Reasons to Wander

(Pro 7:11 KJV)  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

We have a lot of different reactions to this verse.  The feminists scream and declare the diabolical nature of the patriarchy.  The macho man says, “Yes.”  The believer looks at what it says and considers the whole of scripture.

If you look at the Hebrew for “abide” (7931) (KJV) or “remain” (NASB) you see that both are rare translations.  The basic meaning of the word is to dwell.  Let’s put this together with the ideal wife in Proverbs 31 who buys vineyards and deals with merchants and you can see that the ideal is not a matter of where you spend your time but what your priorities are.  

In this verse the intent of the woman is to betray her home and family for a bit of momentary fun.  In chapter 31 the woman is building up her family and making it secure.

So?  So much of what we do is defined by what the intent of our heart is.  Others may not know but God sees all.  Live with enthusiasm and confidence in the One who made you in His image.