Devotional – February 10, 2021

Would you agree that in our study of The Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31; her character and nature are quite admirable. What is the value of the attributes she possesses? I am sure you think that they are priceless. The woman is loved and respected by all who she interacts; she is commended and praised in all she does.

What did she do to acquire all the talents, skills and qualities she possesses? What is your personal strategy for increasing knowledge and understanding? How do you develop your skills? In my personal quest for knowledge, I read books related to my interests, I search the internet and search the Scriptures for insight and clarity. In my study of the Virtuous Woman, I learned the importance of investing in myself to increase in knowledge so I can add more value in the lives of others.

Today, as we continue to make The Case for Virtue, this superb woman is being celebrated for her wealth of knowledge. The topic is: She Studies. As the records show, the Virtuous Woman wears many hats: She is:

In giving thought to all she can do, there is no doubt that she dedicated much of her time to studying. She undoubtedly invested much time in reading the Bible as the source of her strength. She would also indulge in researching information that would increase her knowledge of areas related to her personal development, career and ministry. The Scriptures teaches this as an important requirement that results in godliness. This is what the Bible says:

Study to show yourself approved unto God; a workman who does not need to be ashamed.

2 Timothy 2:15

Have you heard the phrase: “Knowledge is Power”? I have; yet I have also heard the 2.0 version of it: “Accurate Knowledge is Power”. It is undeniable that based on the level of expertise that we seek, there is need for more than just “knowledge” about the things we desire to know, but having “accurate knowledge” puts us in the category of being excellent. In our own commitment to studying, we should do so diligently, so we will not be ashamed because we attain mastery of the subject or skill that we desire to learn.

When our knowledge base increases, so does the quality of the work we are able to perform, and the contribution we are able to make. We become better at being who we were created to be; we can be trusted with more, we are in a position to earn more and God is able to bless us more. To whom much is given.

Do you remember the Parable of the talents: After the master returned to assess what the servants had done with the talent they received, the one who buried it was reprimanded. the master sought to teach a profound lesson about what is expected when a gift is given. Jesus tells the story and ends by saying:

‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

St. Luke 19:26

The Virtuous Woman studied as a habit; she embraced the Biblical Principle and her character was shaped by the knowledge she gained. Undoubtedly, she would be “approved by God. Today, we live in a world where information is at our fingertips. Our curiosity about a subject can be satisfied with the click of a button. In the age of Google, there is no longer any mystery. Ignorance has been eradicated by the internet. There is a paradox often attributed to a famous artiste:

While there is an abundance of water, the fool is still thirsty.

Bob Marley

For all the resources we have at our disposal, may it never be said of us that we are “fools”, because we do not take advantage of what we have. Let us do well to learn the secret of the Virtuous Woman; her intelligence and wisdom is the result of her commitment to studying. She studied, let us also study. We can rest assured that God will approve us for the efforts we make.