Keep the oil burning....



Scripture:
Proverbs 31:18 ~
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. KJV
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. NIV
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. NLT
She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. NASB

Observation:
ESV Study Bible ~
Her lamp does not go out at night. (See v.15), “She rises while it is yet night”; if the verses are taken to a literal extreme, they would imply that she never sleeps at all! But surely that is not true, nor is it intended (see Ps. 127:2). Rather, this is an idealized picture of a woman who is diligent to complete her work both in the morning and in the evening.

Application:
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible ~
 her lamp of profession, which is always kept burning, Luke 12:35; or the glorious light of the Gospel, which always continues in the darkest times the church ever has been in; or her spiritual prosperity, which, though it may be damped, will never be extinct; when the candle of the wicked is often put out, Job 21:17; It may denote her diligence in working; who, as she rises early in the morning, Proverbs 31:15, so sits up late at night, and is never weary of well doing, night and day. Ambrose interprets it of the lamp of hope, which burns in the night, and by and for which men work, Romans 8:24.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, your Word tells me that I should not get weary in doing well because I will reap a harvest if I do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Help me to never tire of doing right (2 Thessalonians 3:13). I ask you to make the care of my household the foremost priority of my life. In Jesus name, amen.