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24 Sep
[08-12-08] Chocolate Traffic
Fancy working 80-100 hours a week for little pay? If so the chocolate trade is for you.[11-11-08] Update on our 08-09 Goals
We've been pursuing our strategic goals for 08-09 for over two months now, so I thought it would be good to update everyone on how they're going.[06-10-08] The Ten Commandments
This term we are looking at the Ten Commandments - barely 300 words long in English, yet they form the basis of our legal system, the foundations of our parliament and lie at the core of western civilisation.[01-10-08] Open Heaven at 15 Years Old: Growing Up
This summer, Open Heaven turned 15 years old.[26-09-08] Welcome to Loughborough
If you're a fresher (or even someone who's just thinking of coming along to Open Heaven for the first time) we'd like to give you a warm welcome.[15-09-08] To be Loved, to Love and to Serve
Here is a short account of what my last year has been like my aim is to encourage, motivate, and challenge us all, as we seek to be continually transformed into the likeness of our king, Jesus.[10-09-08] The Hidden Beauty of the Church
While walking around inside an old but still well used church building, I found myself in a kind of gatehouse with a dusty old staircase leading down from one end.[28-05-08] I Am the True Grapevine
Looking at a tree outside my office window the other day I realised how strong the trunk was and that the branches did little to support it.[12-02-08] Responding to the Call
We are embarking on a journey of adventure, into the unknown; a little nervous, anticipating many challenges but determined to position ourselves to be ever more used by God in establishing the Kingdom in every area of our personal and corporate lives.[27-11-07] Getting Closer...Part 2
For a while it's been everywhere.
Proverbs and the Excellent Manager
Matt finishes off this summer's look at Proverbs..
I find it hard to go easy on those who argue that the Bible tells us that women should be weak stay-at-home types who make the house look pretty whilst the husband earns the money and makes the decisions. Have they never read Proverbs 31? It's clear the Bible thinks women needn't be anything of the sort. This woman carries a significant share of her marriage's workload and decision making. She buys property (v16), is praised for her strength and wisdom (v 17 & 26), and runs a business from her home (v13, 18-19, 22, 24). No wonder her husband crafted a poem in her honour!
The thing is that gender roles and working patterns have changed significantly since this eulogy was written so that today she is not just a role model for wives, or even just women in general, but men as well. Want some good advice on succeeding at work? Then read on.
It's clear that not only is this women part of a relatively wealthy and successful household, but that she is also a key part of its success. Such a wife would be in charge of a number of servants and workers, and it seems that whilst he is running the city council she is running almost everything else. In addition to managing affairs at home (v 15, 18) and catering for her extensive workforce (v15), she also runs a textiles business (v13, 18-19, 22, 24), a vineyard (v16) as well as running a social action project (v20).
It's temptingly easy to dismiss her success. It's far easier to think of her as some kind of "superwoman" who is so beyond mere mortals that there's no way we can follow in her footsteps. But, of course, the reason her exploits have been included in the Bible isn't to make us feel like failures, but so that we can learn from here success. And there are a number of clues as to why she is so good at what she does.
Firstly, she is never idle (v27), getting up early as her role demands (v15). That in turn suggests forward-planning and discipline. She is also a generous and considerate employer. She provides their food (v15). When it's cold she's goes that little bit further and her employees are doubly clothed (v21).
She also leads by example, not considering herself above weaving and spinning (v19) just because she is also in charge of buying (v13,16) and selling (18,24). And her instruction is described as "loving" (v26) rather than critical, harsh or simply functional. It's easy to imagine that because of her leadership, kindness and generosity her staff feel loyal to her and, in turn, produce better work. Furthermore, she is praised for being observant (v27).
Finally, she is praised for being strong, honourable (v25) and wise (v26) which is, remember, something that Proverbs says you learn(through more effort!) rather than something you magically possess. It's a wisdom that shows in what she does with her money. Rather than sitting back and bliffing her profits, she reinvests them (v16). But if all that makes her sounds dour, rigid and overworked, it's pleasing to know that she still finds time to enjoy a good laugh (v25).
Posted by: Matt Page on Monday Sep 24th, 2007
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