In spite of all that I have learned from the Proverbs 31 woman in our series thus far, verse 26 delivers one of her most impressive qualities: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."The Virtuous Woman is Self-Controlled.
If this were the only verse in Proverbs 31, I could still read it every day and be convicted. In his well-known passage about the tongue in the New Testament, James says in chapter three, verse two, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." The virtuous woman exercises self-control by using discretion in her speech and tempering her words with consideration for others.
How I would love to be friends with this woman! If I asked her for advice, I could know that she would use good judgement in answering. Her tone of voice, as well as the words she spoke, would be characterized by kindness.
One of the reasons I desire to become more like the virtuous woman is that I might set a good example for my daughters and be able to encourage them to follow in her footsteps one day. Today I am praying that the Holy Spirit will give me the self-control to speak kindly to them, about others, and to communicate with discernment and insight.
photo courtesy public domain pictures
Oh how I wish every time I opened my mouth wise and kind words came out... This is the activity this woman would probably have done most - we use our mouth from morning to night... So important to control it!
ReplyDeleteWisdom was on your tongue for me today (or at your fingertips) ~ thanks for sharing this Tracey! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to be mindful of every word that is spoken...and yet that is what we are called to do. I've often wanted to ask this Godly woman for her consel! Blessings to you and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteso true! Self control is a virtuous quality!!!
ReplyDelete