Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous, for praise is comely for the upright! Psalm 33:1
Comely. No longer in common use, this word nevertheless immediately conjures up the image of a woman. A beautiful woman. A gracious and lovely woman. A woman with head held high–but not her nose. A woman whose words are gracious, seasoned with salt. A woman clothed to attract admiration, to bring honor to her body and her God. A woman who understands authority. A woman walking hand in hand with her husband. A woman honoring him and respecting him and even submitting her own desires to his. A woman setting chores for her children and laughing with them as they wash dishes together. A woman who quietly and quickly and firmly brings her children to cheerful obedience. A woman who raises her children as their God-given authority. A woman whose home is warm, well-ordered, interesting and welcoming. A woman who sets a beautiful table and fragrant meals before guests, making them feel at home in her presence. A woman who brings aid and succor to those in need, but never to the neglect of her husband and children. A woman who gives her anxieties to her God, and leaves them there. A woman who reads and listens and ponders, and submits every thought to the scrutiny of the Word of God. A woman who loves being home and ‘making’ home.
That’s it. Comely: (Strong’s 5000) Beautiful, pleasant, suitable and fitting. From a primary root (4998): at home!
Let us Rejoice!
7 Comments
November 20, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Beautifully written. Oh, to have the attributes of a comely woman! Something to strive for without ceasing.
November 20, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I love it! I enjoy your thoughts on the comely woman at home. How cool that it comes from the root word at home. Here’s another thought: Oh to be at home with the praises of God! How wonderful that He looks upon me as comely when I am doing what He has all along created me to do; glorify God and enjoy Him forever. “For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.” – Ps.33:21 This makes me excited to get to my own study. “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.” – Ps.33:11 Thank you God for Your word, the Word! It is a good and perfect gift. May I crave it the way a baby craves milk. May I be a doer of the word and not merely a hearer of Your word, for Your word is truth. By Your word the heavens were made. Your word stands; may I hold fast to it. May I continue in it as a disciple, studying it to be approved. You have the words of eternal life. Your word is my sustenance and my rock; my shield! Your word is a light for my path. May I speak the word faithfully. Heb.4:12
November 21, 2008 at 2:35 am
A good word. I noticed that when I see the things I do as a woman as “comely”, my whole perspective changes. Things I might not relish (housework, etc.) begin to hold purpose and have an end that is lovely. Not that they thrill my soul…but I begin rejoice in them, and they are good!
November 21, 2008 at 4:01 am
You fill and encourage me, you comely women of my heart!
November 26, 2008 at 4:53 am
Love your picture at the top too, Ante Pasta!
December 8, 2008 at 5:44 am
Helloooooooooooooooo, Mom!!! I love the picture at the top, too! A little shot of memories. I hope you write something again, soon.
February 20, 2009 at 4:39 am
Cool pic of the apple tree!