When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good, and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
It was early one Friday morning; a husband was busily getting ready for work and just before heading out for the day he looked over at his beautiful wife who was just waking up and she had a big smile on her face.
She said, ”Honey, I’ll bet you don’t know what day this is!” Her husband, who had a horrible time keeping dates straight in his head and was notorious for confusing or forgetting special days, smiled back, brain momentarily paralyzed, said, ”Sweetheart, how could I ever forget. This is a special day for us!” Then, he quickly walked out the door to work.
He was in mental fog all day. He couldn’t focus on his work because he kept trying to figure out what was so special about that day. For the life of him, which may very well have been at stake, he could not remember his wife’s birthday or their anniversary. As the day wore on, he became more and more nervous. He did not want to go home and face his wife. He didn’t want to disappoint his wife.
He devised a plan. On the way home, he stopped by the florist and picked out an expensive and beautiful bouquet of flowers. He called the fanciest restaurant in town and made a reservation for two. Then, he called and managed to get tickets to the Broadway musical that was in town. He pulled in the driveway, rushed in the house, gave his wife a big kiss and told her to put her favorite dress on because they were going out for a night on the town to celebrate.
On the way home, his wife leaned over, put her head on his shoulder and said, ”This was a great evening.” And, it was. They had a wonderful evening. They had an expensive evening. He’d spent $500 to celebrate this special day even though he still didn’t know what they were celebrating. Then his wife said, ”Best Ground Hog Day ever!”
Well, we know what today is. It’s not Ground Hog Day. It’s Mother’s Day. I want to challenge and encourage our wives and mothers. We’re calling upon a man whose name is mentioned only once in scripture, yet this choice portion of literature seems to last forever in our minds as we look for a godly woman.
His name was King Lemuel, and he had a good mother. In verse 10, King Lemuel offers both a question and a declaration:
Question: a wife of noble character, who can find? Answer: she is worth far more than rubies!
Verse 30 sums it all up: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Many times these verses are presented in such a way that a great deal of guilt is brought forth on the part of the woman and mothers listening. If you do not get up early and buy-and-sell land or provide your family with hand-sewn clothing…these verses are still for your encouragement.
Instead of listing items of activity which should be part of the Christian woman, it is listing characteristics which are then applied to the culture in which we walk and work. The idea: be this kind of woman in your character and your activities will be determined by the particular circumstances which do apply to your life.
- She is diligent (vs. 13, 17-18, 27)
Proverbs 31:13: “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.”
Proverbs 31:17-18: “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. {18} She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”
Proverbs 31:27: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
This trait seems to be mixed with a pleasant spirit and a good attitude. She seems to possess pride in what she does…she’s not happy just to “get by” but in doing a good job. She looks for the best buys, she realizes a profit, and works even into the night.
- She’s industrious and efficient (vs. 14, 16, 24)
Proverbs 31:14: “She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.”
Proverbs 31:16: “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
Proverbs 31:24: “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”
She’s a thinking individual. In the investment of her time, she looks for dividends and returns. Instead of focusing on the grind, she looks to the benefits her work will bring.
- She’s compassionate (vs. 20, 26).
Proverbs 31:20: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:26: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
She has a soft heart that can be touched. And this makes her unique and distinct when contrasted to the man: an illustration….a child is hurt and the two responses:
Mother: How are YOU doing? What can I do? (the caring one)
Dad: Why were you running? You scratched the wall! Who’s fault was it? (the investigator).
- She has inner beauty (vs. 22, 25).
Proverbs 31:22: “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”
Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
IF MARRIED: She’s a devoted wife:
- She maintains her husband’s confidence (vs. 11a)
Proverbs 31:11a: “Her husband has full confidence in her….”
He’s comfortable in being transparent with her. He can share his feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and disappointment and know she will keep them to herself.
- She meets his needs (vs. 11b).
Proverbs 31:11b: “…and lacks nothing of value.”
She’s supportive and affectionate. She encourages his pursuits, and is committed to him and his efforts.
Remember when God looked at Adam and said: “It is not good that man should be alone.” He made a help-meet that would make him complete. Woman was a special creation of God but also a “corresponding part.”
- She seeks his good (vs. 12)
Proverbs 31:12: “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
- She adds to his influence (vs. 23)
Proverbs 31:23: “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
IF A PARENT: she’s a dependable mother.
- She is disciplined (vs. 15, 18-19).
Proverbs 31:15: “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.”
Proverbs 31:18-19: “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. {19} In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
- She’s organized (vs. 21).
Proverbs 31:21: “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.”
This verse presents a sense of planning. She takes the challenge of a family as just that, a challenge, and seeks to meet it. It’s not just “a cross to bear.”
- She’s dedicated (vs. 27).
Proverbs 31:27: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
What will be the results of this kind of woman (28-31).
Proverbs 31:28-31: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: {29} “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” {30} Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. {31} Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
* Her children will bless her! * Her husband will praise her!
* Her peers will be challenged by her! * Her works will bring their own praise!
* Her Lord will be honored by her life!
A husband’s relationship to his excellent wife: (vs. 11-12, 28-29)
Proverbs 31:11-12: “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. {12} She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:28-29: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: {29} “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.””
- He trusts her (vs. 11). He has no cause for suspicion for her. Deep within, he holds confidence in her.
- He benefits from her (vs.11).
- He’s affirmed by her (vs. 12).
- He’s impressed with her and sings her praises (vs. 28-29).
Young men – look for this kind of woman!
Young ladies – strive with God’s help to be this kind of woman!
Fathers and married men – Thank God if you have this kind of woman!
Proud to be TJ's man 