It’s Day 5 of our Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study!
Today, we’re going to dig into Proverbs 31:14:
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
In yesterday’s lesson, we learned being a Proverbs 31 Woman is about being a willing, eager worker and having the proper attitude about work. You can get caught up with yesterday’s lesson here!
In today’s video lesson we will look at going to great lengths to nourish, nurture, and tend the needs of your family. How we take care of the precious hearts and souls God has entrusted to us is important. The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman always has the best interests of her family in mind.
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I’d like to invite you to pray with us! Today’s lesson pairs perfectly with our Proverbs 31 Woman Prayer & Affirmation Challenge. Join us in touching the heart of God with our prayers!
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If you are new to Bible studies or are looking for ways to spruce up your study library, I have a list of my favorite Bible study resources. Some of them I’ve been using for over 20 years! You can shop my list here or take a check out a few of items below.
I invite you to take a look!
Let me ask you this. . .
Being a Proverbs 31 Woman means developing the character of a woman who is built like Silk Over Steel. One of the traits she has is that she’ll go to great lengths to take care of those in her household and to be sure they are nourished and cared for.
Do you have these same traits?
Tune in to today’s Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study video lesson as we chat about some enlightening things we can learn from this Virtuous Character trait!
Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Video Lesson
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Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Notes
- Merchant ships had a specific purpose of bringing goos from far away lands to locally and giving access to all. How are you like this?
- Be willing to go to great lengths to nurture, nourish, and tend the needs of your family and loved ones.
- The character trait of commitment and dedication is at the heart of tending to your family, along with their precious hearts and souls.
- I’m also sharing a few of my favorite Bible Study Resources!
- My favorite Bible.
- Highlighters & Pens especially for Bible Studies (you’ll love these!)
- Strong’s Concordance (never study your Bible without this!)
- Halley’s Bible Handbook
- You can take a look at the whole list here!
- Here is a video explaining how I use some of these resources and why they are my favorites!
Now Keep Reading About The Virtuous Woman!
Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study – Day 5 Overview
How Far Will You Go?
We can see there is a comparison to the Proverbs 31 Woman and merchant ships.
So, let’s talk about merchant ships!
In biblical times they went to far aways lands (like China, Japan, Korea, Egypt, etc.) to bring spices, fabrics, non-perishable food, gold, silver, jewelry, building supplies, and other goods. They would then dock at different ports to sell or trade their items.
The benefit was that the Israelites could have access to goods from all over the world. They could also share their goods with people living in other countries by trading with the merchant ships.
The Proverbs 31 Woman is like merchant ships, in that she went to great lengths, finding opportunities to access and learn from people not like her and to share her culture with them.
Food Is A Necessity
“Food” is what is needed to sustain life, be healthy and wholesome.
It is a necessity.
It supplies nourishment and nurturing for the body and soul.
We see here, the Proverbs 31 Woman will go to great lengths to care for the needs of her family. She’ll do whatever it takes to be sure they are nurtured and nourished, even if she has to travel far to make to happen.
Think for a moment about your family’s favorite meal. . .
There might even be a special ingredient or two you need and have to travel to a special grocery store across town in order to get it. I’d be willing to bet, you don’t mind making that drive, either!
Why? Because the look on your family’s face from enjoying the meal and the fullness in their bellies afterwards is SO satisfying to you!
(Am I right?)
If so, you are a Proverbs 31 Woman, too! You’ll go to great lengths to provide a nourishing meal or any other need for your family they need and LOVE!
Commitment Is At The Heart Of It All
There’s just one thing I want to point out since we are focusing on character over deeds:
The Proverbs 31 Woman was committed and dedicated to taking care of her family.
Based upon her “being like merchant ships,” we have to make note of this character trait of commitment and dedication.
This trait is purely unconditional.
It is not based upon feelings, but it’s based on love and the desire to meet your family’s needs no matter what.
Of course there will be times when you are physically unable to meet every single need of your family. However, your focus and desire should always be on the well-being of those precious hearts and souls God has entrusted to you. That’s what matters most!
Be the Proverbs 31 Woman who goes to great lengths to nourish, nurture, and tend to the needs of her family!
[clickToTweet tweet=”The P31 Woman is committed to nurturing, nourishing, and tending to the needs of her family! #p31″ quote=”The P31 Woman is committed to nurturing, nourishing, and tending to the needs of her family! #p31″]Want To Learn More About The Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series?
I pray today’s lesson blessed you BIG! We have so much more to glean and learn in our Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study together!
Be sure to check out the next lesson in The Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series! We’re going to talk about becoming that “good thing” to our husbands and why this is so important to him and our marriage.
Here are my other posts in the Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series:
- Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Proverbs 31 Woman
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Companion Workbook
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 1 (Virtuous Woman Character Traits)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 2 (What Does It Mean To Be A “Virtuous” Woman?)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 3 (Being a Proverbs 31 Wife – Are You His “GOOD Thing”?)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 4 (A Willing, Eager Worker)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 5 (How Far Will You Go For Your Loved Ones?
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 6 (Being Mrs. Organized)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 7 (Are You Resourceful With Your Skills?)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 8 (Knowing The Worth Of Your Work)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 9 (Creating A Legacy of Philanthropy)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 10 (Being Prepared For The Seasons Of Life)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 11 (Your Impact On Your Man)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 12 (Are You A Proverbs 31 Business Woman?)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 13 (Speak Wisdom, Kindness, And Life)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 14 (Let Your Husband And Children Praise You!)
- Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study Series – Day 15 (The One Thing That Matters Most – Eternity)
In the meantime. . .
. . .if you are intrigued about studying more about the Proverbs 31 Woman, I’d like to invite you to join my Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study!
I take a counter-culture, deep-dive approach into the characteristics about this woman and how we can apply them to our lives. It’s not a beat-you-over-the-head-with-an-impossible-standard type of Bible study, either.
It’s about liberating you, to know the truth of God’s Word, so you can live in the fullness of your calling and purpose.
It’s truly a deep-dive + life application Bible study that will transform, comfort, and inspire you, as you walk and live as a Woman of Valor!
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Let’s Chat!
Today, we learned about going to great lengths to nurture our family and loved ones – this being an act of diligence. List some ways you can go the extra mile for your husband, children, siblings, friends, extended family members in cultivating this character of diligence. I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can chime in, by clicking here!
Or you can head over to Facebook and share your thoughts with me there!
Day 5..
I believe that in this area It’s pretty much my strength. I’m an open door, for everyone & anyone in need. Especially my family, My children, they are my everything after God, my spouse, there is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for them.
I believe I can go to great lengths by putting more time into preparing meals in the evening and spending more time with my family. I need to limit work distractions when I am at home.
Going to great lengths for my family, nurturing & genuinely loving to see them have JOY by preparing food or helping them with their needs is my pleasure. I care so much for my husband & family and it’s important to me to be there to help. Today’s #5 study has shown me that this is a good trait to have. Of couse I am not perfect at this, but I do give it my BEST! Thank you for this study! I love it!
You have such a sweet, giving heart, Mary! Keep going to great lengths for your family!
wow these scriptures have been an eye opener, it talks about character, being Virtuous , being a Good thing, an eager worker, and how she/we as women are committed , dedicated to talking care our famalies, Wow these scriptures have opened my eyes, have made me think more, and of course have taught me so much, on what the role is of a women of God, thank you Angelica, for these teachings, cant wait for the next 5, God bless.
So glad you’re learning and growing from this study, Nelly!
Thanks for commenting! I’m so glad you’re here!
Once again, this lesson is opening my eyes to more that I can work on. The whole concept of this study and your business is phenomenal. I have always studied this passage and everyone who knows me will tell you that I live by it. However, this study is blessing me in the time of hardships in my marriage, coping thru stages with my children, and still being a woman of business and learning what all of that looks like.
Thank you so much for this “developmental study” !
OH MY WORD!!
“Developmental Study” is confirmaron of something the Holy Spirit spoke to me!!
So glad you’re enjoying this study!!
Omg this lesson today has blessed me. I am in the process of getting ready to evacuate from this hurricane Florence, and my son is asking for money. Now I really don’t have it for him but because I put the needs of my children first he will get it. As long as they are secure I’m good. I know the God I serve, and he will provide for me. Thank you so much for this.
I have always tried my best to give my family their needs before myself. When they were little we didn’t have much and didn’t have back up to support me. So I let the little things go. What I struggle with is the punishment. I don’t follow through in what I say. They also need that as well.
I agree, consistency is KEY in parenting. It’s a challenge some days for sure!
I am learning so much by studying this and you breaking it down in terms I can relate too. Thank you
I’m really enjoying this study plan. It is right on time as I battle some relationship issues as well as dealing with a almost empty nest.
I know I can become a better wife by forgiving the issues of my past in order to move forward and not bring those issues into any relationship I enter whether it is a new person or someone I rekindled with.
I go over and beyond for my children who are now 18 -25 and I’m struggling with pulling back some because like the scripture said family and friends can be unthankful and appreciative and that is a big issue I’m dealing with right now as I don’t want to be selfish.
Putting myself temporarily aside, answering his question, and backing it with action can only strengthen my marriage. God knows my husband better than I. I ask Him to reveal my husband’s heart. Then, I paid attention and ran with what He revealed to me. We have been married five years but have been together for six years, and have had Rocky Mountains but with God we soared together, Our kids learned that knowledge in marriage from God will carry mom and dad a long way; listening and continue to have opened communication with your kids is a valuable tool to have.
My kids are in their 20’s but I still will do anything for them. After reading this lesson I know I can do more for them! I will also do more for my husband. We have been home together for 2 months (he lost his job & I had to take an absence from work not planned) I feel we have grown stronger together. I will do anything for him. I have comforted him when he lost his job & he did the same for me. I know we will be ok, he is trying everyday to find something. He decided also to start his own business also. We are happy being together more! I don’t even want to go back to work lol
I’m strong in this area when it comes to
me ministering to family is one of my strong traits. As always your this study was a good one.
I never thought I had any of the character traits of the P31 woman…I was so wrong. After reading Day 5’s lesson, I realized I am very diligent when it comes to the needs of my family. My husband wanted a pair of Adidas after seeing a pair our grandson had. His favorite color is navy blue. I diligently searched the internet and found a pair of navy blue Adidas on SALE. A few stores had Adidas on sale but I kept looking until I found the store that offered the lowest sales price on a navy blue pair. This took hours of my time but I didn’t mind….I love finding deals to save us money.
Wow, Angelica what encouragement to my heart that I am on the right track as a wife and mother through this study! That is me in a nutshell. I totally love looking high and low for deals to help take care of my families needs! Had a rough time yesterday, enemy trying to steal my joy of continuing this Bible study. I am continuing with the study anyway. I had to pray ask God to help me forgive someone who attacked my character and said that these Bible studies don’t help me at all. It was very painful because I can see how God is using my Bible study times to strengthen my heart and refocus me back to God and what is most important in my life. I try to live for an audience of one “God”. It is so painful when those verbal attacks come from loved ones who don’t have a close walk with God. Please continue to pray for me and the healing that needs to occur in my life and families lives. Thank you so much Angelica!
This is one area I feel I am strong in. I enjoy making dinner for my husband and hearing him say how delicious it is and how he enjoys it. I enjoy having our grown children and grandchildren come and visit and have dinner for them. Nurturing my family is a plus for me. I love and enjoy having them around me. Not only my family but others. This lesson shows me that I am on the right track to becoming that Proverbs 31 woman. Not perfect but not doing bad. God has blessed me to have a heart for people.
I am so ridiculed for going through great lengths to make sure my family is straight after reading the scripture and you Sis breaking the scripture down in the video I know that i am doing right and he enemy wants to place doubt so that to come in and destroy and break down me down and my family
The only chore my children have is cleaning their room and my husband only does dishes. Any other chores, I do. If they want to do extra, I leave it up to them. I also cook them special meals.
I have been learning on how to become ore diligent with our spending. I am willing to travel to different supermarkets to buy whats on sale plus using an extensive amount of coupons to keep our food budget extremely low. I used to spend about $1000 amonth on groceries, now I only spend $300. Learning how to be committed to my responsibility to my husband and grown children. I am truly enjoying this time.
One thing I do is I have learned what store has the best meat, freshest fruits and veggies, and best baked goods. Sometimes that means going to several different stores. We live 20 miles from the town we shop in so we have to buy for a week. This takes planning! Just now, my husband said he’s out of his coffee for the kurig…lol oops!
This study of the merchant ship has shown me I do go to great lengths for my family however I might not always show joy when I am with them.. This is an eye opener to be more myself when I am with them instead of trying to “take care” of things so much that Im missing out on the FUN!!
I am very pleased with this biblestudy. I am learning so much about being a virtuous woman. Its and attitude of the heart. I realized that I do have a lot of these characteristics in myself that I never realized were there. It’s like I’m looking at my reflection in a mirror. I am so ]thankful that I came acoss your website. I pray that you will continue to bless me with more of these studies. Thanks Angelica!!! I love it!!!!!
This is truly me, and always have been , especially for my family, and my friends and coworkers, if I can. I enjoy the cooking and cleaning for my family, they always complimenting me for that, I can be a little in need with that with my friends, I’m getting better now, from way back in time with my friends in that situation, It’s kind of difficult to offer when you be struggling at times, I do my best though.
Today’s lesson was good. Taking care of family and friends is important to me. I’ve taken on the task of being care giver to my parents. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and it was my heart to make sure his needs were meet. I would go over everyday after work and do his meals, bath and put him to bed. He only allowed me to shave him, that was our special time since I was a little girl, would always sit on the sink and watch him shave. My mother called me at work one day and said you need to come home. Arriving at the house, went into the room, said dad I’m here. He looked at me and from the time I arrived until the time he took his last breath in my arms while singing It is Well With my Soul was an hour. To this day it is one of the greatest gifts ever received and one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And yet, would do it again.
I am a great wife!
I struggle in area of believing God loves me…
I struggle with severe low self esteem.. The sad thing is I’m a ministers wife.. been loving My God for a long time. But I’m missing something because not feeling the excitement to attend services etc..
I’m doing a terrible job even keeping up with this study.
We are retired and husband back to another job and alone a lot..
I need to be filled to over joying for my God..
Love your short beginning to these sessions..
I’m very behind and working my way to a great ending.
Thank You
You can go at your own pace! You’re fine!
I am enjoying this study so much! It has opened a self awareness for me, to look at what needs I am meeting and what else I can do to provide for my family. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer this study. I look forward to my mornings with you!
I honestly feel like I go over and beyond for my family. I sacrifice everything I have to make sure they are safe and their needs are met.
Thank you so much for these readings and videos.
Whatever you do it doesnt have to be anything big. Just last week I wanted to show my husband how much I appreciate him for all that he do for our family. I went and brought him a card that said ” You Make Me Smile”. Its not what you say but its what you do. You can go visit or call an elderly person to say hello or ask them do they need anything. Volunteer to watch your sister and her husband kids so they can go out on a date. You will be glad you did!
Today’s Lesson was really good! I love how you shared your view on todays common belief system around what society says we, as women, should focus mainly on ourselves first and everything is to be about “me, myself, and I.” And this is my perspective- I believe that is why marriages and many family’s are broken. No one is in the home to nuture this.
I truly believe in being educated and going for our dreams but our family and home comes first. Once that is in order, everything else will follow.
I have enjoyed the study these five days. It has been a eye opening for me. I always strive to be a perfect wife, mother, grandmother and employee. When things don’t go as planned I always blame myself. I am praying to God daily to help me overcome this battle.
Day 5 – Going to great lengths. On yesterday, I questioned do I have character traits… But I do… I go to great lengths even when it can’t be seen. I carry a great load in my family and rarely it is observed. Sometimes I think is there a “virtuous man “ Class. But I realize that I must take my eyes off of him and continue to strive to be the woman God has called me to be. Striving to have the characteristics of a Virtuous Woman.
Blessings,
Grace
I’m so grateful for these lessons. They are encouraging to do the best that God has for us to do and that is to be nurturing and nourish our heart and soul.
I am so loving this Bible Study. It has opened my eyes to who I am. I am realizing that I have been embodying the traights of the Proverbs 31 Woman and not realizing it. Today’s study “going to great lengths to nourish my family” is the story of my life. As parents, we make sacrifices for our children because it is (or should be) a natural instinct. I have lost friendships because I put my family first, my children first, and if I may be honest and shame the devil, my children before my husband(who passed away last year this month). I am grateful to know that I am operating according to God’s Word of who I AM as a woman of God.
I am enjoying the study. It helps me to know those traits I need to work on and in every thing I do to do it for God’s glory. Day 4 lesson really tapped into my spirit. I am praying that God renew my mindset concerning my job. Knowing my job is a gift from good I need to be more eager and willing with some of my job duties and realizing it is not about the deeds that I do it’s about my character in performing those task that are brought to me so I can continue to nourish my family and knowing that being good is a reflection bringing joy to others
Good morning. I am Terri and I help to take care of my mother and I check up on my mother in law during the week with a phone call. I also have my grandson for the summer since april 11. I also check up on my siblings during the week and their families to make they are doing well. It seems I am the only one who does this and sometimes I don’t want to reach out to them. My husband says everybody is not like me? I daily send out a devotion from Our Daily Bread to a list of folks in my contacts and if I miss a day watch out! I enjoy encouraging brothers and sisters in the word but especially because I have gone through some of their trials. I currently reaching out to one of my best friends whose husband left her and he wants a divorce from her. Thanks for this Bible study which has opened my eyes that not applicable to a wife but to many! god bless
Hi Terri! You are such a blessing to your family! Keep up the good work, SisterFriend. We need more people like you!
I honestly didn’t think I had anything in common with the Proverbs 31 Woman until the Day 5 study. I have always loved and enjoyed doing all I can for my family and friends. Even when I got talked bad to for doing so. I will do anything for my husband, children, grandchildren, my parents, my mother-in-law, and any of our brothers and sisters. I have always had a caring heart that loves to do for others before myself. Thank you Angelica for breaking this passage down and showing me that I am doing something right. You are an inspiration to me and I know to many others. In Christian love,
I’d like to offer my thought on the merchants’ ships. What struck me was that these ships are strong, reliable and a welcomed sight for those waiting to receive the goods from the ship. As such we should be strong (silky strong), reliable and a welcomed sight for those whose presence we come in contact with.
Exactly!
That’s perfectly true! Thanks for sharing that thought. That’s what I’ve been wanting in my life!
Yes that is so true!
I am not a wife or mother yet, but I resonated with me that I had considered before is that I can be a Proverbs 31 woman towards my immediate family. This blew my mind because I always related this scripture to wife period. The Holy Spirit just asked my why are you limiting me! Powerful!! So my commitment is to transform into this woman, through the partnership of Holy Spirit, towards my family,
I am blessed by this study. I find it difficult to express my thoughts in writing but I am keen to dedicate myself to this Proverbs 31 ministry to see how I can improve and grow in my Christian walk with Jesus. I have known Jesus as my Lord and Saviour for a lot of years. Life hasn’t always gone smoothly but Jesus has proved Himself time and time again with miracles, absolute God given miracles. I am a Carer to my husband after a stroke in 2005 and now diagnosed with Vascular Dementia last October.
Hi Angelica, I am Jennifer from Virginia and this lesson today is helpful to me because I live with my mom who is 87. As I think of this , i see where even at her age she goes the distance for each of her children. Her oldest son faced medical crisis she was there for him financially and emotionally to see his needs did not go unmet. With me she goes the distant at times at night when i have medical flare up she is there to help me through it.
I at times do get caught in this world view to focus on selfish ambitions, but God is showing me to truly walk in sacrificial love . I be willing to go the distance for my mom like she went for me for over 47 years. I am helping her with being in good standing with the city she can keep her home, helping her with her medical care when she needs it. You are right it is a blessing when we adopt the Word of God into our life go the extra mile for your family.
Prov.31:14, is very good. She is like the merchant ship that travels to different countries to bring back needed goods.i myself have gone to different stores to get food items that was needed for different recipes etc,or to a different town to shop for items that my kids may needed for school, and they didn’t have it in my town. I love this study