What does it mean to gird yourself with strength?
Question:
Hello brother,
My question is: would you explain Proverbs 31:17 to me?
Thank you.
Answer:
"She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night" (Proverbs 31:17-18).
"Girding" refers to the older style of clothing. If you had a lot of active work to do, you would reach between your legs, grab the back of your outer robe, pull it forward between your legs, and then tuck it into your belt. The results were something akin to shorts. Thus, "girding" means getting prepared for work. She is to do it with strength, or boldness. She doesn't shy away from getting ready. Today we would say "roll up your sleeves."
The second image is of someone flexing their muscles just before picking up something heavy. Again, it is the idea of getting prepared for the work you know needs to be done.
The imagery here is of a woman who sees the work that needs to be done, so she gets prepared to do it. She doesn't whine about it, she goes at it prepared to give it her all.
Response:
Good evening my brother in Christ. I want to thank you so very much for your answer to my question on Proverbs for it was very helpful. May God continue to bless you and your family, giving you continual wisdom and good health to do His will.
