Who is the Virtuous Woman
In beginning this study, I found it quite significant that, although woman was the first to sin, she was also the last to leave the foot of the cross, the first to arrive at the tomb of Jesus, the first to see our risen Lord, and the first to proclaim His resurrection to the disciples. This speaks volumes as to the make-up of women.
Many will say Satan tempted Eve rather than Adam because she was the weaker of the two. I am not convinced of this. Eve made some crucial mistakes in dealing with Satan, and we would do well to learn from these.
First, she engaged in a conversation with Satan. We have the benefit of Jesus’ example that we are not to have idle conversation with the enemy. Jesus only spoke the scripture to Satan, and when confronted by the enemy, we should do the same.
Secondly, Eve had no business being in the vicinity of the forbidden tree. She knew full well she was not to eat of the tree. She was not hungry. There was an abundance of food in the garden. She looked upon it because it was “a delight to the eyes,” but surely there were many other beautiful sights in the garden.
Like Eve, we are often led astray when, instead of being satisfied with what God has supplied, we look upon that which we can not have with longing. How do we tell the difference between God’s voice and the voice of the enemy? By the content—the enemy condemns, makes us question who God is and who we are in Him.
Finally, she sought equality with God, just as Lucifer had before he and his demons were cast from heaven. Matthew Henry, in speaking of Adam and Eve, says:
He [Satan] tempts them to seek preferment, as if they were fit to be gods. Satan ruined himself by desiring to be like the Most High, therefore he sought to infect our first parents with the same desire, that he might ruin them too. And still the devil draws people into his interest, by suggesting to them hard thoughts of God, and false hopes of advantage by sin. Let us, therefore, always think well of God as the best good, and think ill of sin as the worst evil; thus let us resist the devil and he will flee from us.
Sinful as we are, God still finds ways to use us. God has called many men and women to His service throughout history, some of whom are quite famous, some who are completely unknown. There is still much to be done before our Lord’s return. Satan’s attack on the families has never been stronger, but God’s Word promises that “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: [because greater] is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4
Join me as we explore anew how to be people of virtue.
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