SHE 31 - Woman Of ValourSample

If ever there were someone that exemplifies self-control, it’s the Proverbs 31 woman. We’ll take some time to look at some specific examples, but the whole passage displays her as self-controlled.

Re-read Proverbs 31. How many examples of self-control can you find?

Consider: What does self-control look like for you?

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5 lays it out for us - “The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” 

Just like an apple tree or a blackberry bush, a mango tree or pineapple plant produces fruit, so do we. When we allow the Holy Spirit to actively work in our lives, we cannot help but produce fruit. And this is ripe, healthy fruit, one of which being self-control. The perfect example of self-control is Jesus. He had no sin - the ultimate act of self-control. And not only did Jesus have enough self-control to keep Himself from doing wrong things, He also had enough that He was always able to do the right things. That really challenges me. 

As for our Proverbs 31 woman, this whole passage is littered with her self-control. We’re told that she gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her family and that she’s energetic and strong - she’s disciplined and there’s nothing lazy about her. Two hallmarks of self-control. She stewards her time and money well and isn’t wasteful - another attitude of a self-controlled woman. 

Context: Why bother?

Self-control will cost us something. It won’t be easy or fun. We will need to deprive our flesh. Maybe we need to change the language that we use. Maybe we need to eat more healthily and exercise more. Maybe we need to spend and invest our money more wisely. Maybe we need to be less angry. Maybe we need to go to bed earlier and not watch Netflix or YouTube videos all night. Whatever it is, we’re all on a journey with self-control. When we commit to allowing Jesus to have His way in our life and allow the Holy Spirit to move, we’ll see this fruit grow. 

Over to you: Ask yourself…..

• What attitude does your mind default to when you hear the words ‘self-control’? Do you see it as exciting or boring? Why do you think that is?
• Where can the fruit of self-control be seen in your life?
• If what areas do you need to grow the fruit of self-control?