Home to a Haven

Faith-Filled Encouragement for Homemakers

  • Home
  • About
  • House & Home
    • Haven Creation
    • Homemaking
    • Cleaning
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Hilary’s Books

How to Meet Your Family’s Needs the Proverbs 31 Way

Hilary June 22, 2020

Stuck in a quarantine? Now's the perfect time to create a haven!

Stuck in a quarantine? Now's the perfect time to create a haven!

When it comes to meeting your family’s needs, shopping just might be considered biblical.

Mom and daughter shop for coats

Some women love to shop. Some women hate to shop. Regardless of where you rank on a shopaholic scale, Proverbs 31:21-22 includes an interesting detail of a woman’s life:

“She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

If you’re the woman of your house, chances are  you’re meeting your family’s needs and paying attention to your family’s belongings – even down to their clothing. And that, my friend, means shopping.

While this is a biblical concept, it’s also common in everyday life. In fact, 9 out of 10 moms are the primary shoppers in their homes.

The First Step

When it comes to her family’s clothing, the modern-day Proverbs 31 woman plans ahead. She’s not afraid of snow days coming, because she’s already bought snow pants and mittens for her kiddos. She knows what her family members will need to wear … and she makes sure they have it.

While it could be tempting to let older family members like husbands or teenagers fend for themselves when it comes to wardrobes, wives and moms are great at making sure everyone has everything.

If, for some reason, you feel overwhelmed at the thought, discuss the division of labor and responsibilities with your husband. If this area isn’t your strength, it’s OK … just make sure your bases are covered. In a lot of families, though, women pay attention to details, are opinionated, and have a knack at keeping everyone on track.

Before a back to school shopping trip, know how much new underwear and socks your children will need. Know what’s outgrown and needs to be passed along. Know what your family’s current clothing and shoe sizes are.

I’m speaking to myself as much as to other women. Last summer my daughter insisted on wearing her favorite shoes for months, until I finally realized that her feet had grown two whole sizes and she had been smooshing her feet into her uncomfortable favorite shoes … and she didn’t want to run and play because of the tight shoes. What a bad mommy moment for me. I was quick to realize even when my children try so hard to be independent, I still need to pay attention to when they are growing and changing.

Mom shops while pushing stroller

Family’s Guardian

While you’re making sure that your husband and children have enough clothing to wear, also pay attention to what they’re wearing.

  • Are there appropriate messages on shirts?
  • Do your daughters wear modest clothes? Do you?
  • Is anything too holey, stained, or wrinkled? Ask your children to change if necessary – or help them patch the holes, remove the stains, and iron the wrinkles.

If you have young children, it’s the perfect time to start teaching them about modesty … and that not everything sold in clothing stores is appropriate to wear.

Don’t be afraid buck tasteless trends and choose age-appropriate clothing. I’m not talking about shapeless, long-sleeved, floor-length dresses – you can encourage your daughters to choose to be fashionably modest.

As a clarification, it’s healthy to let your children choose their own outfits – and it’s an important part of the maturing process. 

But letting your toddler daughter mix and match a variety of colors and patterns is one thing; letting your teenage daughter leave the home in short shorts that could be best described as underwear is another thing.

When you’re choosing presentable clothing for yourself and helping your family, it doesn’t matter where you shop. You can find tasteful, God-honoring outfits anywhere from affordable secondhand stores to schmancy department stores and specialty shops.

As long as your children are living in your home, remember that you’re the mom. You have influence, you have authority. Your children may not like everything you suggest, but you don’t have to allow inappropriate or offensive clothing.

As I write this, I think of my grandma who raised seven children. Her strong-willed daughter tried to wear mini-skirts every day in the ’60s, yet every day Grandma would make her change her outfit.

Like my grandma, don’t be afraid to be a mom with an opinion and standards.

Mom and daughter sort through clothing

Clothed In Scarlet and Purple

Proverbs 31 is very detailed in explaining that the woman’s family was decked out in scarlet clothes for her family, while she wore purple linen. Both colors signify wealth, prestige and honor.

Purple’s long been associated with royalty – in the story of Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, the rich man “habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day.”

When Jesus was mocked in Mark 15, the battalion of soldiers “put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”

Second Samuel 1:24 describes, “Oh daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.”

Many Bible commentators believe that the scarlet clothing meant a type of double wool clothing – so the family of the Proverbs 31 woman was warmly dressed for winter.

All of the descriptions of color and fabric help illustrate one point – the Proverbs 31 woman cared about what she (and her family) wore. She took care of her appearance – and she looked nice.

As women, we would be wise to care about our own appearances. Like it or not, the clothing we choose to wear reflects a lot about us. While we shouldn’t obsess over our wardrobe to the point of pride or vanity, it is a good thing to be mindful with what we wear.

Scarlet & Snow

And, while this is admittedly a stretch, think of the way that believers describe Christ’s forgiveness of sins –we’re washed by His blood, right? His scarlet blood has washed us white as snow. We wives and mothers should try to influence our family to be clothed in scarlet – as a description of being covered with the scarlet blood of Christ.

As keepers of our homes, we need to point our families to Christ:

  • Pray for them.
  • Speak the truth of the Word to them.
  • Disciple and shepherd them as best as you can.
  • And trust God for His plan in your family members’ lives.

Mom laughs with son and daughter

It’s Not Just About Clothes

While clothing was a definite area of attention for the Proverbs 31 woman, so were the furnishings in her home: she made bed coverings for herself.

If you’re resourceful or crafty, turn your home into a welcoming haven with your decorating style.

But if home décor isn’t your forte, scour Pinterest for ideas. When you find something you like, copy it in your own home. Try to make your home lovelier with your decorating touches.

Becoming more and more like the Proverbs 31 woman may be easier than you think – beginning with your shopping and including the way you gently and persistently shepherd your family.

As you shift your focus to caring for your family, make sure you’re meeting your family’s needs … and paying loving attention to them!

Take a moment to look through your closets and look at your furnishings. Do you need to make any changes? What are some of your family’s needs that you need to address?

Disclosure: Links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that, at no added cost to you, I may make a commission on products purchased through these links. Thank you for supporting this website!

Becoming a Modern-Day Proverbs 31 WomanInstead of only wondering what Christian homemakers, wives, and mothers could or should do, Proverbs 31 details it for us. The best part? The Proverbs 31 woman’s examples completely apply to life today. And they can help you manage your home.

In Hilary Bernstein’s eBook, Becoming a Modern-Day Proverbs 31 Woman, readers dig into the biblical example of Proverbs 31 woman. The instant download includes 16 insightful chapters that will help you learn how to respect your husband, become an excellent wife, and glorify God with your life. Buy your copy now!

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Hilary
Hilary
Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, homeschooling mama, and writer who believes every Christian woman can transform her home into a haven. She's happiest when she's hosting friends and family for dinner, going on date nights with her husband, singing along to the radio while driving her kids around, enjoying live performances, relaxing on family vacations at the beach, and spending cozy family nights at home.The author of several books, Hilary loves to encourage her e-mail subscribers!
Hilary
Latest posts by Hilary (see all)
  • Why Your Home Matters to God - January 21, 2021
  • Why Kindness Is The Most Important Thing to Add to Your Home - January 14, 2021
  • The Best Strategy for Decluttering Your Home - January 10, 2021
Please share!
fb-share-icon
Tweet
fb-share-icon

Related posts:

Finding Peace in Your Home
How Are You Answering God’s Call?
The One Kind of Haven That Fulfills
How to Let the Holy Spirit Lead Your Life

Filed Under: Spiritual Growth 1 Comment

« Keeping Busy at Home
4 Simple Steps to Getting Your Home in Order »

About Hilary

Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, homeschooling mama, and writer who believes every Christian woman can transform her home into a haven. She's happiest when she's hosting friends and family for dinner, going on date nights with her husband, singing along to the radio while driving her kids around, enjoying live performances, relaxing on family vacations at the beach, and spending cozy family nights at home. The author of several books, Hilary loves to encourage her e-mail subscribers!

Lovely comments

  1. Robyn says

    October 9, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Thank you for your website. It is a blessing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I'm Hilary! Click here to learn more about me ... and Home to a Haven.

I believe you can find peace and purpose when you care for your home and family. I'm here to guide you with faith-filled encouragement!

Categories

Spiritual Growth

Longing for a haven is natural. The good news is it IS possible to find the haven you long for.
God is calling to each of us. How are you answering God’s call?
You might not want to admit it, but the calling  to care for your home is a great thing.
Want to know one way to transform your home into a haven? Begin filling your home with lovely things.
Woman tosses salad
Learn how to become a modern-day Proverbs 31 woman in my new eBook!

More Posts

House & Home

Washing clothes today? Here are 3 ways to dry laundry!
Wondering how to remove hard water stains in your home? I've tried seven different cleaning products to see what cleaned most effectively.
Without motivation, all of your best intentions will only stay intentions. But with motivation, those intentions transform your to-do list into a done list.
Before you leave for vacation, here are 4 things to clean.
Woman holds a mop over her shoulder

More Posts

Popular Posts

You might not want to admit it, but the calling  to care for your home is a great thing.
Mom and son cuddle on a couch with a book while dad sits in the background
Creating a haven can seem so difficult if you don't know where to begin. There's an incredibly important secret to creating a haven, though!
Woman washes countertop
If you’d like to actually create a haven in your home, here are some powerful secrets on how to do it!
Woman smiles as she cleans a countertop

More Posts

  • Blog
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Hilary’s Books
  • Privacy Policy
  • Join the Community
© 2021 HilaryBernstein.com. Custom site by Moonsteam Design.
Home to a Haven uses cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on this website. OK!