Spring Cleaning of the Heart – A Modern Proverbs 31 Check-up (Part 3 of 3)

Today’s Spring Cleaning of the Heart is concentrating on the Work Life of the Modern Proverbs 31 Woman.  For the Spiritual Life checklist, click here.  For the Home Life checklist, click here.  And for the Work Life, see below. 😉

God is so merciful and gracious, ready to pardon, and to help us in our weaknesses.  Ask Him to help you work through these lists.  They are not at all comprehensive – just a few thoughts spurred by this amazing example of a Godly Woman.  God’s desire is to make us into His very best.  Let’s let Him have His wise way with us.

Work Life

Vs. 13- She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].

Am I motivated to be a willing worker? _____
Do I work “as unto The Lord” (Eph. 6:7) in whatever task is set before me? _____

OR do I complain and resent when work is to be done?

16a- She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties];

Do I “consider” (pray) before I “buy” purchases that will steal time and attention from my other responsibilities? _____
Do I “consider” (pray) before I “accept” new responsibilities offered to me, or asked of me? _____

OR do I “court neglect” of my family, home, and spiritual life in how I spend my money and time in things that end up overwhelming me?

16b- With her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.

Do I use “saved time”, “saved strength”, and “saved money” wisely? _____

OR do I squander additional resources?

Vs. 19- She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Do I use make use of the talents and skills God has given me? _____

OR do I waste my time and talents in seeking idle pleasures?

Vs. 20- She opens her hands to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

Am I ready to “reach out” and minister to others in need? _____

OR do I stay so self-absorbed that I have no idea of needs, nor time to help meet them?

Vs. 22a- She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.

Do I wisely and prudently use my resources and abilities to help make our home a beautiful and comfortable place? _____

OR Am I home so little time that it doesn’t matter to me if it is an inviting place?

Vs. 24- She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].

As I do my work, am I known for being covered in “fine garments” (righteousness of Jesus Christ)?____
Do I work in such a way that I lead others to want the freedom of this God-given righteousness? _____

OR do I join in on idle, unholy, or worthless talk and activities – where no one knows where I stand with Jesus?

25b- She rejoices over the future [the later day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

Have I done everything I can possibly do (at this time) to prepare for the future of my family? _____

OR are there important issues that must be addressed and I keep putting them off?  What are they?  What is a plan to address these issues?

Vs. 31- Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!
Can I truly say I am being and doing the very best I can be and do? _____

OR are there areas I know God is convicting me about where I can be/do better?  What are they?  What is a plan to address these issues?

“Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshippfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30-31