The laws of sowing and reaping that God placed in nature hold true in our own lives. So, how can we be fruitful farmers in our daily lives and bring in a goodly crop like the Proverbs 31 woman? Let’s discuss Proverbs 31:31 together as we wrap up this Bible study.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
1. You Reap What You Sow
It’s true in science, and it’s true in life. If you plant corn, you’re not going to get a crop of watermelons. If you plant weeds, you’re not going to have a good crop of green beans or anything else worthwhile.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
The same is true in our lives. If we sow to the flesh, we will reap corruption, just as the Bible promises. It may seem fun for a while to do whatever we want and indulge ourselves, but we are going to reap the results of those choices sooner or later. And, when we have chosen to do wrong, we are not going to like what comes up.
2. Good Works Yield a Good Harvest
But, while we reap negative results for negative actions, the same is equally true in a positive way! If we sow to the Spirit, we will reap everlasting life! When we choose to follow the Lord, let Him live through us, and make the right choices even when it is hard, we have the promise that the Lord will give us a wonderful crop. When you plant a seed, do you get a crop right then? No. It takes time for a plant to grow and produce fruit.
We won’t always see an immediate reward for making the right choice, but we have the promise that God will reward us for following Him. We won’t see our full harvest here on earth, but we know that in Heaven, we will be rewarded. The word fruit here is related to reward. Give her the reward of her labor. The Proverbs 31 woman will be rewarded for being faithful to the Lord in her everyday life.
3. Your Works Talk About You (Proverbs 31:31)
What someone does says a lot about them, doesn’t it? Our actions speak! If you are doing the right thing, you don’t have to go around telling everyone that you are doing the right thing. It will be apparent! The Proverbs 31 woman’s works praised her in the gates. Because she was generous and gave of herself, she developed a reputation as a giver. Because she cared for her family, she developed a reputation as a good wife, mother, and homemaker.
What you do turns into your reputation. While our goal for doing things shouldn’t be what people think about us, it’s still something worth pondering. What do you want to be known for? Do you want to be known as the lady who complains? The lady who gossips about other people? What about the lady who only thinks of herself? No! I’m sure you don’t want to be known for any of those.
How about this? What if you could be known as the compassionate lady who always has time to give a listening ear? Would you like to be known as the lady who loves her family and sacrifices for them? The lady who loves Jesus?
Let’s think about what we want to be known for, and in God’s strength, live a life that will yield this fruit. It’s not easy to do right. In fact, in our own strength, it’s impossible. But, we don’t have to do it in our own strength. Jesus is waiting for us to claim the victory He already won for us: to simply take His victory and say thank you!
4. You Don’t Need to Seek Attention
While we want to have a good reputation, we don’t need to and should not be seeking attention for ourselves. A reputation is built by how you live and not by telling about yourself. Let’s faithfully do what God calls us to do and leave the results in His capable and loving hands.
5. Your Actions Affect Others
How we live our lives does not only affect ourselves, it also affects others. What we plant through our actions becomes our influence and impacts those around us. Let’s be good examples by planting the kinds of things we want others to plant and want to see them harvest. There are also people in your life who will be affected by what you plant. If you are loving, kind, and helpful, then you will be a blessing to them.
6. God Will Reward You (Proverbs 31:31)
People may or may not notice and praise what we do. That is not the point of faithful service. Faithful service should be done out of a heart of love for God and with the desire to one day hear Him say:
Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Simple Takeaway
- You reap what you sow; plant good things so you will reap a good harvest!
- What you sow affects those around you as well as yourself.
- God always rewards faithfulness!
Let’s Chat!
What are some ways we can plant good seeds? What beautiful Proverbs 31:31 harvest would you like to reap? Any thoughts you want to share about this Proverbs 31 study we’ve done together?
Until next time, plant good seeds wherever you go!
In Christ,
Bethany
