Proverbs 31:19 | Bible Study | Hands-On Homemaker

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Introduction: Proverbs 31:19 Bible Study Hands-On Homemaking

Welcome to our Bible study adventure  ‘AT FORESTS EDGE’! Grab your virtual hiking boots, and let’s explore Proverbs 31:19 together as we journey through the wilderness of wisdom.” 

I am glad you are meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE, where women can study the word of God together and encourage one another while we walk out our faith, embrace womanhood, and live fearlessly.

In this study of Proverbs 31, we will look at the nineteenth verse in context. I have broken the chapter up into mini-studies so that busy women like myself can take in the information in just a few minutes each day. 

If you have more time then feel free to continue to the next section whenever you are ready.

This study is perfect for a personal bible study or a women’s small group.

New here? The Proverbs 31 overview sets the stage for the context of the chapter, otherwise, let’s jump right into Proverbs 31 verse 19! 

Proverbs 31:19

“She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.”

Proverbs 31:19 NKJV

Strong’s Definitions of Proverbs 31:19:

hand- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H3027)יָד yâd, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote.

distaff- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H3601)כִּישׁוֹר kîyshôwr, kee-shore’; from H3787; compare H6418 literally a director, i.e. the spindle or shank of a distaff, by which it is twirled:—spindle.

spindle-

 (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible H6418)פֶּלֶךְ pelek, peh’-lek; from an unused root meaning to be round; a circuit (i.e. district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch:—(di-) staff, participle

Proverbs 31:17 Definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

HAND, 

noun [Latin hendo, in prehendo.]

1. In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument.

DISTAFF, 

noun

1. The staff of a spinning-wheel, to which a bunch of flax or tow is tied, and from which the thread is drawn.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff Proverbs 31:19.

2. Figuratively, a woman, or the female sex.

His crown usurped, a distaff on the throne.

SPIN’DLE, 

adjective [See Spin.]

1. The pin used in spinning wheels for twisting the thread, and on which the thread when twisted, is wound.

Summary of Proverbs 31:19

She actively uses her hands to spin wool and flax by means of a spindle and distaff.

My notes from Proverbs 31:19

When I initially read this, I had a picture in my mind of a woman at a spinning wheel reminiscent of the fairytales I grew up reading. Whether it was the Miller’s daughter making a deal to spin fine gold or a kingdom burning all their spinning wheels to protect their beloved princess, that giant circular contraption is exactly what my mind visualizes.

However, upon further research, I have discovered that the big wheel is not the spindle and distaff spoken of in Proverbs 31:19. In fact it would not be invented until at least 500 A.D. in India and then make its way across Europe.

Alas, my vision was dismantled and astonishment overtook me when I realized all the extremely difficult work that this virtuous woman had been completing was even more arduous than I thought.

How Does a Distaff and Spindle Work?

The “distaff” is a tool used to hold unspun fibers. The “spindle” is where the material is stretched and rotated into thread.

The process of making the thread begins by using one hand to hold the distaff, where the wool or flax is attached, while pulling a section of the fiber out with the other hand.

The word distæf in Old English meant literally “flax staff,” from dis- “a bunch of flax” and stæf “staff.” Because women usually did the spinning, the distaff came to be a symbol of women’s work.

What Does a Distaff Symbolize?

In the 1300’s the “distaff” became synonymous with women.  As an adjective, the term distaff is used to describe the female side of a family. On the other hand, the corresponding term for the male side of a family is the “spear” side.

The English language originally called such skillful women spinsters, though that name now refers to a woman who never got married or had a family of her own.

Do I Have to Spin Thread to Be a Virtuous Wife?

Absolutely not, as impressed as I am by this amazing woman and her excellent work ethic, we are not required to spin fibers and make our own clothes to be a “Proverbs 31 Woman”. 

At this time in history, it does not make sense for women to spin fiber and make clothes. By the mid-nineteenth century, clothing had become mass-produced. The average American home has no need to make its own fiber. 

Even when I was a single mother living in extreme poverty and homeless, I was blessed to have clothing that was mass-produced and donated to my children and I. In America, even when I lived in poverty, I found myself thankful for the blessings we have here in this amazing country that other people in the world may not be as fortunate to have. Sometimes a perspective shift can change our attitude to gratitude!

What Does a Modern Proverbs 31 Woman Look Like?

You may be asking yourself if I don’t spin fibers what makes me a Proverbs 31 woman by my work?

You may be taking for granted everything that you do. Whether you work all day at a job and come home to care for your family, or you are a homemaker full time, you are doing exactly what a modern Proverbs 31 woman does!

Here is an exercise for you to do, if you haven’t already. Get a weekly planner and write down everything you do or have to do this week. I’m serious, write down every little thing. From meal prep to phone calls and don’t forget the mountain of laundry you tackled. Once you are done read it to yourself as a reminder… You are Wonder Woman!

I just bought a new planner last week. My intention was to document nutrition and fitness as well as health issues and doctor appointments I face.  I figured it would help me stay positive on this health journey I am currently facing.

What I didn’t expect was the realization that I do so much every single week! I not only teach and cook and clean, but I also consider these bible lessons my ministry and my blog as my business. I am moving closer to sharing my art with others and I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book that I intend to give to the kids who currently live at the women’s shelter where I once had a protective sanctuary. 

Even if you are not pursuing anything other than your ministry at home, you are a Proverbs 31 Woman. No matter what season we are in life, it is our motives and our actions that reveal our true nature. 

A virtuous woman is a woman after God’s own heart! If you are His, and you love how He loves, then your actions will follow and He will show you exactly what you are called to do! Let everything you do be done in love. And let everything you do be for the glory of God!

Simple Truths from Proverbs 31:19

1. We can always learn something new (like what a spindle and distaff actually were).
2. The Proverbs 31 woman does what she is called to do by God!
3. Our motivation and our actions reveal our true nature!

Questions to Ponder from Proverbs 31:19:

1. What do you do in a week?
2. Why do you think it’s easy to overlook what we do as women?
3. What is something you are passionate about?

As we wrap up this leg of our journey AT FORESTS EDGE, remember that every step brings us closer to a stronger, more vibrant faith. Let’s keep growing HOPE together!

I hope this in-depth women’s bible study of Proverbs 31 is a blessing to you. 

I’d love to know if you have gained insight from the study. 

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior you can find out more about salvation.

The next study is Proverbs 31:20 or you can go back and read Proverbs 31:18 or feel free to check out my favorite bible study tools.

I’d love for you to be my companion in this journey, join my newsletter, and let’s walk this journey together as we GROW HOPE!

Until we meet again,

Raeanna