She Has No Fear

Proverbs 31:21 (NLT): She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm[c] clothes.

Proverbs 31:21 (NIV): When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21 (NKJ): She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

Was anyone else surprised it snowed in the Middle East? I know I may sound ignorant, but I honestly thought it was hot all the time. Come on, I know at least one or two of you thought the same thing. Well, it does snow a little there I guess. I don’t believe it is anything significant, but it does bring some freezing cold temperatures. In fact, snow is mention in 2 Samuel 23:20, 1 Chronicles 11:22, Job 6:16, Isaiah 55:10, and many other verses.

Anyway, a virtuous woman is not afraid of the snow or cold weather because she has prepared for it by making or providing warm clothes for her family. One could easily see how this could be used to also mean that a virtuous woman does not fear hard times because she has prepared herself and her household for those hard times. I am not just referring to clothing here. We know there will be hard times (financially,emotionally, etc.). We need to have a plan of action in place before the hard times hit. If we are diligent in studying the word everyday and in a strong relationship with the Lord before the “storm” hits, we are much more likely to stay the course when things fall apart. Yes, we need to put some money aside for the rainy days, but even doing that does not necessarily get you through a hard financial blow.

Now the word “scarlet” is much harder to understand because scarlet clothing in and of itself will not necessarily keep anyone warm. There is some disagreement here on what the term “scarlet” means. Some interpret the clothing as being wool, which would provide the warmth, and the scarlet providing ornamentation. This was to show that clothing did not have to be drab. Others say the original word used was a different Hebrew word that looks very similar to the Hebrew word for “scarlet”, but means “double-garments” or “doubly clothed.” (Adam Clarke Commentary-Studylight.org & middletownbiblechurch.org) The later makes a little more since to me as double garments would definitely provide more warmth.

Once again, we are reminded that a virtuous woman is to provide and prepare her household. Has he gotten your attention yet? I know he has mine. The more I read, the more I realize how important it is to him that I put my family above everything else but him. I know my hard work and preparations will not prevent hard times, but they will make it easier for me and my family to stay strong in our faith and trust God to see us through the storms.

Until next time, stay safe and God bless,
Missy