Proverbs 31:21
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
Bible Commentary
Proverbs 31:21 is a Bible verse from the famous passage of the virtuous woman. This study is written from the perspective of motherhood, and it contains the most important lesson the Lord taught me in the 25+ years of being a mother.
As I sought God continually in prayer over my children, He opened my eyes to the fact that I was getting in the way of His desire to bless them. There was something blocking the abundance He wanted to give them.
He directed me to study the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:21. She is not afraid of snow for her household because they are all clothed with scarlet.
The word “snow” is representative of the lack of something—a solid roof over our heads, nice warm clothing to wear in winter, a good pair of shoes, safety from harm, a godly father figure or influence, learning abilities. It could be any number of things—tangible and intangible.
God Opened My Eyes
God opened my eyes up to the fact that I could be a Proverbs 31 woman and not be afraid of snow for my household. My worry over my children was blocking the flow of His blessings. Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
My small faith was only allowing for small blessings. My fear was bigger than my faith.
I read the gigantic promises of God in the Bible and I wanted abundance for my family, but we were far from that. As I sought God, He showed me that He desired to prosper my kids. I believed He wanted to, I just didn’t know if He would. I grappled with doubt. “But how can I be sure?” In His great patience, God opened my eyes to the answer to that question.
The cross.
God sent His one and only Son to die on the cross, so that we could have a personal relationship with Him and so He could prosper not only me, but my children. Christ traded places with us so we could have an abundant life (John 10:10). However, it was up to me to grow in my relationship with Christ so I could take hold of His promises by faith—both for me and my family.
I believe this is the single most important role of motherhood.
Unlocking the Truth – From Fear to Faith
Let’s look again at the Proverbs 31 woman. All her household is clothed with scarlet. This is the very reason that she is not afraid.
The word “scarlet” is representative of the blood of Jesus Christ. With the covering of His blood, there is no lack. This is the best a mother can hope for her children—that they be clothed with the blood of Christ—a supernatural protection, like a spiritual coat of armor that nothing can penetrate. It is not because of her intelligence, education, strength or big bank account that she is not afraid. It is because all her household is clothed with scarlet. They are covered by the blood.
The blood of Jesus has accomplished every hope and every dream we have for our children. It removes the heavy burden from us as mothers…if we tap into its power. It’s not all up to us to produce happy and successful children, and it’s not because of us when our children make mistakes. Christ said that in Him our burden is light and our yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30).
Yes, we have a huge responsibility as mothers to take good care of our children, but let’s invite Christ into our responsibilities as mothers and as wives. He knows what concerns us, and He promised to perfect it.
Psalm 138:3 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
It is not our job to mold our children’s lives into what we think they should be, but to teach them the Word of God and nurture them and raise them in the ways of Jesus Christ, as we follow Christ ourselves. When we build our house on the rock, He comes alongside us and helps us. It’s like having wind beneath our wings.
A Mother Without Fear
As we walk with Christ our faith gets bigger, and our burden gets lighter as we learn to trust Him. As our faith grows, it pushes out fear (1 John 4:18). We can enjoy the blessings of our children so much more when we’re not constantly worried about them or for them. Worry only steals our joy.
It is possible to be a mother without fear. We can have peace and joy and so can our household. Let’s practice letting go of control and trusting God. Let’s practice seeking God so He can deliver us from all our fears.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
When we walk in the peace of God, our household can be peaceful, bright and happy. The Proverbs 31 woman is God’s example to us. It doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes or that our household will be perfect, but it does mean we have an example to shoot for and we have a Savior alongside us.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
Study the Bible verse of Proverbs 31:21, grow your faith in Christ and take hold of the promises of God. Rest assured that Your Savior clothes you and all your household. Hallelujah!
