The Money Manageress

Proverbs 31:16-18 NLT She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Reading and meditating on verses 16-18 above tells me that the Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman who manages her finances well! She is an accountant, investor and entrepreneur wrapped into one!

Verse 16 indicates that she researches a purchase before actually making that purchase.  She doesn't buy things on a whim. She knows the status of her finances and does not put herself in a bind to make purchases (accountant- keeping track of her money).  She makes sure that the purchase will be beneficial to her household.  She reinvests her money so that she will get the most of out it (investor and entrepreneur).

Verse 17 reveals that she isn't lazy. She works hard. She makes her money work for her!

Verse 18 tells us that she makes sure that her dealings are profitable. (There's the entrepreneur in her again).  She doesn't waste her time or money on things that won't add value to her (or her household).

The more I read this, the more I believe that she is managing the finances of her household.  Her husband has entrusted her to manage the finances.  Her family's wellbeing depends on the way she manages the finances.  Therefore she makes smart decisions when it comes to money.  "Inspecting a field before she buys it" tells me that she considers her purchase.  This means that she may not make the purchase right then.  In the same way, I think we should be more mindful of the way we spend our money.  We don't have to spend our paychecks before we get them or buy something just because "it's on sale."  I would like to encourage you to tithe, save and pay your bills first.  If you have money left, consider what you have left and what it is that you'd like to purchase.  How will the purchase benefit you? Your family?  I am certainly not saying that we shouldn't buy nice things for ourselves but I am saying that business should be taken care of first.

Today, I'd like to encourage you to take a serious look at your finances and the way you've been managing them. If you aren't doing well, make a plan and start now. There is no better time than the present.  If you are, keep it up! For Proverbs 27:23 says that we should know the condition of our flock. We should always know the condition of our finances.

Walk in love and faithfulness today! Be encouraged!