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What Does Virtuous Really Mean?

(From the introduction to Queen of the Home):

Scripture declares the truth; it is through the saving work of Christ and in a life lived according to the standard set forth in God’s Holy Word that a woman is most honored and elevated to a position like no other on earth. She is given great respect, mighty responsibilities and a specific realm over which she is to reign.

virtuous

When we take a closer look at the Scriptures, what we find is quite intriguing and illuminating:

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 1 Timothy 5:14

The original Greek word used for “guide the house” here is “oikodespoteō” which is translated “ruler”, or “master” (This does not mean that we rule over our husbands, but it does mean that we rule with them.)

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5

Here the Greek word used for “keepers at home” is “oikourgos” which not only means to care for the home, but to guard it.

In the famous chapter of Proverbs 31 we have a detailed description that shows just how strong, capable and influential the virtuous woman of God really is. What might not be as well known is what is packed into the actual meaning of the word “virtuous” which appears in Scripture four times:

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. Ruth 3:11

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband… Proverbs 12:4

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

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

I used to think that the word “virtuous” as used in these texts meant “moral,” or “pure.” While the word “virtue” is at times translated this way, and while this meaning too should define a godly woman, this is not the meaning of the word used in the passages above. I was amazed to discover that in the original Hebrew this word is “chayil”—which is also translated throughout the Bible as “strength”, “ability”, “valiant”, “army”, “host”, “forces”, “riches”, “wealth”, “substance”, “power” and even “war”! No wonder such a woman is far more valuable than rubies.

soldiersinhousedress

The godly wife and mother is no household drudge, weak doormat, or mindless parasite. She is a mighty warrior queen who fights righteous battles at her husband’s side and reigns with him over the home and domain God has given them as they work together for Christ’s eternal Kingdom and glory.

Get a free, downloadable sample of my book Queen of the Home that includes the foreword, introduction and first chapter! :

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Filed Under: Queen of the Home 1 Comment

When Thou Liest Down… »

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  1. Sarah says

    September 28, 2022 at 1:34 am

    Thank you! This is awesome

    Reply

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. Some will hate you, some will love you, Some wil .
Some will hate you, some will love you,
Some will flatter, some will slight.
Cease from Man, and look above you,
Trust in God and do the right.

Courage brother, do not stumble,
Though your path be dark as night.
There's a star to guide the humble,
Trust in God and do the right.

Though the road be long and weary 
And the end far out of sight
Foot it bravely strong or weary,
Trust in God and do the right. 

~N. McLeod
.

Better Than My Best
 by Annie Johnson Flint

“I prayed for strength, and then I lost awhile
All sense of nearness, human and divine;
The love I leaned on failed and pierced my heart,
The hands I clung to loosed themselves from mine;
But while I swayed, weak, trembling, and alone,
The everlasting arms upheld my own.

I prayed for light; the sun went down in clouds,
The moon was darkened by a misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears,
And all my little candle flames burned out;
But while I sat in shadow, wrapped in night,
The face of Christ made all the darkness bright.

I prayed for peace, and dreamed of restful ease,
A slumber drugged from pain, a hushed repose;
Above my head the skies were black with storm,
And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes;
But while the battle raged, and wild winds blew,
I heard His voice and perfect peace I knew.

I thank Thee, Lord, Thou wert too wise to heed
My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought,
Since these rich gifts Thy bounty has bestowed
Have brought me more than all I asked or thought;
Giver of good, so answer each request
With Thine own giving, better than my best.”

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 #benotweary #chronicillness #digitalcommonplacebook #beautyfromashes #infaithfulnessthouhastafflictedme
“Posterity! You will never know, how much it cos “Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it.” - John Adams
"So they committed themselves to the will of God a "So they committed themselves to the will of God and resolved to proceed." ~ William 
Bradford

This one of my all time favorite quotes ever. The story behind it makes it even more powerful. The faith and long term vision our Pilgrim forefathers had never ceases to amaze me. I respect them so much that I have a little girl named after Priscilla Mullins. 

They knew the direction they needed to go. They knew it would be hard. They knew most people thought they were crazy. They knew they might not see the fruits of their labor for many years. They knew they were lighting small candles and sowing seeds. They knew it would require the greatest of sacrifices. 

They did it for their children and for their families - for freedom and new life for them. They did it because they were walking in obedience to the Almighty God that they knew and loved.

When I think of their grit and perseverance- what it cost them and what it gained all of us-it puts my own mountains in perspective and helps me to face them with renewed strength and encouragement. Their firm trust in God encourages me keep my eyes on my faithful Father and to follow in the way He leads; to keep putting one step in front of the other. Even when the road is long and weary, to resolve to proceed.
“It was November - the month of crimson sunsets, “It was November - the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines...” - L.M. Montgomery.
"The adversaries of truth are many, influential, l "The adversaries of truth are many, influential, learned, and crafty; and truth fares ill at their hands; and yet the man of God has no cause for trepidation. Agencies, seen and unseen, of the most potent kind, are on the side of righteousness. God has armies in ambush which will reveal themselves in the hour of need. The forces which are on the side of the good and the true far outweigh the powers of evil. Therefore, let us keep our spirits up, and walk with the gait of men who possess a cheering secret, which has lifted them above all fear. We are on the winning side. The battle may be sharp, but we know how it will end. Faith, having God with her, is in a clear majority: "They that be with us are more than they that be with them."" -C.H. Spurgeon
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