Lesson 15 on biblical submission...

Proverbs 31:22 - She is Covered!

This Scripture-Picture was lovingly created by
Lori @ I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give.

Let's recap what we've studied, meditated on and gleaned from this beautiful, strong and wise, Proverbs 31, Biblically submissive wife so far. She is:

1. An excellent wife, who's worth is incomparable to anything on this earth, as her value in God's eyes and to her husband and children are held and kept safe in God's Heavenly treasury (Matthew 6:33). She is also a force to be reckoned with and our enemy, the devil knows it and that is why he tries so hard to keep this kind of woman deceived by being "liberated" by the world and all its lies. (v.10)
2. A woman who's husband is free to be the man God created him to be because she is a woman who regularly exercises self-discipline and welcomes God's pruning shears so that she may bear bigger and more vibrant fruit. She is humble, gentle and kind and allows the work of her hands, done in meekness to speak for her as her full trust and confidence is in Christ her Savior, not in any human being (1 Thessalonians 4:11, James 3:13). She feels no need to defend herself, but is eager and ready to defend the reputation and quality of life, for her husband and children (1 Peter 2:23-3:2). (v.11)
3. A woman who does her husband good and not harm all the days of her life, but does not rejoice in this. Instead, she rejoices only that Christ is the one who alone is qualified to do anything good, therefore gives Him honor and praise for working this miracle in her life to bless her and her entire household. This kindness of Christ always brings her to her knees where she humbly offers our Lord and King Jesus, praises and holy adoration (Mark 14:3-6). (v.12)
4. A woman who recognizes that God uses her to warm the hearts of those in her household by blessing her husband with her unconditional love and respect through daily acts of kindness so that he may truly find his home to be his castle - his sanctuary from the world and all that it has taken from him each day. She extends this same kindness to her children and all who are in her household as God also uses her to "cool" and calm the spirits of those he has providentially placed in her life; so that she may be the arms and feet of Jesus (Proverbs 18:22, Acts 9:36, 39). (v.13)
5. A woman, who like the merchant ships, provides food; good, nutritious food for her entire household. She is wise, efficient and organized. Therefore, she does not spend her husband's hard earned money frivolously, but to demonstrate her gratitude to God for all her provisions, including her husband's job, she is frugal in her spending and plans meals so that nothing is wasted (John 6:12, 1 Peter 4:9-11). (v.14)
6. A woman who rises with the Son of God. Her heart and mind are guarded in Christ Jesus our Lord because she mediates on His Word, day and night and refuses to entertain idle activities, but only that which edifies her and builds her up in the faith. She is not deceived by Satan to believe it is the hour in which she wakes up that God is pleased with, but in the attitude in which she wakes up is how God is honored (Psalm 1:1-3, Ephesians 5:15-17). (v.15)
7. Smart and classy. She keeps herself well-informed of all things that are necessary in helping her to buy or sell, keep her home tidy and organized, and whatever work God gives her to perform, whether in her home our out. She faithfully meditates on the Word of God and keeps a watchful eye on her labor to ensure she is not engaged in frivolous activities that only bring her pleasure, but prayerfully seeks God's will in everything she does, to bring honor and praise to His Name because of her work (1 Peter 2:12). (v.16)
8. Able to dress herself. Not only physically, but more importantly, spiritually. She is fully dressed in the Armor of God and clothed with the Fruit of the Spirit. She finds her full security and source of joy in Christ Jesus alone as she always recognizes that she is betrothed to the Son of God, Who alone is capable of loving her perfectly, and satisfying all her needs. Therefore, when her husband fails her, instead of growing angry or bitter, she falls to her knees and thanks her Heavenly Betrothed One, Jesus Christ, for reminding her that her husband is but a man; a sinner, just like her, and that Christ alone can fulfill her and will never fail her (Matthew 11:28-30). (v. 17)
9. Immersed in God's Word, as she hungers and thirsts for righteousness. She perceives that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to her feet and a light for her path. She does not foolishly stay up all night working, as she fully understands that it is a gift from God to eat, drink and enjoy the fruit of one's labor; and to enjoy the peaceful rest that God provides. She is a good and faithful manager of her all her God-given gifts, talents and abilities and uses these gifts to bless and benefit all those around her. She wisely recognizes that her Biblical submission to her husband is used by God to woo others to Himself as they stand in awe of the inner beauty she possess - the incomparable beauty of Jesus Christ Himself. (v.18)
10. A Distaff - a woman who is full of good works and acts of charity. She is well-loved and respected in the Family of God because of her deeds done in love. She does not require nor seek praise from men, as she is fully aware of this entrapment, and refuses to stray from her First Love, Jesus Christ. No, instead, she lives and breathes for the pleasure and glory of the LORD God alone (Galatians 1:10). (v. 19)
11. A woman who keeps her hands clean with acts of kindness performed in sincere love; and maintains a pure heart by confessing and repenting of her sins so that she may see God. She willingly and lovingly "bends down" to submit to her husband and serve him, just as Christ our God, "bent down" and submitted Himself to earthly authority because He came to serve and not to be served. Then and only then, can she "bend down" to feed others outside her household, who are poor and needy (Psalm 32:3-5). (v.20)
12. A woman who fears the LORD God Almighty alone, for her hope [trust] is in Christ and His salvation, and not in man, nor any "securities" of this world. Only the LORD God is her portion. She clothes herself and her entire household in scarlet to acknowledge they are of royal heritage (for she herself is saved, and trusts the LORD to save her entire household). They are all doubly clothed: washed with the blood of Jesus, therefore, clothed in the robe of His righteousness and sealed with the Holy Spirit of God, until their bodies are redeemed (Luke 19:9, Romans 2:29). (v.21)

I must admit, when I first read Proverbs 31:22, I was a bit confused. I asked the Lord, "Father, why does she make bed coverings for herself? Why is she clothed in fine linen and purple? Why does she not provide bed coverings for her household? Why is this verse only about her?"

Our glorious and wise Father God, generously answered me, just as He promised:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

~ James 1:5

God reminded me, that because He is not a far off God, but intimate with each of His children, it is important to take note of how His daughters are covered and clothed.

The first portion of this verse says that she makes "bed coverings" for herself. Therefore, let us dissect the use and purpose of bed coverings so that we may better understand the significance of this portion of Scripture.

During the Old Testament times, bed coverings were not limited to what was actually on one's bed, but also included what was around one's bed. Curtains were often used to "cover" [surround] the bed for the purpose of privacy as well as providing additional protection from the elements. And bed coverings were not necessarily used for "common" or ordinary purposes, but were made only for those of royal or noble birth. The bed coverings themselves were beautiful, ornate and often made with tapestry (much like the one in today's Scripture-Picture).

In this verse, we can see that a Proverbs 31, Biblically submissive wife, makes her own bed coverings that are used to both lay over her body to provide her with warmth and comfort, as well as making a curtain that surrounds her entire sleeping area. While this is a physical necessity and comfort for a good nights rest, the spiritual application for this is far more precious. For she not only makes physical bed coverings for herself to ensure a good nights rest, but she also faithfully works out her salvation, as she draws deeper and deeper into the well-spring of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. She doesn't expect anyone else to grow her intimacy with Christ. No, she can dress herself (like we found out in Proverbs 31:17). She does not need to be spoon feed, nor does she require anyone to "prop" her up in the faith. She is committed to be conformed into the likeness of her Savior and she does not need any cajoling or convincing to chase hard after God. She can dress herself. She can handle herself. She can read the Bible herself. And she practices self-discipline, so that she is not a burden on anyone else, but knows to cast all her cares on Jesus first and foremost. Her greatest desire is to remain in Christ and to be covered with His joy and peace that only comes from pure communion with Him.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
~ Psalm 4:8

"The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
~ Psalm 23:1-3

"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy."
~ Psalm 63:5-7

In these Scripture passages above, we see why a Biblically submissive woman, who is abandoned to Christ alone, can rest and rest well - in peace and with great joy. She is covered! She is covered by the LORD God Almighty Himself, as she takes refuge in Him and never leaves the shelter of His wings!

There is nothing better than to wake up to our awesome Father God, mediate on His Word throughout the day, then end each day with His Word, so that you may rest in His love.

I found it peculiar that this, "hands-on" hardworking woman would be dressed in fine linen and purple. For fine linen, from the worldly perspective, wrinkles easily and really doesn't seem to be something that is well-suited to be worn for a lowly, manual laborer. And then, there's the purple, which is also another color most often used to represent royalty. So how can a "working woman" be dressed in such refined clothing, while engaging in so much manual labor?

The answer is this. A Biblically submissive wife recognizes herself to have been adopted into a royal heritage through the blood of Jesus Christ, therefore, she does what her Master does; she comes to serve and not to be served. She is dressed in purple to denote her royal heritage in the Kingdom of God. Not to lord it over others that she is somehow better or greater than they are. She is dressed the way she is for no other purpose, than to proclaim that she is one with the King of kings, and the Lord of lords - the One and only Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

But there is still the question of why she is dressed in fine linen. The Hebrew word used here, for fine linen is: shesh¹, which means: something bleached white, byssus, linen, fine linen.

"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

'Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure' --

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."

~ Revelation 19:6-8
(emphasis added)

The Greek word used in Revelatian 19:8 is bussinos² which is derived from the Hebrew word, bussos³ which means: 1) byssus, a species of Egyptian flax; 2) linen made from byssus, very costly, delicate, soft, white and also of a yellow colour.

Both the Hebrew word shesh, used in Proverbs 31:22 and bussos, used in Revelation 19:8 have the same definition: white byssus, which is a species of the Egyptian flax. From this comparison, we are able to fully comprehend why King Lemuel's mother found it to be significant to mention that this woman, this Biblically submissive woman she desired for her son to seek as a wife; be clothed in fine linen. And we find the significance here in Revelation 19:6-8 as God revealed to the Apostle John that fine linen represents the righteous deeds of the saints.

With everything that we have learned about this woman of God thus far, no one can argue that she is a woman not only of fine stature, but also a woman who beautifully manifests our Lord Jesus' humble, servant's heart.

"who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

~ Philippians 2:6-7

In conclusion, she is covered! Covered by the blood of the Lamb of God, that cleanses and purifies her of all her unrighteousness! She is covered! Covered and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, until the day of redemption! And while, here on earth, she is covered! Covered by her earthly husband God has provided her, to be His hands, feet, and wing of protection from Satan's cunning deceptions. And with great wisdom, she remains in and under all that God has given her as a covering.

Gracious Lord God and Redeemer! Thank You for covering us! Thank You for washing us with the precious blood of Your Holy Son, Jesus, so that we might see Your face and one day, see You in full glory! Thank You for calling us to Yourself and stripping us of our unrighteousness and filthy rags, and clothing us with the righteousness of Jesus - with purity, love, goodness, humility and good works. Whether we clean toilets, wipe our babies' bottoms, cook, or sweep our floors, please Father, help us to remember that it is all for You so that we may not be robbed of our joy. I know if we store all our hope, all our joy and our everything in You, we will not be robbed, for who can come against You Lord and steal anything from You? Create in us, pure hearts, clean hands and Jesus' humble spirit that we may, in all things bring You honor, glory and praise.

Homework:

1. Continue with your Love Dare Journal. Please be sure not to miss a day or delay in fulfilling each day's love dare.
   
2. As usual, look up every Scripture in this lesson and journal all those that apply to you and where you are personally in your walk with the Lord, right now.
3. Memorize Psalm 4:8, 23:1-3, 63:5-7 and Revelation 19:6-8.