Mom’s Devotional — Day Two
READ
Proverbs 31:10-12
A wise woman makes others better
REFLECT
The U.S. presidential race of 1808 pitted South Carolina statesman Charles Pinckney against U.S. Secretary of State James Madison. Madison went on to win the presidency, but according to historians, much of the credit for the win goes to his wife, Dolley. Her welcoming demeanor and ability to bring people together won many over to her husband’s side. After losing the election, Pinckney himself noted “I was beaten by Mr. and Mrs. Madison…I might have had a better chance had I faced Mr. Madison alone.”
The book of Proverbs has much to say about the influence of a woman. There are warnings about the immoral woman (Proverbs 5:3-4), the indiscreet woman (Proverbs 11:22) the foolish woman (Proverbs 14:1), the adulterous woman (Proverbs 30:20), and the nagging and quarrelsome wife (Proverbs 21:19). Scripture makes it clear that women have the ability to influence those around them in a powerful way!
Today’s reading celebrates the virtue of a trustworthy wife or woman, who does her husband or others good and not harm. Her character is strong, her motives are pure, and her godly presence makes those around her better. We cannot do this in our own strength but must be continually filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. When we walk by the Spirit, we will overflow with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-24). This kind of woman is valuable and rare to find.
RESPOND
Think about your relationships. Perhaps you’re married, think about your relationship with your husband. Think about your relationship with your children. Think about the relationships you have with your coworkers, your friends, and your family. What kind of influence do you have on the people around you? Are others better because you’re around? Ask the Lord to help you influence others to be more like Him.