Muster the Vigor

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks"- Proverbs 31:17 (NIV).

The ESV translation says "and makes her arms strong." Before the inventions of washing machines, heating systems, and electric stoves, the jobs of washing clothes, chopping firewood, and preparing meals required upper body strength. A weak woman would be no added benefit to her husband or children. The Proverbs 31 woman is the woman whom we all aspire to be compared to. She rises before the sun and works all day (v 15), not just at home, but out in the community as well, and her lamp does not go out at night (v 18). Idleness is not one of her characteristics. She's the wife every man hopes to have one day. As we women work, 'as unto the Lord,' we have to keep our bodies in physical shape. Disuse of muscles weakens our arms, backs, and legs...and the word "vigorously" is a momentary thought; one in which we might scoff. We can't keep up with the Proverbs woman if we don't exercise. She'll run circles around us. Could you imagine a world filled with Proverbs 31 women? What condition would the family unit be in today if that were a reality. "Her children [would] arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he [would] praise her" (v 28). Christian woman need to be fit for God's service so that they can muster the vigor to work vigorously. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" (vv 30-31). If you know a Proverbs 31 woman, encourage her to continue, and if you want to become a Proverbs 31 woman, ask the Lord to prepare you for service and then muster the vigor to start moving.