Psalm 128:3a Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.
It is the gift of faith that matures the fruit of faithfulness to flourish.
Grapevines were the most common plant that was grown in the homes especially in Israel and Judah. The vine was grown along the walls, wooden or stoney fence, on the roof or the entrance of the house. The wife of the house is described as the fruitful vine. The vine might become fruitless when it is on poor or infertile soil or due to lack of water, disease, infection or negligence. However, a virtuous woman and a wise wife is a fruitful vine with sweet and sumptuous fruit.
In ancient Israel wine was substituted with water as water was contaminated. They did not have clean and purified water; hence diluted wine was used instead of untreated water. Wine was the staple of their daily life and also helped with the digestion of their protein rich diet. Wine was also used as a disinfectant to clean wounds. It was the primitive antiseptic and healing aid. Wine was also the integral part of celebration and weddings. Ancient households in Israel stored wine for a long period of time. Tradition states that barrels of wine were stored for the wedding celebration for years. Some of the wine stored could be older than the bride and the groom! Wine was a drink offering that was accompanied with burnt offerings and sacrifices (Numbers 15:5). The vine also served as a protective fence to the home.
These are the characteristics that make a wife a fruitful vine to her family. Wife determines the joy and the peace of her home. “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1). A wise woman builds her home with love, forgiveness and forbearance. She is the protective fence for her family. Choosing the right friends and fellowships binds unity and harmony. The daughters of a home must be nurtured in the qualities of a fruitful wine.
Fruitful Wine:
- Peace: Wise women are a conduit of peace and pleasure.
- Protection: Wise women protect the border of her home from violence, offense and strife.
- Purification: Wise women are the healing balm to her hurting family.
Nurture fruitfulness.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, make me a fruitful wine to my family. Amen.
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