When God plants a seed in your heart to grow a business while raising a family, he doesn’t promise it will be easy. No, he prefers the Slow and Steady method to the Get Rich Quick strategy. But he does give us encouragement through an unlikely source – the Proverbs 31:10-31.
I used to feel guilty when I read about this Virtuous Woman. Not only because I didn’t measure up to her, but also because I thought she chose family over career, while I attempted to manage both. After all, isn’t she revered as the Wife of Noble Character? But the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 is more than the ideal wife and mother. She is the Biblical version of a mompreneur – sharing her gifts and talents, working long hours and exhibiting wisdom and compassion at home, in her business and in her community.
The Proverbs 31 woman serves as an inspiration and a role model for modern day mom entrepreneurs. While it may be impossible for us to emulate her in every detail, let’s take a look at what we can learn from the Virtuous Woman about running a business that supports faith and family.
What the Proverbs 31 Woman Teaches Us About Being a Mompreneur
She contributes not only to the welfare of her children but also to her entire household. “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.” Proverbs 31:15
How can your business enable you to contribute to a greater cause and serve the world – beyond your immediate family?
She makes wise business decisions and invests her profits in the future. “She inspects a field and buys it. With her earnings she plants a vineyard.” – Proverbs 31:16
Do you make wise business decisions and invest in your family’s future?
She provides for her family with an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to her work. “She sees her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” – Proverbs 31:18
Are you willing to work hard and take risks to provide for your family?
She lives with purpose and is prepared for the future. “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” – Proverbs 31:21
Are you a good steward of the financial resources in your business?
She is a mentor and teacher. “She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
How are you sharing what you’ve learned with others?
Remarkably, all of this hard work does not compete for her family’s attention, but rather earns her praise and respect. “Her children arise to call her blessed: her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28
How do your children and husband feel about your business and the work you are called to do?
She is the “Supermom” of her day. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” – Proverbs 31:29
Do you inspire others and serve as a role model for women?
She is rewarded because of her faith – because she honors, loves and respects the Lord. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:31
Where do you draw the strength, inspiration and wisdom for your business?
The next time you read Proverbs 31, try not to compare yourself or become paralyzed by her perfection. Take a careful look and see if there are lessons you can apply to your life – at home or in your business. Please come back and share your insights with me! I’d love to know what you are learning from our Biblical mompreneur!
Theresa Ceniccola is a mother, writer and entrepreneur with a passion for connecting other Christian women and helping small business grow. As a marketing and PR professional, she launched TGC Communications, LLC in 1994 and has been working from home to serve clients and follow her passion while raising a family. She is also co-founder of www.writetohealth.com, a guided journaling practice dedicated to helping people discover the health benefits of writing. You can connect with Theresa on her blog.
Publication date: August 7, 2012