DAY 72 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Crown Jewels

PROVERBS 12:4 [KJV] 4 A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.

The word “virtuous” here is the same word used to begin the praise of the Proverbs 31 woman.

In the NIV puts it like this: A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Here, again, the writer uses contrast, as he often does, to show the results of opposite choices in behavior. It is very important for Christian wives to understand how our behavior impacts our families. It is important for Christian husbands to appreciate the great value of a wife of good character. However, since each believer is a part of the bride of Christ, it is even more important that we all (women and men) understand and think about how our daily behavior impacts Jesus.

Am I, by word and deed, a crown to my Savior or do I cause Him disappointment that feels like sickness in His bones? If people know that I am a Christian, my behavior reflects on my Savior, either for the good or for the bad.

The Hebrew word translated “makes ashamed,” according to the Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon, is more than just a slight embarrassment. Gesenius says, “the origin should not apparently be sought in the idea of blushing, but rather in that of paleness and terror.”

This proverb is cautioning against making the High Priest at the right hand of the Father, the One who came to earth, lived the perfect example of virtuous character and then died for me, more than a little worried for us. This proverb cautions me against making my Savior worried to the point of being, metaphorically, sick at heart.

Have you ever had a friend, child or even acquaintance do something that made you “sick at your stomach?” I have. I’ve also done things that, looking back on them later, in a repentant attitude and seeing those words or deeds in a different light, made me sick at my stomach.

We don’t need to worry that the Father won’t forgive us, or that Jesus’ blood will not cover us, for anything we do. All repentance results in forgiveness. But I should be considering if I am acting or speaking like a crown jewel of which my Savior may be proud or if I am hurting Him “down into His bones.”

Sisters, we are meant to be jewels in His crown. So, let’s think ahead before speaking or acting, and ask how this will affect our future Husband, Jesus. Let us plan our words and deeds so they enhance His crown with the jewels of kind words and loving actions, rather than the stomach churning opposite behavior. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us in our goal to be crown jewels.

PRAYER: Father God, I know my words and deeds have impact on the lives of those around me. Please help me to remember that they are also either making you and Jesus proud or causing you distress. Help me to choose to be a crown jewel at every moment of every day. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that helps me make the right choices. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I will always make you and Jesus proud. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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