Liken the Scriptures

One of my most favorite things I learned about when I was in high school seminary was the principle of “likening the scriptures unto myself.”  I wouldn’t say that I am a scriptorian by any means, but I do love it when I read the scriptures and can apply it directly to my life.  While studying my Personal Progress goals recently, I came across this scripture and I just knew it was something I needed to directly apply to me, as a woman, a mother, and a wife because  I have so much to work on.   And, when you need guidance, what better place to turn to than the scriptures?


 I’ll put my notes in red after each verse that I applied to myself.  I’d love to know how you would apply any of these verses to yourself.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 ¶Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  I need to value myself and have confidence in my role as a woman, wife, and mother.

 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that heshall have no need of spoil.  My husband trusts that I am capable of any task placed before me and he too values me.

 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  I choose to love my husband with all my heart.

 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food fromafar.

 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to herhousehold, and a portion to her maidens.

 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of herhands she planteth a vineyard.  Mealtime and providing healthy food for my family is important. 

 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth herarms.  Exercise is important to keep my body and mind alert and healthy so I can accomplish all that is asked of me.

 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goethnot out by night.

 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.  Verses 13-19 I want to be a hard worker

 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  I need to be more charitable and give service to those around me. 

 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all herhousehold are clothed with scarlet.

 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.  While I don’t think that sewing my own clothing is actually cost effective, I strive to make sure my family has clean clothes to wear and even if I choose to buy my clothing second hand, I need to be proud of myself for my thriftiness.

 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among theelders of the land.

 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdlesunto the merchant.

 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  I need to be more careful when I speak and I should choose what I say carefully and not speak ill of others.  I want to be remembered as someone who spoke kindly to others and about others.

 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  I need to be actively engaged in good causes but always remember there is good, better, and best.

 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,and he praiseth her.  I want my children and husband to be proud of me.

 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest themall.

 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praiseher in the gates.  I need to be more concerned about how Heavenly Father sees me and not worry so much about how others see me.