Proverbs chapter 31 contains the description of the ideal wife.  King Lemuel’s mother is drawing the spiritual picture of the wife that her son should choose as his mate.  She desires that he find a woman of priceless quality whose life will be a blessing to Lemuel and to all others who come in contact with her.  Fairy tales of princes and princesses are most often accompanied by beautiful illustrations.  The princesses in the pictures are dressed in the most exquisite clothing, the fabrics of silk, satin or gossamer.  Their lovely gowns flow to the floor and twinkle with reflective light.  Every tuck and fold shows forth the richness of the fabrics.  Every line and detail speak of countless hours of work by a master tailor.  The clothing demonstrates the wearer’s royal position and residency in the palace of the king.  Proverbs 31 is not speaking of a fairy tale princess.  The woman described is one that any godly man should desire to be the mistress of his "castle."  Her clothing is much more gracious and lovely than that found in any illustration.  Strength and honor are her clothing.  Fabric of finer quality cannot be found.  If we could draw this lady’s gown, we would see that its fabric of strength and honor completely covers her, flowing to the ground.  There is no part of her garment that is tattered or falls short of completion.  The colors and sheen reflect the light of the Son of God who is the Light of the world.  It is a garment made of a quality of richness beyond price, for it was purchased by the precious blood of Jesus.  Every stitch was sewn, one at a time, by the work of the Holy Spirit in her life.  Truly her clothing bespeaks her position as the daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords.  It tells by its unique style and design that she is not a citizen of this world, but her citizenship is found in the kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who come from that country can wear the "national costume" of righteousness, strength and honor.  David spoke of the spiritual strength that the Lord had given to him as a garment: Thou hast girded me with strength to battle. 2 Samuel 22:40  He could refuse the armor of Saul for the battle with Goliath, because he was already clothed in the strength of the Lord.  It is interesting that our verse could well speak of the clothing for the "battle" of life and the mere living of it.  Just as in a battle, when the rejoicing will come at the end, so she shall rejoice in time to come.  That time for each woman may not be at the moment she envisions, but in His time, in time to come!  Our own defenses and strength will always fall far short of being the type of clothing we need for life’s battles.  It is only the strength of the Lord that will properly enfold us.  Honor must also come only from the Lord.  If we try to gain honor of our own, it will be like a soiled garment, tainted and spotted by striving and self gain.  The honor that comes from the Lord is given by Him as a reward for faithfulness.  If any man serve me, let him follow me; .. him will my Father honor.  Service to Christ in unqualified loyalty and obedience will result in our being clothed in honor by the Lord.  It is an honor that will show forth the beauty of its designer.  Even if we live in lowly circumstances, even if we never receive honor of men, we shall rejoice in time to come if we have been given honor from our heavenly Father.  As we dress for the day, let us push aside the clothing of the world and choose the fine garment of strength and honor from the Lord.  It is not a game of "dress up" but true life that we live.  Wear your finest for the King today.  Keep your garment well pressed and free from spot.  Feel like the princess you are!

It is interesting that this verse dealing with the mouth and tongue of the ideal godly woman would immediately follow the verse that applies imagery to her spiritual clothing.  Previously in our Locket Verses, we have talked about the woman dressed in the latest styles, with every hair in place, who, when she opens her mouth, destroys the picture of grace and beauty.  We have all seen it at one time or another: a woman whose manner of speaking or choice of words affect the way we view her, regardless of how she is dressed.  I can remember once seeing a photograph of a woman and thinking that she was very attractive.  Knowing my husband had met the woman in person some days before, I remarked to him how attractive I thought she was in her picture.  I asked if he thought she was attractive in person and he got a puzzled look on his face.  He said that he had not particularly noticed her appearance, but had been burdened for her because of the loud and aggressive manner in which she spoke.  He felt it might indicate a real spiritual need in her life.  Her words and manner had so over shadowed her physical presence that, as a man, he had not even noticed what she looked like.  Then, too, we have each seen just the opposite reaction.  I have known many women who have such grace and kindness in their speech and personalities that they literally are beautiful, even if their physical appearance is, by the standards of the world, rather average.  Perhaps we should take more time "grooming" our mouth and tongue than we do for applying make-up and choosing our clothing.  As I read the verse over slowly, a mental picture came to mind of this gracious woman.  She was engaged in an important conversation and she was weighing each word carefully in her mind before she spoke.  There was a silent prayer going up to her Lord, even as her eyes looked squarely into the face of her companion.  Before she opened her mouth, she made certain that the words that issued forth were words of wisdom and that in her tongue was found the law of kindness.  The "opening" of her mouth was too important in the issues of life for it to be made hastily.  One of the greatest responsibilities God gives to us is the care and use of our mouths.  Out of that open instrument can come words of grace and comfort or arrows inflicting pain and conflict.  God commands us: Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Psalm 34:13  He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips (we could add: "without thinking") shall have destruction.  The choice is always ours to make: words of wisdom and kindness, or foolishness and cutting meanness.  When we think of these opposite words to wisdom and kindness, they sound much harsher than we would think casually.  But that is the contrast God would have us see.  Mouths opened hastily or without thought to the grace which should be ministered to the hearer, can often hurl missiles of injury and bring destruction to ourselves.  In one of our mission stations, I lived in a city that had known destructive hurricanes in the past.  After one storm, a huge system of dikes and flood gates had been built to help control water levels in the bay.  Closed during a storm, the flood gates held back the water that could have flooded the city.  After a storm had subsided, the gates would be opened slowly, allowing the water to reach a safe level.  The gatekeeper would carefully observe the water flow and the volume of water on both sides.  Even if the closed gates had provided protection during a storm, if they had been opened too quickly, the low lying areas could still have been flooded.  When turmoil and temptation swirl around us, we need to take a lesson from the flood gates.  With great care and restraint we should open our mouths under the control of the Gatekeeper of our words.  Instead of causing damage, our words will flow smoothly with wisdom and kindness, like the softly flowing waters of the bay.

The last four verses of Proverbs 31 are a ceremony of praise for the godly, virtuous woman.  After the verbal illustration of her virtues, character qualities and works, it is as if a cymbal is struck and trumpets announce the awards ceremony.  In the audience of those that are viewing her life, the first ones to stand for the ovation and to voice their praise are her children and husband: Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  What a testimony!  Those that know her best voice their gratitude, admiration and praise in front of all.  While often the world may admire a person for those qualities only done in public, it is our family who sees us as we really are.  We can often wear a mask or act the part we think we should for the world, but once behind the doors of our home there are no pretenses.  Our family sees right into the heart of our motives, they know our unguarded moments and our reaction to pressure.  Our private "face" is an open face.  Think of the sincerity and consistency the Proverbs 31 woman has exhibited, for her family to be the first to their feet in praise!  Think of the effect on her daughters and sons in the formation of their own characters.  Then think of the joy and reverence that her husband must feel as with all his heart he, also, praises her.  As the crown of exaltation is placed on her head, it is obvious that she has shown herself, in honor, above many others.  Verse 29 says, Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Perhaps, in the eyes of her husband and children, this verse finds its meaning.  As they look at her, they think, "There is no one quite like my mom!"  The husband echoes, "She is the perfect one for me, there could never have been another of better provision for my life."  You can almost envision the tears forming in her eyes as she realizes the deep love within her family.  "Choosing God’s way was best, every temptation passed by was worth it all!" are thoughts that race through her mind as she glances with affection at her loved ones.  The alternate translation given in the margin of my Bible to the phrase Many daughters have done virtuously is: "or, have gotten riches."  Perhaps other women had sought riches in ways different from that of the godly woman, but none could be compared to the riches she had found in the Lord.  This was not a beauty contest or one of accomplishments in the world, Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.  The cause of her praise and honor is unmistakable, it is her fear and reverence for the Lord.  She has put Him and His ways first in her life and now the crown of praise is placed upon her head.  The entire audience raises to their feet as the final acclaim is spoken, Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.  Into her outstretched hands is placed a bowl full of the unique fruit and works of her own life.  These are not roses or jewels purchased by another, but shining examples of her own godly labor and love.  In God’s provision for imagery, there is a lovely picture presented here.  It is one of a handmaiden coming before the king.  She bows low and places at his feet a bowl of finest fruit and perfectly wrought handwork as a gift in token of her loyalty to him.  Someday, we, too, will bow before our King, the Lord Jesus.  We, too, will place before Him our works and the fruit of our lives.  Will they also bring praise to our character, virtue and loyalty?  Will the fruit of our hands and the works of our lives bring praise to us in the gates of the congregation?  Verse 30 contained the phrase: a woman that feareth the LORD.  It is no longer just the specific wife for King Lemuel that is considered, it is any woman that fears the Lord.  Let us each strive to be that woman today.

The Bible is filled with practical advise.  The writer of Ecclesiastes is looking at life from a logical viewpoint.  Much of what he sees teaches him of the futility of a life lived without God.  We could view this verse from many vantage points.  In battle and in work, two are better than one.  Especially in the line of battle, we can picture the soldier who falls and is lifted up by his comrades and pulled to safety, knowing if others had not been there, he would have lain on the battlefield, bleeding and alone.  In the living of our life, we know the value of a friend and companion.  He is one who will lift up our heart from the field of sorrow and will not leave us to suffer alone on the battlefield of life.  In our marriage, we should always be thankful for our companion of love, who ever stands with us against the assaults of trials and conflict from without.  As he holds our hand, we know that he is upholding us with his devotion.  Many a widow will attest to missing the preciousness of having one by her side.  As Christians, we could view this verse as a reminder of the ministry of our precious Lord.  He is a Friend that truly does stay close beside us in all of life’s battles.  He will always lift us up when we start to fall in the fight.  How vivid is our understanding of the last part of verse 10, when we think of the person without Christ: Woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Praise the Lord, that in His mighty provision, we have One who will never leave us alone on the field of life.  He will never leave us nor forsake us, it is His promise!  In times of need, God reminds us: "Do not try to go it all alone.  Trust Me, child, invite Me to be in the battle with you."  God also knows, that while He is enough, sometimes we need that steady hand and heart of a true earthly companion.  How thankful I have been when I have had a friend in times of trouble, one who will stand with me or sit by my side.  What beautiful phrases the Bible gives to us of this unity of companionship: So all the men of Israel were.. knit together as one man. Judges 20:11  Do all that is in thy heart; turn thee; behold I am with thee according to thy heart. I Samuel 14:7  We also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. Ezra 10:4  Let us be the type of Christian companion who will knit our heart together with others, and purpose to stay with them according to the depth of their heart’s need.  That type of companion lends faith and courage to another in time of trial.  What a contrast are the verses that speak of the despair of one who is friendless: I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. Psalm 142:4  How grateful we should be that we will never have to say that there was no one that cared for our soul.  For truly "No one ever cared for me like Jesus!"  He cared enough to die, and He cares enough to stay by our side in every battle.  Our verse should also be a challenge to each of us to be the faithful companion in marriage, one that will have the good reward of faith, because we have ever stood by the side of our spouse.  Likewise, in friendships, we should cast away the casual distance of safety that many take and enter fully into life’s battlefield with our friend, being ever ready to lift them up and to help them carry the load when the way becomes rough.  Lord, help me to be such a friend to others, caring not for my own comfort but for their deepest needs.  Thank You, Lord, for being such a Friend to me.

Next to the highway that leads to my in-laws home, there is an unfinished motel.  Years ago, someone must have envisioned a large and beautiful motel and restaurant that could be built on the site.  They probably secured the land and finances to begin the project.  The architects drew up the plans, the land was cleared and the foundation poured.  Soon the main support beams were put in place and the framing was begun.  Somewhere during the framing, the work on the buildings ceased.  Now, as one drives by the structure, they see window frames with no glass, studs and framing with no walls, openings with no doors.  The natural thought is one of pity that such a structure and expense was not completed.  No matter how beautiful the plans, how careful the initial work or how much money was spent, it is a useless structure, not fulfilling its purpose.  Though the task was begun, it had no end.  There are many things in our lives that we begin, but do not carry through to completion.  I have several cross stitch pictures that I started in full earnest, yet have not completed.  Though I have put countless hours of labor into them, they are not fit to be given as gifts until they are completed.  I usually stitch one color of thread throughout the entire piece before I go on to the next.  Sometimes with just one or two colors completed, the image of the picture can not even be discerned.  It is not until the entire array of colors are added that the complete picture is seen.  Even then, many times I must add the small detail and outlining stitches for the piece to have the definition and beauty that I desire.  Better is the end of them!  While I know what the designs will look like in my mind, and begin with all excitement and good intention, they must be completed to serve their purpose.  Half baked bread is totally inedible, but, oh, the delight of a fresh baked loaf of bread, cooked through to the center.  I wonder how many unfinished "projects" we have in our lives.  Perhaps it is a vow to God made at the altar for service to be performed.  Perhaps it is the restoration of a friendship or the repentance of past sins.  Perhaps it is the implementing of a burden God has laid on our hearts.  Each of us needs to examine the attics of our minds and find those projects of spiritual value that we have begun or had the burden to begin and yet never carried through to completion.  One of the proofs of faithfulness is the completion of the tasks assigned by the Lord.  Jesus said, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. John 4:34  Our redemption would not be complete, Jesus could not have declared, "It is finished," if He had not made an "end of the thing."  Paul spoke twice in his writings about the necessity of finishing his course.  Each of us has been given a course to finish by the Lord.  Our course may be the raising of our family.  Don’t give up even if the children are grown or if one is rebellious or the going gets rough.  The end is not until you reach heaven.  Part of your course may be a ministry in the church.  The enemy will fight you on every side, but have faith, the end is better than the beginning or the middle of the trial!  Perhaps your course includes illness or grief.  Do not despair, there is a reward for those who are counted faithful overcomers.  No matter what our course on earth, the end of it is so much better.  For at the end of earthly life’s road, there is a sure reward reserved for us in Heaven, all the more abundant for those who have been faithful unto the end.  Perhaps you will enter into the beginning of a trial today, or are right in the middle of "things."  Be encouraged in your heart, in the Lord’s time and grace, the end can be better, indeed it can be best for us, if we leave it in His hands and follow faithfully.  Be faithful in spirit, depending on His strength and not your own.

This statement is found at the end of a short dissertation on wise men who follow the king’s commands: Who is as the wise man?  and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?  a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.  I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God...Where the word of a king is, there is power...whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. (verse 1-5)  There is great wisdom in keeping the commandments of our Lord and King.  What an awe inspiring picture of the obedient and wise man is given to us by God.  The very use and display of that man’s wisdom will make his face to shine, and it will give him courage and boldness in the face of trial and decision!  Instead of a dull and gloomy personage, the obedient and wise Christian can be a true light in the world as he tastes the victory of decisions he has made.  In sincerest wisdom, Solomon counsels us to keep the commandments of the king and of our God.  Some commandments are easy to keep, some are not.  Solomon does not differentiate or give excuse, his advise is all inclusive: keep the (K)ing’s commandment.  We dare not just follow those commands of the Lord that are convenient or will not interfere with our life style.  God’s commandments are given to us for our instruction and leading because they are always what is best.  God’s victory will most often be shown by our following those commandments that challenge the courage of faith.  The promise is sure: Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing.  The margin of my Bible gives an alternative reading of "shall KNOW no evil thing."  The glory and beauty of being kept from even knowing or feeling evil is worth all the striving and struggle that obedience may involve.  The wisdom in obedience is found in totally trusting the wise King, not just trusting in worldly logic or reasonings of our own fleshly minds.  Solomon warns that we cannot know the full eternal purpose of a matter, but must trust the One who does.  Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [because he does not follow God] is great upon him.  For he knoweth not that which shall be. (verse 6-7)  How much better to obey God in the wisdom of trust.  God will grant to His obedient servant a wise man’s heart [to discern] both time and judgment.  We must be walking in the spirit, growing in strength in the inner man to receive this glorious grant from the Lord.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God...because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14  Our responsibility is to exercise our spiritual senses to discern that which is godly.  Our exercise program must include consistency in the study of God’s Word and prayer, and the spiritual challenges of witnessing and service.  It must not neglect faithfulness in church attendance where the meat is made available to us in God’s ordained fashion.  It contains sacrifices of time, energy and resources.  At times, it may involve the discipline of fasting and a deep commitment to sit at the feet of Jesus until His wisdom in a matter is revealed to us.  We need to grow unto full age, to be women who can gain nourishment from strong meat, to be those who are strong in faith giving glory to God.  Then God will grant unto us the understanding heart to judge. I Kings 3:9  It should be our desire to be able to discern both time and judgment, to have the full assurance that the decisions we make are correct and in God’s timing.  That kind of wisdom gives the strength and peace of verse 4: Where the word of [the] King is, there is power.

There is a special excitement for a Christian woman to enter into the book of the Song of Solomon.  Here the heart of the true Love of our lives, the Lord Jesus, is revealed in the imagery of the romance of the "Song of Songs."  To think that to a pagan idol worshiper, his god is an unknown power to be feared; that to the keeper of ritual and ceremony, his god is of unapproachable regimentation; and then to know that our God is the personal Lover of our souls, is glory indeed!  Today’s part of the story of the Song, shows the Bridegroom bringing the object of his love into his own banqueting house and placing over her the banner of love.  The promise of a banner for His own has been given before by God: Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth." Psalm 60:4  The saved have been instructed to set up banners to their God: We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. Psalm 20:5  Now in the intimacy of His dwelling, the Lord of Glory sets up a banner over His loved one.  The banner reads simply "Love."  A banner serves as an insignia of command in an army.  It is a rallying point and a display to guide the way through the conflict.  It depicts the character and lineage of the leader of the command.  Our banner, our insignia and rallying point, is found in the love of God.  Through every conflict and course of life, love leads the way.  Our commander is the Lord of love and His banner is set over us.  What a challenge we have to be true followers of that banner and to characterize its lineage.  In our mind’s eye, we can see the lovely princess brought into the banqueting hall of her future husband, the king.  She is set in a chair of honor before a great crowd of assembled witnesses.  Attached to her chair is the staff of a richly woven banner.  Its colors are vivid and clear, designed to be distinguished at a great distance.  Emblazoned on the banner is the word "LOVE" which is the watchword of the King’s army.  The question in the mind of the observers is whispered amongst the crowd: "What will she do with the banner?"  For a few moments she sits with blushing pride and deep affection for the honor the king has bestowed upon her.  Her heart burns within as she considers the depth of devotion that caused her betrothed to do such a thing.  She realizes that it is a sign for all to see of his acknowledgment of his personal love.  It is both a pledge of promise and a gift of beauty signifying his heart’s commitment.  With swelling emotion rising in her own heart, the young lady grasps the staff with both hands, stands to her feet and raises the banner high.  She turns with love’s light shining in her eyes to look fully at the face of her king.  The crowd breaks into thunderous applause.  By her actions, the betrothed of the king has proven her devotion and character, and has formally pledged to follow the truth of the message of the banner and to live in love.  This is the true picture of God’s insignia for us as Christians: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35  Love is the banner of our Commander.  It was love that took Him to Calvary where He fought the battle for our souls.  It is love that caused Him to lead the way for us to follow to His Heavenly banqueting house.  Love is the mark of the Captain of our faith.  It is His own glorious love that He sets over each one of us as a pledge of promise and gift of priceless beauty.  Let us grasp the banner with both bands and raise it over our head.  The Lord of our life has set His banner of love over us.  Let us follow the insignia and message of that banner with full hearted devotion.