the Third Week after Easter
Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 2
Proverbs 31:11—The heart of her husband doth safely trust to her.
This alphabetical poem to godly womanhood is one of the gems of Old Testament Scriptures. It should be read from the R.V., that its significant and beautiful touches may be appreciated. Clearly the Hebrew woman was held in high honour, and had as much freedom of action as she enjoys in Christian countries. Herein the contrast was very marked, as against the women of other Oriental nations. But in the whole delineation there is hardly any trait more beautiful than this—absolute trustworthiness. You can see the pair together: the husband comes in from sitting among the elders, his heart weighted with affairs of state, and he seeks her confidence and advice. He has no fear of her betraying his secrets. He can safely trust her.
This surely is the most sacred joy a woman can have. To be consulted, to be trusted, to share the common toils and responsibilities. Who would not work willingly with her hands, and rise while yet night, and engage in ceaseless toils, if only she had the inspiration that trust brings!
"If then your future life should need
A strength my love can only gain
Through suffering—or my heart be freed
Only by sorrow from some stain,
Then you shall give, and I will take
This Crown of fire for Love’s dear sake."
Can Christ, in like manner, safely trust us? (John 2:24, R.V.). Can He trust us with his secrets, his interests, his money? Abraham was one whom God could safely trust, and He did trust him as his friend: "Shall I hide from Abraham,... for I have known him?" It is required of us also that we be absolutely trustworthy.
