Not many people think of the Proverbs 31 woman with a characteristic of being prepared for emergencies or natural disasters. But, the Bible does bear out that this woman, the example of a virtuous woman for all generations, does indeed prepare ahead of time for any situation.
The society we live in doesn’t really assign much value to a virtuous woman – but God does. That’s why we have a context in the 31st chapter of Proverbs to help us understand what real virtue looks like.
First, this woman is a thinker. She has her priorities in order and she pays attention to the things she knows are right – those things which are beneficial for herself and her family. And I’m going to add here, since we’re 21st century Christians, she also knows her Bible and she bases her life on its precepts.
When I’ve done all I can do, then I will rest in the Lord. I have always said “faith without works is dead.” While others say they will just trust in the Lord – I believe we should act on our faith.
James 2:17,18 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
While television, movies and magazines will try to convince today’s woman that her priorities lie in looking good and a variety of other petty issues – the Proverbs 31 woman knows that beauty fades and charm is deceiving, but her strength is in her virtuous character.
Oh, I know what you’re thinking…. but Lori, you always look so ‘put together.’ Ladies, when you see me on television, that’s not really me. The real me has her hair in a pony tail with a baseball cap on, and no makeup! And I know you’ve heard Jim tell on the air that my favorite thing to do is clean the house! It’s true!
But one thing that is constantly on my mind is emergency preparedness. Why? Because I believe we’re living in the Days of Revelation and it’s only a matter of time before some catastrophe or event challenges our status quo lifestyle. I’m not afraid of what’s ahead, but I do respect the warnings in the Bible that there will be Times of Trouble.
I don’t know exactly what this ‘trouble’ may be, but I’m not going to take chances with the lives of the ones I love. It’s my responsibility to see to it that my family has their best chance of survival when a catastrophe hits. If I can alleviate any of their suffering, why wouldn’t I? I believe that’s why the Bible tells us ahead of time that these things are coming…. so that we can prepare!
“She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:21
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.”
Proverbs 31:25
