*From The Excellent Woman of Proverbs 31 written in 1847 by Anne Pratt (1806-1893)
SHE GIRDETH HER LOINS WITH STRENGTH,
AND STRENGTHENETH HER ARMS.
AND STRENGTHENETH HER ARMS.
Proverbs 31:17
The figurative expression here used refers to the practice of girding tightly for any great exertion. The girdle which confines the loose and flowing garments of the native of the East, is broad and long, and can, when occasion requires it, be bound several times round the waist and over the chest. This tight girding enables the men of oriental countries to perform wonderful feats of strength, especially in running
Scripture contains many references to this practice of girding. Thus we read, that when the prophet Elijah accompanied the bold and wicked king, "He girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel" (1Ki 8:46). ...."Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord" (Luk 12:35).
Health is one of the gifts which God has bestowed for usefulness-one of those talents of which he has said, "Occupy till I come;" and if it be wasted either by intemperance, indolence, or carelessness, we shall have to account for it at the great and solemn day of final retribution. ..... And as the eastern traveller girded his garments from the dust, so, too, must Christians keep themselves unspotted from the contamination of vain intercourse, and the defilement of sin; and as the Hebrew matron girded herself for strength, so should we strive to invigorate our principles by holy determination, by steady watchfulness, and by humble prayer; ...