ALL HER HOUSEHOLD ARE CLOTHED: COVERING THE FAMILY'S NEEDS

Sep 7

3 min read

DAY TWO

Scripture for Today

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”— Proverbs 31:21, KJV

Notice the word:

“All.” The Proverbs 31 woman has considered her entire household. She has not prepared adequately for one child while forgetting another. She has not considered herself while overlooking those entrusted to her care. She looks upon the household as a whole.

Clothing Requires Forethought

Earlier Proverbs tells us:

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”— Proverbs 31:13, KJV

And:

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

In the ancient household, clothing required considerable labor, much as machinery does for us today. In the ancient household:

Materials had to be obtained.
Fibers had to be prepared.
Thread had to be produced.
Fabric had to be made or acquired.
Garments had to be constructed.

The finished winter garment represented preparation that began long before the cold arrived.

Our methods are different today, but the principle remains the same.

Think About the Family From Head to Toe

Preparing children for winter means more than saying, “They have coats.”

Ask whether the whole body is adequately protected for the climate and circumstances.

Depending upon the environment, a household may need:

Warm coats
Long-sleeved garments (always)
Layering clothing
Thermal garments
Hats
Scarves
Gloves or mittens
Warm socks
Proper winter footwear
Adequate blankets
Warm nighttime clothing
Appropriate bedding

The goal is not worldly fashion. The goal is needful provision. The goal is protection, warmth, health, modesty, durability, and responsible stewardship.

What Does the Color Scarlet Teach Us?

The KJV says:

“...all her household are clothed with scarlet.”

Scarlet was a striking and significant color in the biblical world. Richly dyed textiles required materials, labor, and skill.

We should be careful not to make the word “scarlet” mean more than Scripture states in Proverbs 31:21. The primary point is not that every righteous woman must purchase expensive clothing. The greater lesson is that this household is adequately and deliberately supplied.

Proverbs continues:

“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”— Proverbs 31:22, KJV

The woman understands the materials and their quality. She does not appear careless about what enters her household. This gives us a principle of stewardship of quality.

Quality Is Not the Same as Extravagance

Thrift does not always mean buying the least expensive item. Suppose a cheap pair of winter boots lasts one season while a carefully selected durable pair can serve longer or be passed to another child. The lowest initial price is not necessarily the wisest purchase. A resourceful mother considers: Cost - Quality - Durability - Necessity - Usefulness. That is stewardship.

Conduct a Household Clothing Inventory

Several months before winter, examine what the family already owns.

For every person, ask:

Does it fit?
Is it warm enough?
Is it damaged?
Can it be repaired?
Can another child use it?
Can something be altered?
Can it be purchased secondhand?

Is there something we own but have forgotten about? This prevents unnecessary duplication. Resourcefulness begins by knowing what is already in your hands.

Caring for What God Has Provided

Children can also be taught stewardship. Teach them to hang up coats. Keep gloves together. Dry wet boots properly. Put clothing where it belongs. Avoid unnecessarily damaging possessions. Be thankful for what they receive. This makes household preparedness a family lesson in Christian stewardship.

Today's Principle

Love looks ahead. The wise mother considers the whole household's needs and prepares accordingly.