Wednesday Bible Study: The add-to's, part 2

 

 

... add to your faith virtue...

I knew the search for Virtue would be interesting when I found that, other than here and in a brief use in (I believe) Titus, this word is NOT used in the New Testament this way.  I found it even more curious when I learned the word used in its basic translation means "manly valor"; especially considering what the ONLY lengthy passage in the whole Bible about it is.  But to every mind that reads the Bible, three people come to mind when the word virtue is brought up.  Joseph, who ran from the temptations of Potipher's wife (hardly what THIS world would call manly) and was eventually rewarded not just with power in Egypt, but the reuniting of his family.  Caleb, who refused to buckle under the fears of the ten gutless spies and was rewarded by still having the same vigor that he had as a youth after 40 years of desert life and war; and Daniel, who refused the corruptions offered in Babylon and was rewarded not only with power in Babylon, but by being named, "Beloved by God."

Note that each received reward for their virtue.  But they are extreme examples, I'm sure you would agree.  The most lengthy passage on virtue involves none of those heroic deeds or stands, just everyday life.  And the person with this 'manly valor' isn't a man, but the Virtuous Wife in Proverbs 31.  And her story involves reward, too.

In fact, I distilled from the passage a fairly concrete list of things she does, followed by a reward.  And they are all everyday things.  Let's look at them and learn virtue.

1- Pro 31:12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

"First, do no harm."  She keeps in mind the needs and dreams of those around her.  And the reward is in the previous verse:  Her family TRUSTS in her.

2- Pro 31:13  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 

Works WILLINGLY.  Finds a way not to grumble at having to do her everyday tasks.  And the reward is the greatness of what she provides her family:  Pro 31:14  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  Having her in the family is like a semi delivering goods every day.

Notice how it is those AROUND her getting the rewards?  Good.  We move on.

3- Pro 31:15  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 

She's not lazy; she gets right at providing.  Because she is motivated, and willing in spirit, God rewards her with wisdom: Pro 31:16  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 

4- Pro 31:17  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 

Keeping herself healthy and strong, so that she can continue to provide without burning out.  This effects not only her body, but her mind, her understanding:  Pro 31:18  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 

5- Pro 31:20  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 

She is generous, giving where she can to whom she can. Because she provides for others, she knows the Lord will provide for her and hers: Pro 31:21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Scarlet indicating warm clothes.)

6- Pro 31:24  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

She makes everything with QUALITY.  She labors as if the Lord is her supervisor.  As a result, her reputation bleeds into the family; Pro 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

7- Pro 31:27  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 

This is kind of the 'sums it all up' verse:  She works hard, works with wisdom, and without grumbling about it.  Her great reward is the love of her family:  Pro 31:28  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

So you see, just like we saw last time, these are not things you have to be a superhero of faith to do.  But does it define virtue?  Perhaps Solomon put that best:

Pro 31:29  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 

Pro 31:30  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 

Pro 31:31  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. 

And that, it seems, is 'manly valor'.