Proverbs 31:15

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about a Godly woman:

Proverbs 31:15 (ESV)

She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

Nothing speaks of a Godly women like her getting up while it is still dark and making food for her husband, children and her guests.  Self-sacrifice is the cornerstone of Godliness.   God first demonstrated sacrifice when He made man and decided to endure the human race and their continuous sin.  He culminated that sacrifice with His son on the cross.  Wisdom is at the center of sacrifice.   The Godly women is willing to give up that prize of sleep to care for children and to prepare a home for family.   Thanksgiving is probably the day on the calendar most remembered for food.   It is not surprising than to note that it is typically the women of the house who is up before everyone else stuffing a bird.  Getting up early doesn't make one righteous.   But, a righteous women will raise early on a cool day in November, simply to wait on her house.   She will give of herself before taking.   She will sacrifice her own well-being to be what God wants her to be.  Our willingness to sacrifice is a cornerstone to our wisdom and make choices.   Sometimes we can over sacrifice ... sacrifice the right things for the wrong things.  The above proverb rubs close to that boundary.  We can’t get up early everyday unless we are in bed early the night before.  Notice this passage as a balance to the one above:

Psalms 127:2

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

The above proverb does not say she chooses serving over sleep.  It simply says she rose while it is yet dark.  Wisdom makes real choices, but right choices.  Wisdom gives us the insight needed to make sure we sacrifice, but also, make right choices.  

This woman is also willing to give a “portion” to her maidens.  This means her sacrifice is not territorial.   She is given of her self and her resources.   That is true sacrifice.