2. THE OLD LADY AND ANA -PROVERBS 31 (The Virtuous Lady)

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon and the family had all gone out of the house. She was sitting outside in the porch doing what she most enjoys to do; reading and meditating on the word of the Lord. On this occasion she was reading some of her most favorite passages contained in Proverbs 31, often referred to as The Virtuous Woman. She still recalls her first encounter with this passage. She was no more than 9 or 10 years old when Isabelle, her late nanny, read and explained it to her and then prayed with her, asking God to guide her to follow the path of a virtuous woman, so that the world will be proud of her. She never forgot this and has spent all her life trying to follow the advice.

Some time later that afternoon, Ana came out to greet her. She had a glass of milk and a cookie in her hands.

“Gramma, she asked, what is God saying to you today?”

The Old Lady greeted her, asked to sit next to her and said:

“Let me tell you about the story in the bible about a very good woman who lived a long time ago and who God wants us all to be like. It is written in Proverbs 31, and describes what every woman should strive to be in all aspects of their lives. In their personal appearance, their family life and their daily responsibilities, they must strive to obey and live by God’s teachings”.

She continues:

“The passage begins with a description of a Virtuous Woman, a woman of strong character”:

Who can find a wife of noble character?

For her value is far more than rubies.

The heart of her husband has confidence in her,

and he has no lack of gain.

She brings him good and not evilall the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax,and she is pleased to work with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships;

she brings her food from afar.

She also gets up while it is still night,

and provides food for her household
and a portion to her female servants.

“These words simply describe that a good woman must be honest and strong, must be respected by her family and willing to work hard, hand in hand with her husband to take care of her family and others dependent on her”.

Referring to the woman’s image and appearance, she continues to read:

She makes for herself coverlets;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is well-known in the city gate

when he sits with the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and honor,

and she can laugh at the time to come.

Looking at Ana, the old lady explains:
“A good woman must not only work hard, but must make sure that as she does so, her appearance creates an image that deserves the respect of others and adds to the good name and reputation of her husband and family”.

The old lady continued;

“Remember, however successful you become, God expects you to be charitable and to share your blessings with your poor and needy neighbors”. She then read out these lines:
She extends her hand to the poor,and reaches out her hand to the needy."

Finally, the old lady turns to little Ana and holding her close to her, says with a voice firm with conviction from a life-time of experience of trying to live the good life:

“This is how God expects the good woman to be. She must speak wisely with truth and honesty and she must take care of her household and avoid idle behavior.
And when she does this, her children will raise their voices in appreciation, and her husband will praise her and give her just rewards and announce her praises to all the world as a woman who fears the Lord and who lives by his words”.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The old lady paused for a moment, said a silent pray of praise, and then slowly closed her bible.
Little Ana remained silent for a short while, then as she got up, she turned to her grand mother and, with words of wisdom that belied her tender age, said;

“Gramma, I believe I know what God wants me to be, because I have just heard his voice”