Proverbs 31:25 ESV: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 NLT: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Solomon wrote about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She has moral excellence, honest, trustworthy, diligent, frugal, creative in her gifts and talents, generous, unselfish, and is wise. She has confidence in God’s power and protection in her life which enables her to have a gentle and quiet spirit.
What about her strength and dignity? The Hebrew word for dignity is “hadar.” It means majesty; honor; glory; beauty; excellency. ”Hadar” occurs 30 times in the Old Testament. Another verse, besides Proverbs 31:25, as an example of this word, is found in Psalm 104:1: “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty.”
Sometimes the smallest irritations in life can catapult me into being highly irritated and upset. The agitation speed on my emotional computer goes to high speed. Anger starts to take hold and self-control of my emotions – not so much. I fail in my patience and am then humbled so many times.
I can still hear my Grandma Helmers voice saying to me: “This too will pass.”
In Proverbs 31:25 it says the virtuous woman can laugh at tomorrow – “without fear of the future.”
- Laughter releases feel-good endorphins which in turn reduces pain and increases pain thresholds.
- Laughter can help protect your heart by increasing blood flow and improving the function of blood vessels.
- Laughter relaxes your body for up to 45 minutes after a hearty laugh.
- Laughter lowers blood pressure and stress levels.
- Laughter has the ability in the brain to increase memory.
- Laughter boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine – the brain’s natural happy chemicals.
Worrying increases activity in the pre-frontal cortex (the rational brain) which is why worrying can make you feel more in control than doing nothing at all.
Don’t you want to be an esteemed woman? Someone who is admired, is calm despite the circumstances, and is considered to be of value? How I want to be that woman! Worthiness and being respected are qualities held in high regard in viewing this virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.
Have you blown it? Do you feel you have lost your dignity over a single inconvenient instance that just pricked your unpleasant reaction that was not the best? I am so often there.
Laughing is free. Doesn’t cost anything. I need to do it more often. I love to listen to Chonda Pierce’s YouTube videos online. She is often billed as “the Queen of Clean” and is a most-awarded female comic. One example to watch is her YouTube video titled, “The Merry Widow:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGmr2ayyXVk. Watch for your disposition to lighten as you laugh when you watch her. I also recommend checking out another Christian comedian named Michael Jr. He talks about the power of laughter on his DVD, Laughing on Purpose.
My prayer for today: Oh God, You are so worthy to be praised! Both riches and honor come from You. Help me to laugh more at myself and the thistles in my life. Help me to control my expressions on my face better when I am exasperated. It all stems from my heart. You are good. Help me to be of value and benefit to others. May strength and dignity be mine as I laugh and look forward to the future You have planned for me.
Listen to MercyMe’s “Shake.” This song on YouTube makes me smile and laugh every time I watch it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJFA5Bitv7w