lord with your life?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church -020302am