Ahhhhhhh…..Luxury fit for a king and a queen.  The virtuous woman was blessed to be able to make her own wall coverings of tapestry.  Tapestries are decorative wall hangings made with expensive, colorful threads on expensive looms.  They were sometimes more valuable than paintings, because they were more portable.  They could be rolled up like rugs and moved from room to room or transported from palace to palace.  They provided insulation in the winter months by preventing heat from escaping and keeping the walls warm.  Only the wealthy could afford such beautiful and functional works of art.  The virtuous woman not only appointed her home with beautiful tapestries, but her own clothing was rich and finely made of silk and purple.  Purple was the color of royalty and rank.  Silk threads were imported from Asia.  A garment of silk and purple was the finest in apparel.  But, the virtuous woman didn’t wear them vainly to show off.  She had become rich, and she was able to afford the best, warmest, and most durable clothing and tapestries. 

In today’s materialistic American culture, many would choose an inferior garment because of the name or logo associated with it.  Teenagers beg their parents for $200 name-brand gym shoes and jeans that are less durable than the ones that cost one fourth as much.  It has even become fashionable to leave the label or price tag on the item so all can see.  Mothers may buy a $300 handbag and not have $20 to put inside of it.  Fathers may spend thousands on a gold chain while still riding the bus.  This would be foolishness to the man of valor and the virtuous woman.  They know "things” do not determine theirr value.  Their strength of character does.  Their true worth and value are demonstrated by pursuing their destiny and purpose….with the use of their gifts and talents for the benefit of others….to the glory of God.  Both of them are content.  "Contentment” is being satisfied with such as you have, until you are able to obtain better.  It doesn’t mean you have no goals.  It simply means you don’t have to wait to obtain your goals to be happy.  You can be happy right now, while you’re on your way to achieving better.  You don’t have to try to impress people and pretend to be something that you are not. 

It’s time to take inventory.  What items have you purchased that you really couldn’t afford?  Which ones did you buy because you wanted the prestige of wearing/having a name brand?   When you understand your destiny and purpose, material things can't compare.  (Repeat the GEM FOR TODAY several times throughout the day)

GEM FOR TODAY:  Father, I thank you that I am content in You.  I choose to be happy with what I have while I am pursuing better.  Thank You for showing me my gifts and talents.  I will use them to for the benefit of others to Your glory.  I rest in Your love, joy, peace, happiness and fulfillment.  (Men say) I AM A MAN OF VALOR AND I VALUE GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN!!! (Women say) I AM GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN!!! In Jesus' Name, Amen