What does Proverbs 31:13 mean?

Reading about the woman in Proverbs 31 can leave one feeling inadequate. However, our feelings should never force us to settle for less. When God shows us a standard, it is because he has given us what it takes to meet the standard, and we can look to God for the grace to do His will.

I believe exploring the Proverbs 31 Woman’s spiritual life can eliminate intimidation and help us see that we already possess what it takes to be a Proverbs 31 Woman, a spirit being and spiritual weapons. As we study and embrace the spiritual practices of the Proverbs 31 Woman, we will be empowered to manifest our identity as women without limits.

Weapon: God’s Covering

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13 (KJV)

The word seek implies deliberate, strategic, and continuous searching, and in God’s kingdom, seekers always find (Matthew 7:8). So, we are called to a life of seeking in God’s kingdom. We must not fall into the deception that we have arrived. When we stop seeking, we start living in a state of ignorance and spiritual laxity, leading to sin and the loss of spiritual covering. So, the Proverbs 31 woman is intentional about seeking from the source. That’s why she is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar (Proverbs 31:14).

Flax and wool are raw materials used for producing clothes. Clothes cover our nakedness, reducing our vulnerability to unfavorable climates. Sin brings nakedness (Lamentations 1:8), and Clothes became necessary to buffer us from the power of shame caused by sin (Genesis 2:25; Genesis 3:7, 10, 21). To avoid shame and unobstructed exposure to the adverse spiritual weather condition in the world or fiery darts of the enemy (lies, false ideologies, demonic oppressions), we must seek God’s covering.

Hosea 2:5 (KJV) says, “For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.” And Hosea 2:9 (KJV) Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.

Comparing Proverbs 31:13 with Hosea 2:5&9, we can see that flax and wool go beyond physical clothing. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised (Proverbs 31:30)—a Proverbs 31 woman seeks the covering of God, her first love, the one who provides flax and wool. Seeking to stay under God’s covering is spiritual intelligence and a weapon against the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13).

In Hosea 2, God’s people lost their covering when they relied on humans for help and adopted ungodly ways. With unbiblical views infiltrating the church and anti-Christ practices being exerted on us like never before, it is easy to be swayed and step outside our spiritual covering. I have given in to a sinful lifestyle before and experienced the spiritual and mental torment caused by the loss of spiritual covering, and I am currently enjoying the benefits of choosing a life that keeps one under God’s covering—the latter requires a lot of sacrifices and daily crucifixion of the flesh, but it is the best. I urge you to remain under God’s covering and return to God wholeheartedly when your spirit convicts you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are my lover, my husband, and my source. Your Word says, if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Today, I confess that I have leaned on my understanding and put my trust in humans. I repent for every act of disobedience against your Word. Have mercy on me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I consecrate myself to you today. I renew my commitment to serve you and enter into a covenant to seek you. By the blood of the everlasting covenant, make me perfect in every good work and work in me that which is well-pleasing in your sight. I ask all these in Jesus’ name. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for the grace to live for you.

Prayer scriptures (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 13:20-21)

We are most vulnerable outside God’s covering—we open ourselves to shame, confusion, unnecessary heartaches, and spiritual battles that impede our capacity to manifest our divine identity. So, how can we ensure we don’t step outside God’s covering? For the sake of time, we will briefly explore two ways to stay under God’s covering:

• We must live dependent on God, trusting His ways and capacity to meet ALL our needs. Those who look to God will never be naked or ashamed (Psalm 25:3; 34:5). Our capacity to live dependent on God expands as we grow in our relationship with him. Investing time to study and meditate on God’s Word is an essential strategy for developing our relationship with God, keeping ourselves under God’s covering. We must be that workman, studying God’s word to access high-level spiritual illumination that breaks the stronghold of lust, pride, and other sins in our lives, keeping us spiritually covered and free from shame (2 Timothy 2:15). High-level spiritual illumination is hard work. Sometimes you have to fast, stay up all night, or rise early to access deep insight into God’s Word.
• We must jealously guard our relationship with God by growing in love with God and fearing Him. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way (Proverbs 8:13), and a woman who fears the Lord will be praised (Proverbs 31:30). Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). Are you a faithful lover? Are you jealously guarding your relationship with God? Like David, may this be the cry of your heart, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

Today, I invite you to pray Psalm 139:23-24 with all your heart.

If today was your last day on earth, do you know where you will spend eternity? Are you sure you will make it to heaven? If you are not sure, you need to give your life to Jesus Christ. Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.

Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen

Welcome to God’s family!