Proverbs 31: the Law of Kindness

The Law of Kindness.

Understanding that phrase from Proverbs 31 revolutionized my life. The phrase we read in English as "law of kindness" is in Hebrew: Torah of Chesed. I used to think she spoke with kindness whenever she talked. Well, that's nice, isn't it? And wouldnt it be ice if we all did that? But that's not the meaning of the Hebrew phrase.

The first five books of the bible are often referred to collectively as the Torah, a term unfortunately mistranslated into Greek as ‘nomos’ and into English as ‘law’. Why do I say unfortunate? Because the Hebrew word "Torah" does not mean 'law".

It means ‘teaching’ or 'instruction' or 'training', particularly the kind a craftsman provides to his apprentice. You know how it takes years, on the part of the apprentice, to watch, duplicate, emulate, or copy the master? Well, that is the essence of Torah.

The word of God is Torah, is alive, and active. More powerful than a two-edged sword.It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.*Hebrews 4:12*

Chesed is the word used over and over to express God's relationship with Israel and with all who become part of His chosen people by faith in His Messiah.

Here comes the revolutionary part. We see the Proverbs 31 woman speaking forth God's Torah!

Now, you all know SHE's still applicable to us today,in fact she's a role model for women in the church, right, and so is WHAT she speaks forth!

HalleluYAH!

blessings,

Gail

Proverbs 31:10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “ Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.