The Proverbs 31 Woman (yes, her!)- Day 6: What we give, What we get

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” (‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭26-29‬ NLT)
On this day 6 of 7, I hope that we are all beginning to see a pattern in our study. Several themes are repeated over & over again with respect to the characteristics of our Proverbs 31 woman. Our lady has tabs on her household and she's not a slouch.  If you need a refresher on these topics see day 2, day 3 (Superwoman), & day 5 (Peace, Love, & Clothing). The main point to remember is this: it all comes down to our hearts. 

So far we have learned a lot about what this woman does, but we only have a few glimpses into her personality....how she really treats those around her while she's out "being amazing."   We know that she is intelligent, capable, and that she comforts and encourages her husband.  This passage fleshes out another couple of details for us.  

First, she is wise.  Wisdom is different than intelligence.  Intelligence is obtaining and using knowledge.  Knowledge is simply facts, information, and familiarity.  Wisdom is able to appropriately apply that knowledge in the best way to make good decisions.  In order to speak wisely, we must consider the content, the motive, and the timing of our words.  You may be thinking "that's a lot to think about before I speak."  True.  Chances are our Proverbs 31 woman isn't speaking off-hand or flippantly.  (Ouch)

Also, she "gives instructions with kindness."  How many times are we demanding, nagging, or otherwise negative when we are instructing or making requests of those we love?  Tone says a lot, and it all comes from our hearts.  Remember, we must take care to take care of ourselves. (See day 5.)  When we spend daily time with God, our heart is full of Him and His presence.  We are able to respond from a full heart.  When we neglect the recharging and refilling of our hearts, our responses become harsh, bitter, and biting.  

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:44-45 NIV)
Beth Moore has an AMAZING teaching on this called the Law of Kindness that you owe it to yourself to check out!  It's a 3 part series, and each segment is roughly 18 minutes each.  I can't stress it enough--Watch these!  No really.....seriously.  Take the time today.  (Have I made my point?)

The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 1
The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 2
The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 3

What are the results of our Proverbs 31 woman pouring her heart and soul into her family?  It's very simple.  Her husband and children feel loved, cared for, and respected, so the natural outpouring is that they speak highly of her.  She is honored. 

Is there any greater compliment that we would want to receive than being honored by those dearest to our hearts?