The Excellent Woman of Proverbs 31 Series: vs.26

*From The Excellent Woman of Proverbs 31 written in 1847 by Anne Pratt (1806-1893)

SHE OPENETH HER MOUTH WITH WISDOM;
AND IN HER TONGUE IS THE LAW OF KINDNESS.

Proverbs 31:26

 

It is pleasing to turn from the contemplation of the active duties of this Jewish matron, to the gentle graces which adorn her character. ... It is, however, a most difficult part of self‐government to guard the tongue. The apostle James recognized this, when he said, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." And yet how important a medium of good or ill is conversation! The children in a household gather instruction not only from direct teaching, but from the casual expressions to which they listen.

The wisdom for which this woman is commended, related not alone to the things of the present world. She was one who feared the Lord.

She could tell to her listening household of the wonders of nature, of the deliverances wrought by God's providence to ancient Israel.
How he brought them through the Red Sea, and out of the land of bondage, and gave them the promised country.
She could point to the infallible laws of nature, and show that the morning sun and the evening star never disappointed him who watched for them in the heavens.
She could point to the lily of the field, which bloomed at its appointed season, ...
She could discern, in the types and figures of God's law, the shadows of a more glorious future; and the promise of Messiah, the Hope of Israel, who was to bring comfort and holiness to the church of God, was a living fountain of joy in her bosom.    

The wisdom with which this woman opened her mouth, was most likely that derived from experience of life, from thought and observation, and a knowledge of her own heart.