A Life of Love and Service

Day Ninety-Three

A Life of Love and Service (Read Proverbs 31:10-21)

^{10 [b]}Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

¹³ She finds wool and flax
    and busily spins it.
¹⁴ She is like a merchant's ship,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
    and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
    with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
    a hard worker.
¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
    her lamp burns late into the night.

¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
    her fingers twisting fiber.
²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
    and opens her arms to the needy.
²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
    for everyone has warm^[c] clothes.

Footnotes

1. 31:10 Verses 10-31 comprise a Hebrew acrostic poem; each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
2. 31:21 As in Greek and Latin versions, Hebrew reads scarlet.

Reflection:

Proverbs 31:10-21 introduces a woman of noble character who lives with purpose, works diligently, and loves others deeply. She serves her family, works hard, manages her household, and reaches out to those in need. But her story is more than just a list of accomplishments—it reflects a heart fully surrendered to God. The virtues we see in her life point us toward Jesus, the ultimate example of love, service, and faithfulness.

The Proverbs 31 woman demonstrates that living a life of love and service starts with a heart aligned with God's will. She rises early, works with her hands, and makes wise decisions, not just for herself but for the benefit of her household and community. Her strength comes from the Lord; her actions reflect His character—faithfulness, generosity, and love. Nobody ever demonstrated this better for me than my mother, Momma Long. 

God calls believers to live with the same purpose and intentionality. Jesus said, "The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matthew 23:11). The Proverbs 31 woman embodies this truth. Her hands, busy in service, remind us that our work—big or small—can glorify God with a heart of love and humility.

When we feel overwhelmed by life's demands or question our purpose, we can take comfort in knowing that God equips us for the tasks He sets before us. Just as the woman in Proverbs 31 trusted God with her work, we can rely on Him for strength and wisdom as we serve others.

Helen Keller once said, "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Like the Proverbs 31 woman, we can transform life's ordinary, everyday responsibilities into opportunities for worship and service. Whether caring for our families, volunteering in our communities, or simply extending kindness to neighbors, we reflect God's love in all we do.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you see God's purpose in the everyday tasks and responsibilities He has given you?
2. In what ways can you reflect Jesus' love by serving those around you, both in your family and community?
3. How does the example of the Proverbs 31 woman encourage you to use your time and resources to glorify God?

Next Steps:

1. Start your day with prayer – Before you begin your daily tasks, ask God to help you serve with love, patience, and purpose, focusing on Him as the source of your strength.
2. Find a small way to love and serve someone else – This week, look for an opportunity to show God's love through a simple act of kindness. It could be offering help, encouragement, or even a listening ear.
3. Reflect on your gifts – Consider the talents and resources God has entrusted you. How can you use them to bless others and contribute to His kingdom, just as the Proverbs 31 woman did?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the Proverbs 31 woman, whose life reflects purpose, service, and love. May her character inspire us to live with the same devotion and heart for others. Amen. Help us reflect Your heart in our daily tasks, no matter how small they seem. Please give us the strength to serve our families, communities, and those in need with joy and humility. Let our work glorify You and remind us that everything we do can reflect Your love when done for Your glory. Guide us in Your purpose and help us to trust in You every step of the way. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

The woman in Proverbs 31 shows us that a life of purpose is one of service, diligence, and love. God equips us for the work He calls us to, and as we serve others with humility and faithfulness, we reflect the heart of Jesus. Through daily tasks and small acts of love, we can glorify God and find our true purpose in Him. Like the woman in Proverbs 31, God invites us to live lives of love and service, reflecting God's love in everything we do.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of Scripture. Amen.