Many of us are familiar with Proverbs 31 as the chapter about the Virtuous Woman.  This woman is known in the Hebrew as the Eshet Hayil or Woman of Valor.  This chapter is recited around the globe at the Erev Shabbat meal on Friday nights.  However, as is commonly understood in the Hebraic understanding, there is more than one meaning to verses 10-31.  When one has the concept that our Creator betrothed Israel at Sinai at the giving of the Torah (His teachings and Instructions) and that these words are equivalent to a Ketubah or the covenant/contract for the bride to accept, then we get the understanding that Israel is the bride.

As we continue in the Word it becomes clear that Israel is the bride of Messiah Yeshua, the Son of Elohim.  With that context, there is a Hebraic understanding that this virtuous wife spoken of in Proverbs 31 is also speaking of Israel.  When you consider the Biblical responsibility given to Israel among all nations, this fits and makes sense.  The key to apply this to our own lives is to understand who Israel is.  Israel is the one who has Yeshua as Messiah and keeps the commandments of Elohim.  With that in mind, let’s look at a verse from Proverbs 31 and allow the Spirit of Wisdom to impart to us the mandate that we have, especially when we consider the negative and difficult times that we are living in.

While we must face and understand the reality of the times we are in, we can also be a voice of hope and soothing balm of Gilead to the souls of those within our sphere of influence.  May we wisely discern when and how to speak!!