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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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"So they committed themselves to the will of God, "So they committed themselves to the will of God, and resolved to proceed." ~ William Bradford
"...they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of "...they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work." ~ William Bradford
"They brought up their families, in sturdy virtue "They brought up their families, in sturdy virtue and a living faith in God, without which Nations perish." ~ Pilgrim Mother's Monument, Plymouth, MA
“Autumn, the years last, loveliest smile.” - W “Autumn, the years last, loveliest smile.” - William Cullens Bryant 

#digitalnaturejournal #digitalcommonplacebook #cowsacrossthehedgerow
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord...

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Psalm 40 1,2,3,5
This was such an encouraging reminder today!: 

“God's great design in all His works is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of Himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God.

They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.” - Charles Spurgeon
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