Dedication

The teachings from shepherds who are inspired by the Spirit are a gift to the flock.  Much gratitude to the Holy Spirit, and to the shepherd who inspired this writing with his gift of teaching.  May his love of the Lord spread through these words to God’s children and may the readers be blessed with the inspiration to seek the shepherd’s Shepherd.

Preface 

     A person's point of view is a powerful thing.  A belief in something can and will make things come true for a person, if they believe it with their whole heart.  Belief can make things happen.   

     Martha made a roast for special occasions for her family.  People marveled at how the "family recipe" that had been handed down from generation to generation tasted like nobody else's.  What did Martha do differently to her roast that other people couldn't capture?  She followed a recipe.  Each time she made a roast, she did it the exact same way her mother and her grandmother and all the generations of mothers in her family before her did.  She cut off one end of the roast, put it in a separate pan, put garlic and onions, herbs and spices in the pans and slow cooked the roast(s) to perfection each and every time.  Martha didn't believe that the secret was in the mixture of herbs and spices, or the exact amount of garlic she used, or whether the onions were yellow or white or red.  Martha thought that the secret was in cutting off the one end of the roast and putting it in a separate pan. 

     One day at a family reunion, Martha was talking to her great grandmother, and she asked her, why did they cut off one end of the roast.  To Martha's surprise, her great grandmother told her that in the olden days, they didn't have a pan that was big enough to fit the entire roast in, so they cut one end off and used two pans.  Martha began to think of how her ancestors must have longed for a pan big enough to save all the extra work it took to cook their roast in two pans, not to mention the extra cleaning up afterward.  Then she realized, that the secret was not in the recipe at all.  The secret was her belief that if she cut off one end of the roast, that it would turn out perfectly. 

     Do you believe in something that gives you guaranteed results every time?  More importantly ... are there things that you DON'T believe in your heart, but wish they could really happen?  Let's talk about another recipe.  Let's talk about the recipe for the perfect --- BRIDE!  That is the confection that we all should be striving to perfect.  What are we waiting for?  A bigger pan?  A certain time when all the ingredients will be "in season?"  No, the thing that we wait for is FAITH.  Way down deep in our hearts, many of us BELIEVE that we don't have enough BELIEF in ourselves to earn the wedding cake that our Lord, so truly, wants us to share with Him.  In our point of view, it is out of reach, and what you believe, you WILL receive.  

Mark 11:22-24  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Proverbs 31:10-31 
 

Who  can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,

and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: 

with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:  her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea,

she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: 

for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: 

but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works  praise her in the gates.

     King Lemuel’s mother taught him a prophecy.  A prophecy is a message from God.  This prophecy is an age-old recipe that should be passed down from generation to generation.  The recipe isn't for a cake, but the directions are for preparing the perfect bride.   It isn’t a secret recipe, but it is an ancient one that appears to be long forgotten, considering how few people there are who prepare it.  This proverb isn't just a collection of eloquent words that you should read once, and then, tomorrow, forget that they are prophecy.  When you pick up your Bible and read this selection, you won't magically hear inspirational music in the background, or hear it narrated by someone  who can bring a tear to the eye with the reading of "See Spot Run".  But if you can picture to yourself, the Holy Spirit, inspiring this woman to reveal this prophecy so that women throughout the ages would live by it, perhaps you will see the deeper beauty that this proverb holds. 

2Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
 

     Although this Proverb can be taken literally, the challenge of looking at it from a different point of view is presented here.  Many times, the things that are read between the lines of scripture are interpreted in different ways, and perhaps one is not necessarily right and one wrong.  Maybe they can both be right ... just different points of view.
 

     One thing to keep in mind is that the Bible often times refers to “man” in scripture.  God’s Word is intended for all of us.  With the knowledge that the Word of God is for all His children, you will understand that women are not exempt from obeying God’s Word.  You may also find yourself thinking that these passages are taken out of context, however, Jesus spoke in parables, with hopes that people would apply them to their own lives in any situation necessary.  His analogies have rang true through many generations and still do today.  Whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed, divorced, rich, poor, healthy, ill, or otherwise … while reflecting on these scripture passages, remember that it is the Lamb to whom you are truly betrothed, and ask yourself if He wouldn’t love for you to prepare this recipe for HIM. 

Revelation 19:7-9  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 

     So, what are the ingredients?  The ingredients are fruits.  Fruits of the Spirit.  And, what are fruits of the Spirit?  

Galatians 5:22-23  ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ...

      Fruits of the Spirit are virtues.  And what is a virtue?  Webster describes a virtue as:  A particular moral excellence.  The apostle Paul describes it this way: 

Ephesians 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

     In short, your virtues … or fruits … make up your character.  Prudence, honesty, reverence, generosity, benevolence, humility, compassion … these all are ingredients that are found in the recipe.  They are the parts of you that inwardly and outwardly give glory to God.  The ingredients cost no money.  They cannot be bought at the mall, at the market or even at your Christian store for that matter.  In fact, they are already in your cabinet (a part of you).  You just have to dig deep inside yourself to attain them.  God put them there when He created you in His image.  All you have to do is reach in and dust them off.  The reward is watching the Lord work in your life to prepare you for everlasting life with Him. 

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

     Verse by verse, this prophesy reveals what virtues the Lord expects His betrothed to have and how you can enrich your life as a Christian woman by making these virtues a permanent part of your self and your way of life.   

Verse 10

Who can find a virtuous woman?  

Proverbs 12:4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband:  but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 

     In all of history, virtuous women have been hard to find.  Many women of the Bible could hardly be deemed as virtuous, but those who were, are very admirable. 

     Of the thousand women that Solomon loved, not a single one was virtuous, but in fact, just the opposite:  they turned his heart away from the Lord. 

1Kings 11:3  And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines:  and his wives turned away his heart. 

     In the book of  Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote: 

Ecclesiastes  7:20, 26-28  For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good ... And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.  Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:  Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. 

     The question, if you are a woman, you must admit ... it's troubling.  We all want to think of ourselves as virtuous.  But when you ponder on it for a while, the question becomes very valid.  After all, if the wisest man to ever exist could not find one, over three thousand years ago, chances are, he would be hard pressed to find one in this generation.  This of course is true, only if you CHOOSE it to be.  Being virtuous is possible for ANYONE.  All you have to do, is CHOOSE.

For her price is far above rubies. 

     What is the price of rubies?  Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz represented the means by which she returned to the safety and love of her home and family.  She had them all along, but she encountered many obstacles before she learned that she could, at any time, have returned, if she had only known the secret.  Your ruby slippers are your virtues.  Put them on and never take them off.  Whenever evil comes calling, just put them to work and think, “There’s no place like home … with my Father.”  

      The Bible refers to the price of wisdom as being far above rubies in several places: 

Job 28:18  No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls:  for the price of wisdom is above rubies. 

Proverbs 3:15  She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies:  and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 

Proverbs 8:11  For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

     In other words -  virtues are as rare as wisdom … priceless!

Verse 11

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, 

     Trust.  A rare commodity nowadays.  However, a virtuous woman is trustworthy.  She is dependable.  She is consistent and reliable.  She is honest.  She knows that the eyes of God are on her every moment, even when nobody else is looking.  She is faithful and true.  If she makes a mistake, she admits it to herself, to God, and to anyone that she may have hurt by it.  She does not seek the acceptance or approval of anyone but her betrothed. 

Genesis 3:16  ... Thy desire shall be to thy husband ... 

     What is the foundation of love?  Trust.  Notice that after the introductory line, it is the first virtue mentioned.  It is a main ingredient in the recipe. 

     Ask yourself:  Does my husband trust me ... Completely, and without a shadow of a doubt? 

     Ask yourself:  Does God trust me ... Completely, and without a shadow of a doubt? 

     God knows your spirit.  You cannot hide anything from Him.  He doesn't need to know your User ID or your password.  He knows what is in your secret files, your journal entries and what is hidden behind the shoeboxes in your closet.  Much more than that, He knows what is in your most secret of hiding places ... your mind.  He doesn't need a special key, a plastic card, a secret combination, your fingerprints or to scan your corneas to gain access to everything you think, say and do.  

1Chronicles 28:9  And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 

Romans 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

Proverbs 20:27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. 

Proverbs 16:2  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

so that he shall have no need of spoil. 

     What does spoil mean in this verse?  It means being robbed of the faithfulness of his betrothed.  The froward society of today believes in their heart that untrustworthy behavior is innocent and harmless.  Flirting is regarded with admiration, and so very sadly, often times a person’s own spouse thinks of this as a redeeming quality in their wife or husband, instead of the guaranteed destructive tool of indecency that it really is.  It is the gateway drug to infidelity.  It is falsely viewed as just being friendly, however, let the divorce rate tell the tale.  People today are exceedingly too personal with people they aren’t married to.  Whether it be a look, word or gesture, the proven results should be horrifying enough to see clearly that this is not the manner of a virtuous woman.  If you were betrothed to the Lord, (which you are, if Heaven is your desired destination) does it seem so innocent and harmless anymore?  Will He be looking for someone else who His heart can safely trust in more?  Is your devotion to your husband a test of what kind of angel and bride you would be to the Lord?  It’s something worth considering very carefully. 

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. 

     You can change your life so that you are worthy of His trust; and if you know the Lord trusts you, you can be sure your husband, too, will have no worry of spoil.

Verse 12 

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

     In the last several decades in particular, evil has become so commonplace that it is not recognized as evil anymore, but is even widely accepted as the standard.  Television and the film industry, until recently, have been the single largest demise of virtue in our lifetimes. 

     Think of how this influential medium of “entertainment” has gone from The Walton’s, where good morals were taught, to The Simpson’s, and much worse, where the unraveling of morals is praised.  In between were subtle changes that slowly allowed more and more evil of every kind to infiltrate innocent minds and slowly convince people that evil is not evil. 

     Would a virtuous woman, in good conscience, be able to sit down comfortably with her family, with the Lord in the room, and watch any television show or movie today, while feeling confident that this amusement is what God wants His children to watch and learn?  Or would she hide her face in shame?  Not only is this evil viewed, but it is practiced by most of society each and every day.  They don’t realize their deeds are evil, except in extreme cases ... instead, they think it is just “normal”.   

     From the Lord’s point of view, is this virtuous?  Ask yourself in everything you do:  Is this really a virtuous deed, or has society caused me to accept evil as good with it’s gradual lures away from Godliness.  You may not have noticed the deception, but rest assured … God does. 

     Identify evil whenever it is presented in any form, by anyone or anything, at anytime.  Tell the truth out loud about it.  Especially in front of children who will surmise that all of the filth that is smuggled into their soft little mushy brains is okey dokey if you don't tell otherwise. 

     It would be unfair to give Hollywood all of the credit for the rapid deterioration of virtue in our time.  The internet, although it has only become popular to the average family in the last ten years or so, has quite possibly surpassed the destruction of virtue in our society that television and film have imposed.  With the click of a button, people get addicted to "surfing" from one form of evil to another, day after day.  For every site that is visited, the possibility of receiving E-mail or pop ups from undesirable sources gets higher.  If you are not positively certain who an "E-Mail" is from, it could very well be Evil-Mail instead of Electronic-Mail.  Not only is the content of the internet potentially dangerous, but with the capability of others to send "Instant Messages" to almost anyone and everyone, and the ability to gain access to personal information about you, the computer can be extremely dangerous.  Parental controls can only filter out so much, and hackers, stalkers, and profit seekers consider everyone open season.  Don't get caught in the undertow when you are "surfing" the net.  It may be a net you can't get out of.  Even when you are seeking something as innocent as sending an electronic birthday card to your grandmother, or a recipe for chicken soup, you will most likely have to see page after page, containing advertisements or links to things that the Lord would not like to be impressed upon the mind of His beloved.  It's kind of like a clever lawyer, who presents something to the jury, knowing it is not allowed, but when the judge says, "The jury will disregard the last statement", will they really be able to forget what was said?  Be sure that your lifeboat (God) is sitting next to you when you dive in.  Don't view the things that you know in your heart He would not approve of.  Without much discretion, the dreaded viruses that computer plinkers fear is like a broken fingernail compared to the fatal disease that the evil available on the internet can infect your soul with.  

Romans 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

1Peter 1:15-16  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (living); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.       

Verse 13

She seeketh wool, and flax,  

     Wool and flax (the fiber that linen is made from) are the materials that clothing is made from, perhaps denoting that a virtuous woman’s job is at home. 

     In today’s world, most women work outside of the home.  God gave men and women separate jobs on this earth in the Garden of Eden.   

Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.  And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 

     It’s clear what those jobs are.  The man will work.  The woman will bear children, she will want to make her husband happy, and she will obey him.  God did not, in His judgment of Adam and Eve, which mankind has inherited, include any addendums that say, "In the instance of financial hardship, boredom, pursuit of SELF worth, or any other worldly circumstance, woman shalt disregardeth my Word in Genesis 3:16-19."   

     Financial concerns are most women’s excuse for working outside the home, but most of the things those finances are used for, are not necessary and truly can not bring anyone closer to God.  When it comes to material things and SELF indulgences, less is more in the Lord's eyes.  

Proverbs 15:16  Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. 

Psalms 49:17  For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. 

     Many people think that their purpose in life is the job they hold.  There is a big difference between one's purpose and one's job.  God's plans for us reach far beyond what we can imagine.  Whether you are a rocket scientist or a stay at home Mom, the "job" that your Father has planned for you may be much simpler or more complicated than you ever thought.  For instance, you may only be a wife and mother in the eyes of some, but in the eyes of your Father, you may be the mother of His next prophet.  On the other hand, you may be the most intelligent, highly esteemed professional that many people know, and yet a twenty dollar bill that you give to a homeless person next week may be the whole reason you were put here on earth.  Only God knows the depth of the simplicity of it all.   

1Corinthians 1:25  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

     If boredom, pursuit of SELF worth, or any other reason compels you to deviate from His plan, encourage yourself to seek His answer to whether or not you are doing His will.  Certainly, there are well grounded circumstances in some people's lives, which make it necessary for a woman to work, and surely God considers those situations, but look closely and truthfully at your own personal situation and ask His guidance.   He will help you determine if you are being SELFish, or if you are walking in the path that He prescribed.  The priorities of this generation have drifted from God’s will.  A virtuous woman does not contend with God’s intent for her.  She is not SELF seeking.  She is seeking GOD.  Of this, you can be sure ... When the prime of your life is over and you are looking back on the time you spent with God and with your family, you won't be saying to yourself, "Gee, I wish I had spent more time working, instead of serving the Lord, His way."  You can make being a virtuous woman the best full time job to ever exist, and when God sees that on your résumé, and your belief in Jesus Christ, He will promote you to Heaven. 

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

and worketh willingly with her hands. 

          A virtuous woman does things for the good of her family.  She creates out of the voluntary goodness of her heart.  Some women think they are just not cut out to be a homemaker.   Some may even think it is a lowly and degrading suggestion.  That is what the world has taught you.  But, what makes God happy?  There are plenty of ways to serve Him as a virtuous woman in your home.  Countless, in fact.  If you are thinking the way the world thinks, concerning how a woman serves God in her home, and you are at a loss for ideas,  you are not thinking the way God does.  Dig deeper.  Ask Him what to do.  His answer may come to you in a dream, in something that another Christian may reveal to you, in prayer, and/or you can always ask Him in the Word.  Just ask in the name of Jesus Christ that He show you, then open your Bible to any page and point to a verse.  Pray for Him to give you discernment so that you understand what He is saying to you.  You can ask in the Word about anything.   

     If you feel like there will be something missing in your life because you choose to walk the Christian woman's walk with God, instead of serving the world,  you are absolutely right.  You will be missing the ingredients that don't belong in the recipe for the Lord's perfect bride.  It will take time and effort worth spending to replace the missing ingredients that you once used in your old recipes, with the fruits that belong in your new one.  Keep searching for them.  God has given you gifts that you don’t even know you have.  Where there’s a (genuine) will, there’s a way. 

Ezekiel 36:26-27  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.   And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Jeremiah 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

2Corinthians 8:11-12  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 

Matthew 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  

Verse 14

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 

       A merchant ship brings unique treasures from far off lands, but, a virtuous woman is a novelty that does not wear off.  The love that she includes in everything she does and makes, truly makes her unique.  Out of laziness, people have forgotten how to appreciate giving AND receiving things from the heart, rather than from the store.  A virtuous woman is creative and knows how to improvise.  A china doll pales in comparison to a rag doll that she made out of some old buttons, a sock, and her special ingredient ... LOVE.   

1John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 

     You could say that if God is love, and love is an ingredient in the recipe, then God is also an ingredient in the recipe.   

     The virtuous woman is one of a kind.  Her creativity comes from the Lord.  Her food (virtues) could not be imported from a better source. 

Psalms 86:10  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
 

Verse 15

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 

John 21:15  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

     The nurturing of her family is a high priority in the virtuous woman’s mind.  She prepares food, teaches righteousness, gives love.  She is generous to those who help her as well.  She is prepared and makes sure her family is.  She wants only good for her loved ones.  She knows that as a wife and/or mother, that this is her duty, and by her example, she instills the responsibility of being virtuous in all of her family.  She does not feel taken advantage of, or taken for granted for earnestly serving them. 

John 13:14-15  If  I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 

Proverbs 14:1  Every wise woman buildeth her house:  but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.      

     Feed your household with good virtues.  Pass down the recipe. 

Verse 16   

She considereth a field, and buyeth it:  

     A virtuous woman is not hasty about her decisions.  She seeks the advisement of the Lord, and obeys that counsel.   

Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 

     The simple minded woman sees a field; the virtuous woman sees the same field and imagines a vineyard.  She will take a leap of faith.  Most people think that a leap of faith is doing something that has a moderate risk, hoping that they will profit for themselves.  Contrariwise, a leap of faith is doing something for God, that is so impractical, that failure is guaranteed ... without HIS hand.  As long as things are going well in people's lives, and they feel like THEY have control, they get very comfortable, and forget their need for God.  His purpose for us was not for us to do it alone.  His purpose was for us to do things FOR Him and WITH Him.  As adults, we are taught to be independent and SELF sufficient. This "rule" does not apply when taking a leap of faith.  You must be as a child.  Your Father EXPECTS you to depend on Him.  He waits for you to ask Him for His hand to help you.  

Matthew 18:3-4  Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

     When you find yourself relying on your own strength to accomplish something, you are denying the power of God to work through you. 

2Corinthians 12:9 ... My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  

     with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.   

     JESUS IS THE TRUE VINE.  The virtuous woman plants Jesus in her heart and much fruit (virtue) is the result.  Without the TRUE VINE, there will be no fruit.   

John 15:1-8  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

     Once you have planted, tend to the vine.  Read God’s Word, pray and watch God’s increase of the fruit in your life grow to an abundance you never imagined. 

1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

Psalms 128:3  Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house. 

     Don't risk losing the opportunity to be fruitful for the Lord.  Once truth is instilled in your heart, you will recognize the things that produce good fruit and the things that do not.  Things can look awfully pretty, and be useless ... even harmful.  Satan would love to coerce you into eating (and producing) poisonous fruit.  He doesn't use apples anymore.  He knows that everyone is wise to that trick now.  If you become aware of bad fruit in your life, remove it.  One bad apple will spoil the whole bushel.  If you are meandering through life being void of good fruit, there will be consequences to pay.  Nobody knows how long they will be here, or what the future holds.  Everyone knows someone who has had untimely circumstances happen to them.  The Gospel according to Matthew, speaks of good fruit and evil fruit, however, no fruit can be just as devastating as evil fruit. 

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 

Matthew 21:18-19   Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he (Jesus) hungered.  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 

     You can change this trend of bad fruit and no fruit.   You can spread virtue in your family.   Every good parent wants better for their children than what they had.  You can choose things in your life that will amount to a bowl of fruit brimming with promise for you and your family.   

Verse 17 

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 

1Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profited little:  but godliness is profitable unto all things. 

     Certainly, the prophesy of Lemuel’s mother was not pertaining to exercise, but rather to being strong in Spirit and not lazy about her virtues.  If the recipe is followed and all the ingredients are used, the Lord will strengthen you.   

Psalms 89:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. 

     Use that strength to edify, magnify, praise and honour the Father. 

Mark 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 

     Don’t be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being virtuous.  The strength of the Lord will sustain you.   

     What does the Lord consider strength? 

Psalms 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
 

Proverbs 10:29  The way of the Lord is strength to the upright ... 

Proverbs 14:26  In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:  and his children shall have a place of refuge. 

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower:  the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.   

Nehemiah 8:10  ... The joy of the Lord is your strength. 

Psalms 73:26  My flesh and my heart faileth:  but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

     The question again:  What does the Lord consider strength?  The answer:  THE LORD IS a virtuous woman’s strength.

Verse 18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:  

      She knows that her wholesome Christian lifestyle (her merchandise) is righteous.  The world would have her think otherwise, but she knows that walking in the way of the Lord is the only acceptable choice in her Lord’s eyes.  Other people’s opinions about the way she chooses to serve the Lord, do not dissuade her.    

Isaiah 51:7  Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. 

Ephesians 5:6-7  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 

her candle goeth not out by night. 

     There are different ways of looking at this part of verse 18.  In a sarcastic view, the virtuous woman is superhuman, robotic and infallible.  Not so.   She IS human, like everyone else.  She will, however, endure exhaustion until the small hours of the morning and rise before dawn for the benefit of her family when necessary.  If there is something that is left undone, the hour will not detain her.  She is not moved by fatigue.  Her strength and her rest come from the Lord.  She never gives up.  

     Another way of looking at it, is that she doesn't change her ways to fit in, or be accepted by this world.  She is consistent.  She doesn't put her virtues on hold temporarily because she is irritable, bored, anxious, insulted, wearied, nervous, tempted, weak, or any other reason that human nature will use to try and quench her flame.  She is a steady burning candle. 

Matthew 25:1-13  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you:  but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage:  and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 

Verse 19 

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 

     The spindle and the distaff are both parts of the spinning wheel.  It’s doubtful that anyone uses a spinning wheel anymore, but perhaps this verse alludes  to being a homebody.  That's right, someone who loves to stay at home.  Home IS where the heart is.  Does the virtuous woman choose to go out with the girls, where a plethora of evil and temptation awaits … or would she rather be at home with her family, tending to her precious loved ones and enriching her family life?  What can the world outside of her home, possibly have, that could get her one step closer to God?  Any time you are not spending time with God, you are spending time with the world.  Be careful.  Spending time with the world can occur within the doors of your own home.     

James 4:4  ... know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 

     Satan is the prince of this world.  His intention is to win your soul away from God.  This is known as spiritual warfare.  The test is to see if you will be persuaded by his trickery like Eve was.   

Genesis 3:13  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 

     He sees every instance as an opportunity to attack.  He will not present his evil as bad, but will package it with ribbons and bows, and make it look like a gift instead of a curse.  He is dressed in a tuxedo, not a red suit with a forked tail, a pitchfork in his hand and horns on his head.  He will try to make you think he and/or his ideas are romantic, fun, intelligent, captivating, honourable even.  Be alert.  Be careful how you walk.  Walk in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Do not be deceived.  He does not sleep.  He will use whatever means he can to lure you into his deceit:  television shows, commercials, movies, books, magazines, billboards, food packaging, newspapers, mail, clothing, dreams, music, thoughts, even Christian holiday gimmicks such as Santa Claus and the Easter bunny.  You name it, his purpose is to win your soul away from God, ANY way he can. 

Ephesians 6:11-18  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ... 

1Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour ... 

     “A woman’s place is in the home”, is falsely thought of today as a chauvinistic attitude, however, when looked at from the Lord’s point of view, it is a very loving and protective admonition.  God knows what the world holds outside the safety of the virtuous woman’s home.  In this generation, no matter how harmless the world may seem, it is abounding with ungodliness.  The opinion of others does not touch the virtuous woman.  She knows truth. 

2Timothy 3:1-7  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

     Sound familiar? 

1John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

     Buying a spinning wheel suddenly seems like an excellent idea. 

Verse 20 

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 

2Corinthians 9:7  … God loveth a cheerful giver. 

     A virtuous woman is not greedy, envious or covetous like most of the world today.  It is a very materialistic society in this era, however, the most expensive, magnificent things cannot be taken to Heaven. 

1Timothy6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

Matthew 6:19-21  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Matthew 6:33-34  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Luke 12:25  And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 

1Peter 3:8-9  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:   Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 

     Instead, the virtuous woman knows the importance of helping the impoverished.  She is not boastful of this. 

Matthew 6:2-4  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 

     If she only has little to give, that does not prevent her.  She knows her reward is great in Heaven for her charity and generosity to her Lord’s people on earth, no matter how little or how much. 

Mark 12:41-44  And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.  And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

1Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 

Verse 21 

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: 

     The only kind of fear a virtuous woman has is a different kind of fear.  Fear (the utmost respect) of the Lord.     

Proverbs 14:26  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

     Her love for God puts any other fear to rest for both her and her family. 

1John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

     The most expensive, isn’t necessarily always the best, but what God provides is always the best for you.  Scarlet is a rich cloth.  The scarlet of a virtuous woman’s household is Godliness.  She has instructed her family well.  She insures that their faith is strong and trusts that the Lord will provide all of their needs. 

Matthew 7:7-11  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Matthew 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 

1John 5:14-15  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

Verse 22 

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 

     A virtuous woman takes care of her health, Spiritually as well as physically.  She knows that she is a reflection of the Lord and that being made in His image, as a Christian woman, she presents that image. 

1Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

     Her apparel is that of a righteous woman.  She does not dress to please mankind.  Her eyes are set on pleasing the Lord and she represents that fact accordingly. 

     (words in parenthesis that are not in bold print, are definitions, not written in the scripture itself) 

Isaiah 3:16-26  Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton (wandering) eyes, walking and mincing (with small steps - tripping) as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:  Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.  In that day the Lord will take away the bravery (beauty) of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls (lace), and their round tires (turbans) like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers (scarves), The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands (sashes), and the tablets (perfume boxes), and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles (cloaks), and the wimples (cloth worn over the head and around the neck and chin), and the crisping pins (hair curling pins), The glasses (mirrors), and the fine linen, and the hoods and the veils.  And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle (belt) a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.  Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.  And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground. 

1Timothy 2:9-10  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

     A woman's beauty comes from inside.  God will not be tallying the amount of ribbons you have won in beauty pageants, taking note of what color your fingernails are painted or what shape you have tweezed your eyebrows.  You are God's artwork.  Can anyone take anything that God created and make it better?  In our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, His beauty is in the scars in His wrists, His feet and His side, and the crown that He wore, was not a crown of gold and jewels, but inflicted pain and suffering for us.  That, is beauty uncomparable.  Strive for the kind of inner beauty that Jesus possessed.  

Isaiah Chapter53   Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.   He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.   Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.   He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.   He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.   And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.   Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.   He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.   Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death:  and and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. 

     Inner beauty is the only kind the Lord knows.   

     An important part of the virtuous woman's wardrobe is forgiveness.  

Matthew 18:21-22  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 

Matthew 5:22-24  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, (worthless) shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 

Matthew 6:14-15  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Mark 11:25  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 

     Jesus is all about forgiveness.  It was the fabric of His being.  Clothe yourself in the fabric that Jesus wore.  And don't forget, when you are in need of forgiveness, after you ask Jesus to forgive you for your sins, forgive yourself, never forgetting the lessons you learned from them. 

Verse 23 

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

     Behind every good man, should stand a good woman.  She does not desire his administration.  She is content to be a woman, as God made her, and to fulfill the moral obligations of a virtuous woman.  She doesn't lie in wait for him to return home from a day of earning a living for their family, to dump the children on him and take a Calgon bath because her life as a homemaker is so rough.  No, she eagerly awaits his return to their home because she loves him, cannot wait to see his smiling eyes and takes every opportunity she can to make him as happy as she can.  She knows how fortunate she is that she is protected from the world that he deals with, day in and day out, and shows her appreciation of that fact, 24/7.  Sure, everyone has a bad day from time to time, but with the right attitude, you will find those days to be very rare.  Compare your day with his.  Most of the events of his day are beyond his control.  Rush hour traffic, nagging boss, deadlines, competitors, co-workers ... not to mention all the games that satan and his cohorts throw in to try and make him be anything but a virtuous man.  Your day, on the other hand, is very much in your control.  Screaming children can be turned into the chortling of little angel voices with a few jars of finger paint and a poster board.  You get to see the awe and wonder in their faces as you tell them the story of Jesus life, or read them a Little Golden Book.  Even though you've read the same ones to them a million times, they still hang on to every syllable.  You can choose when to do laundry, cook, clean, sew ... anything you wish.  Best of all, you can spend time with God, whenever you want to, and nobody can say a word about it - EVER!  Knowing that he is returning to a happy home at the end of the day, your husband's day in the "gates", will be much easier to cope with.  You're not only showing your husband how much you cherish him, by making his home his castle, but you are showing God as well.  If Jesus was watching, would you miss a chance to get your husband something cool to drink or have dinner ready when he gets there?  Would you complain about getting him his slippers or making sure his favorite chair didn't have matchbox cars and Playdoh all over it?  Would you be embarrassed if there were dishes piled in the sink and trash billowing out of the can? With the right attitude, and love in your heart, you'll find that you won't feel like you can do enough for him.  With your betrothed taking care of his work outside the home, and you, taking care of your work inside the home, that will leave you with more time to spend together, and what better recipe is there for a happy marriage?  

     The virtuous woman learns all she can from her husband, but applies it to her own ministry within the home.  The environment outside of her home is not part of her identity. 

1Corinthians 14:34-35  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1Timothy 2:11-15  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Philippians 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

Verse 24 

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

     A virtuous woman’s fine linen is her righteousness.   

Revelation 19:8  ...  for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

     Fine linen is the best, and she always tries to be her best for her betrothed.  She sells her righteousness when those who observe her good manner, recognize her integrity and want to implement good virtues into their own lives.   

     A girdle, is a belt.  It signifies strength and reinforcement.  The merchants are those who learn from her Godly demeanor. 

     Mary was a woman who sold her fine linen over 2000 years ago, and her virtuous act toward Jesus is still being delivered to merchants, to this very day.   

Matthew 26:6-13  Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.  But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.  When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.  For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.  Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Verse 25 

Strength and honour are her clothing; 

     Since strength has already been identified as part of the recipe, honour is the topic of this verse.  What kind of woman is honourable?

Proverbs 11:16  A gracious woman retaineth honour ...

     Grace comes from God.  To be gracious, you must be Godly.  How does a Godly woman behave herself?  As she would in the presence of God … which she is, at each and every moment.  An honourable woman is submissive to God and to her husband.  Many women reject the thought of this, however, after discovering the truth of God’s Word, the virtuous woman will proudly believe an amended phrase of today’s modern woman. 

     You’ve come a long way, baby … the wrong way. 

     Let scripture show you the truth: 

1Corinthians 11:3  But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 

1Corinthians 11:8-9  For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.  Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 

Ephesians 5:22-24  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 

Titus 2:3-5  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

Colossians 3:18  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 

1Peter 3:1  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands ... 

     and she shall rejoice in time to come. 

     A virtuous woman is old fashioned and has old fashioned beliefs.  You can be sure that if you are an honourable wife on earth, that you will rejoice when the Lord accepts you as His bride.

Verse 26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

Psalms 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 2:5  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

     A virtuous woman is meek.  She is not the court jester.  She doesn’t have to put her two cents in.  She doesn’t love to hear herself talk … she loves to hear the Spirit of the Lord talk.  The only attention she longs for is from God.  She is not argumentative, abrasive or sarcastic.  She is not a busybody.  If she doesn’t have truth or goodness to speak of, she needs not utter a word. 

Proverbs 9:13  A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 

Proverbs 21:9  It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 

Proverbs 21:19  It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

1Peter 3:4-5  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands ...

Proverbs 8:13  The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 

Verse 27

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 

Ecclesiastes 10:18  By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

     The saying “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, holds much truth.  If you are looking after your household well, time will be scarce for idleness.  Make sure that the most important part of maintaining your home … your fortress … your temple … is time alone with the Father.  Your worldly instincts (those not instilled by God) will make you ask, "What am I supposed to do?  Sit in my home and read the Bible all day?  

Psalms 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

Matthew 16:24-26  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

     If you think of what the Bible really is ... a love letter from God ... you won't be able to put it down.  Talk to God?  (How silly, why would anyone want to just sit and talk to the One they are betrothed to, and love more than anyone on earth?)  That just doesn't seem practical to the world.  Chances are, you don't know anyone who does that, unless it is the elderly who have had a lifetime of chasing after the world.  Finally in their last days, they've recognized the importance of strengthening their relationship with our Lord and Saviour because they've realized ... What if there really is a hell, and what if they aren't worthy of entering into the gates of Heaven?  It's a shame that many people think that they will lead their lives with God on the back burner and catch up with Him when they get old and close to death.  The question arises again.  How do you think this makes God feel?  An even better question is, how wonderfully do you think you would be rewarded if you put God as THE priority in your life, from this very moment, forward?  The best news is that you will begin enjoying your rewards immediately ... you don't have to wait until you get to Heaven. 

Proverbs 8:17  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 

     Our God is peculiar.  He is special, like no one else.  His priorities are different from the world's priorities.   Simply idling will get you nowhere.  If the world believes your lifestyle in serving the Lord is wrong, you can bet that God is smiling down on you.  On the highway to Heaven, God wants to see a speeding ticket on your record.  Dare to challenge the world's expectations.  There is no speed limit when you are on the road to righteousness.  

Matthew 5:11-12  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 

Acts 5:40-41  ... and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

2Timothy 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Psalms 1:1-2  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Verse 28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed;  

     A virtuous woman doesn’t allow disrespect from her children.  She teaches them early to insure that good Christian values are instilled in them.  Tough love is part of God’s plan of discipline.  The Bible confirms this many times: 

Ephesians 6:4  ... bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

Proverbs 13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (early).

Proverbs 19:18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 

Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:15  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 29:15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Proverbs 29:17  Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
 

Hebrews 12:5-8  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
 

     There are many times in a parent's life when their children call them anything but blessed.  This is because the world convinces them that righteousness is not cool, and being accepted by their peers (the world), instead of being acceptable to God becomes the most important thing in their life.   It's frightening how much adults are like children in this way.  If only we, as adults, would listen to our Father, how much pain we could avoid in our lives.  What was it that led us away?  Was it that the world spoke up louder than our Father did when choices were presented to us?  Or perhaps we just chose to ignore Him completely.  Chances are the consequences of our choices had a pretty loud volume too.  By good example,  and awareness, you can help your children to recognize when the world is trying to lure them into the wrong choices, and surely, they will call you blessed ... if not now ... someday.

 
her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 5:18  Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Proverbs 18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 19:14  House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
 

     A virtuous woman in turn, gives the praise to God, for she knows that without Him, she is nothing, and all credit belongs to the Lord. 

Psalms 86:10  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. 

Verse 29

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 

     Being a virtuous woman may seem like a tall order.  You must be diligent and earnest about it. 

Galations 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

     It is a package deal.  You must not fool yourself into thinking that possessing one virtue, or a few, compensates for those that aren’t practiced.  Without all of the ingredients, the recipe will fail.  Keep your eyes on the goal.  If you put the same amount of time and effort into being virtuous, as you have (perhaps without knowing) toward being worldly, and don’t look upon it as a hard job, it will be a goal easily achieved. 

Psalms 17:5  Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

Psalms 31:3  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

      Be as passionate to finish the job … to remain virtuous … as you are to begin it.  Challenge yourself to be the best you can be for God.  You may say to yourself of king Lemuel's mother, "This is just the opinion of one woman.  God doesn't expect me to be perfect." 

Matthew 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

     Now you will want to defend with this argument.  "He knows that humankind has a sinful nature and therefore He sacrificed His Son, for that very reason.  He will bestow His grace upon me for my inadequacies."  Wow.   We humans make something as cherished as GOD'S GRACE seem cheap.  Look at this from God's point of view.  God's purpose in blessing us with His grace was not with the intent that people would use it as an excuse to sin.   To our Father, this is like saying in your heart, that your evil deeds are premeditated, being confident that He will forgive you because He made the promise of forgiveness through the ultimate sacrifice of the precious life of His only Son.  Would you give the life of your child so that people could take advantage of it, or would it be in hopes that it could save them from a tragic everlasting future in the lake of fire?  Nobody would give insurance free of charge to someone who outwardly admits  that their intent is to burn their house down or drink and drive.   

     If the Lord didn't expect His bride to have the fruits of a virtuous woman, why would this be called prophecy?   

2Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:   That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Romans 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1John 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.      

     Make no mistake, the devil will fight you every step of the way.  Don’t forget, he wants your soul.  Don't be surprised when he attacks even more, the closer you get to Jesus.  He knows that he is losing you.  He hates to lose.  He wants you to think it is just too much to ask of anyone, to be virtuous at all times and in all ways. You WILL make mistakes.  There isn't a Christian who doesn't.  When you do, as a child of God, fix it FAST.  Admit it.  Confess it.  Repent for it and try your very best never to do it again.  Do not cry about it.  Do not pity yourself.  You don't have time for that.  You need to get back to your new administration of serving God differently.  Your devotion is the intensity of the desire in your heart to do God's will.   God wants His bride to be entirely devoted, not just half hearted. 

Revelation 3:15-16  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

     There will also be those who are jealous of you for your new way.  There will be those who will ridicule you if you stumble.  Just know in your heart that God knows you are trying your best to live according to his will with the burden of the world, your flesh, satan and your humanity fighting against you.  Those are pretty overwhelming odds.  You are an overwhelming person.   

John 8:7  ... He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 

     The apostle Paul wrote a very interesting passage in his letter to the Romans.  He explains how when he would do good, evil was not far behind.  This is because satan knows when to turn up the heat on you and send his imps to tempt you more vigorously.  If things are very calm and serene for you at the start of your walk with Christ, you may want to take a closer look and see if you are somehow, in some way, satisfying satan's appetite in some way.  This may be hard to understand, but you may look at the trials that you go through, as compliments, that you are on the right track.  

Romans 7:14-25  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. 

Verse 30

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:  

Proverbs 11:22  As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

1Samuel 16:7 … for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 

but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

     Fear of the Lord and faith in Jesus Christ are the utensils you will need to insure the success of the recipe. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

     With the ingredients and the utensils you now have, you will WANT to surrender your life and each and every day and  walk dependent upon the Holy Spirit to guide you.  Know that He will, with childlike trust.

Psalms 147:11  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. 

Proverbs 19:23  The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 

1Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called ... 

     Surround yourself with things that remind you of God and your new walk with Him.  When you first wake up, say "Good Morning" to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Put something on your nightstand, or your bathroom mirror that will remind you that He is waiting for you to talk to Him.  Attach a "post it" note to your kitchen cabinet, above your washing machine, on the refrigerator, or anywhere and everywhere to remind you to greet Him throughout the day.  It doesn’t go with your décor?  He doesn’t mind.  He will redecorate your entire life when you acknowledge Him first.  Is He not more important than any color scheme, designer placemats, or silk flower arrangement you have ever owned?  If your child woke up and didn't say good morning to you, you would be hurt.  Don't ignore God ... you are His child.  When you look at a crucifix, imagine what it would be like to be standing in front of Him while he hung there.  It wasn't just a story in a book that you won't remember tomorrow, or a movie that you can soon forget when you leave the theater or turn off the television.  The pain he suffered was real.  It was for you.  He put you first in His life.  Think of how many times you have missed a blessing that you may have gotten, if you had only put Him first in your life. 

Psalms 5:3  My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 

Psalms 143:8  Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 

Verse 31

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Galations 6:4  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 

Galations 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

     It’s up to you.  God gives you the choice to make your own decisions.  It is never too late to start.  Every day is a new day ... a fresh start.  Every moment is a new moment.  No matter what, you are not a hopeless cause.  Read the New Testament.  Get to know the character of Jesus' apostles at the beginning of their walk with Christ.  They were not all full of virtue from the beginning.  It took time.  It took faith.  One Christian songwriter describes them as "a band of unschooled ruffians and a few old fishermen."  Some of the un-virtues they possessed were doubt, fear, pride, jealousy ... Paul even described himself this way: 

1Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

     Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus said He would build His church, had so much cowardice that he denied emphatically to some girls at a campfire that he had ever even known Jesus.   Yet, these were His apostles.  Jesus knew that they would need and depend on the Holy Spirit after He left.  Don't believe that He cannot change YOUR life.  Remember, if you're not asking for something that seems impossible ... you're not asking for enough.  You may think that you have done some unforgivable things in your life and there is no way you could ever make up for them, but that is exactly the reason why our Lord died for us.  THAT IS THE GRACE OF GOD.  There is one string attached ... you have to be genuinely sorry for what you did. 

Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God ...

2Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

     There is only one unforgivable sin.   

Mark 3:28-29  Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:  But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. 

2Peter 2:20-22  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6:4-6  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

     To know Him and then to deny Him is unforgivable in the Lord’s eyes.  Be careful that once you change your life, and are reborn, that you do not judge others who have not been shown truth yet.  

John3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

Matthew 7:1-5  Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. 

     Judgment, and warning are two different things.  Once you know truth, it is your obligation to bring the light to others and blow the trumpet.  God loves all of His children.  He wants EVERYONE to have the chance to renew their lives and not be lost sheep anymore.   

Ezekiel 33:11  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways ... 

     Help bring the lost back to His flock.  He is depending on you.  You are His watchman. 

Ezekiel 33:6  But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 

Ezekiel 33:8-9  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

     Now is the time to clean out your cabinets and get rid of all the ingredients that are rotting your life.  It is not necessary to hold on to any, just in case you might need them later ... you won't.  They may be new.  So what?  You may have spent a lot of time and money on them, but they are worthless.  Don't give them away to anybody.  Don't claim them as a loss on your income tax return.  Getting rid of them is actually the biggest gain you can imagine.  You are purging yourself of the trash and waste that you have spent a lifetime collecting.  Think about what you want, not what you don't want, and you will become what you think.  You are weeding your garden, so that the new fruit you plant, can grow, unhindered by anything that could rob the nutrients necessary for your Spiritual growth. 

Matthew 9:17  Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. 

Phillipians 3:13-15  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 

     Here is a list of things that prevent people from being virtuous.  If you possess any of them, you know what to do.  Now that you know they are part of the hinderance of your new life, keeping them would be admitting that you have made a choice.  If there are things not included on this list that you suspect should be done away with, do not hesitate.  God will reward you with something better. 

accusation   anger   anxiety   arrogance   bitterness   blasphemy   boredom   clamor   contention   corruption   covetousness   disobedience   doubt   envy   evil   fear   filth   foolishness   gluttony   greed   guilt   hatred   idleness   idols   images   indecency   irritability   jealousy   laziness   lust   naïveté   nervousness   persecution   perverseness   procrastination   railing   scorn   self   shame   temptation   torment   unfaithfulness   ungodliness   weakness   wickedness         

     Cleaning is a never ending process.  As you know, from doing the dishes, taking out the trash, doing the laundry, dusting the furniture, vacuuming the carpet, mopping the floor, weeding the garden, and many other things, you have to keep up with it regularly or things will get out of hand. 

     A recipe is not something that you memorize the first time you prepare it.  When you feel like you have forgotten something, refresh your memory.  Read the recipe again.  And again and again whenever you feel it is necessary.  You will know.  You will feel it.  Soon it will become firsthand to your conscious and subconscious mind and it will become easier to prepare, with each passing day.   

     Determination will be your best friend in preparing the recipe.  You won't need an apron.  You won't need a chef's hat.  You won't need pots and pans.  You won't need a stove or an oven or a microwave or a bar-b-que pit.  Your hunger to serve the Lord, is all you need to get started. 
    
 

The Recipe

Ingredients

     Mix all ingredients well with Fear of the Lord.  Marinate.  Simmer with vigilance and determination.  

     Now that you have the recipe, and you know where to get the ingredients … the choice is up to you.  Will you cook?

THIS IS JUST A GLIMPSE ...

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