Day 115: Building Her House

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 14: 1-2

Central Thought: ‘By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4, NIV).

Whether we are men or women, we want to be remembered as wise, noble people. By accepting God’s plan for our lives, we may be among those who build their house well. As Boaz told Ruth, ‘All . . . know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11, NIV).

What are the characteristics of nobility? We find them in the description of the Proverbs 31 woman. She:

•  Has her spouse’s confidence (verses 11 and12).
•  Is industrious (verses 13-15, 24).
•  Is savvy in business and in housekeeping (verses 16-21, 26 and 27).
•  Is creative (verses 19-22).
•  Ensures her spouse’s respect at home and in their community (verse 23).
•  Is not a worrier (verse 25).
•  Is wise in speech and in life-instructions to her children (verse 26).
•  Keeps busy, watching over home and family (verse 27).

The result—her children and husband praise her nobility (verses 28 and 29), her fear of God (30), and her work in their home and neighborhood (verse 31).

Ruth was included in Jesus’ ancestry. True nobility, through great character, creates a well-built lineage. Like Ruth, even the poorest of us can build our house well.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, help me to build my character so that You, who know me best, will call me a person of noble character, because a well-built family will grow out of my character.

Today’s Bible Reading: Judges 2:10-3:31; Luke 22:14-34; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 14: 1-2.