"She is like ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar."
Proverbs 31:14 (ESV)
This verse goes hand-in-hand with Proverbs 31:13. Again, the Proverbs 31 woman is not idle. She's not letting life happen to her, she makes things happen and is proactive with a strong foresight. (Or what we say in our household, "she is a great anticipator of needs.)
Navy "the Word" ESV Study & Journal Bible
Her diligence breeds skillfulness and foresight that transcends the walls of her home. If she needs something, she'll go find it, even if it's from afar. Even if the LORD takes her on an adventure or knowledge and experience, she is courageous to go where she needs to go.
In this diligence she is also hardworking. She is willing to put in extra efforts and not settle for convenience, resulting in resourcefulness. She is strategic and savvy. She mirrors how merchants procure and choose profitable goods, verses items that aren't sustainable for business. Ultimately, she makes wise choices.
This can be a physical or material need, or even an emotional good, but better yet this can be speak to the spiritual food her and her family need. The gospel of Jesus, grace, and discipleship are in her home. She's diligent in her faith, praying in the spirit, navigating life's ups and downs with the nourishment of Jesus and not only her own strength. Her ship, Jesus, is solid and does not sink.
Lastly, she feels like the cornerstone of her families wealth. She leans on God's wisdom and discernment. Her spirit is generous with not only tithing but with what she contributes to the community through hardworking which then provides sustenance and provision.
