December 27, Day 361 – Holiness: The Highest Biblical Standard
- Dr. Eric Stricker
- Dec 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Today we read Nehemiah 5:1–7:3, where we saw that some of the poorest Jewish exiles had to mortgage their fields, subject their sons and daughters to slavery, and pay interest on loans – just to provide food for their family members. Nehemiah became angry about this and warned his countrymen that they were exacting usury, which was a violation of the law (cf., Exodus 21:1-11; Deuteronomy 12:15-18; 23:19). Nehemiah addressed this issue, and the people “agreed to return the fields and stop the usury” (verses 9-13). In chapter 6, we see continued opposition to God’s work of rebuilding, and in 7:1-3, we see Nehemiah’s appointment of “his brother, Hanani, and Hananiah – the commander of the citadel – as gatekeepers, because they were men of integrity and they feared God” (verse 2). In this section, we see God’s approved leadership principles and how God uses and blesses leaders who pray and “revere God” (cf., Nehemiah 5:15). Leaders who know how to lead properly also know that hiring or appointing individuals who are known and proven is usually a better choice – involving less risk – than bringing in a new, unknown, untested person. Sometimes, prayerfully hiring one’s own brother is the best choice.
In today’s section of Proverbs 31, verses 10-20, we see King Lemuel’s further advice regarding a wife of noble character. He begins by asking the question, “Who can find one?” (verse 10). The reason for this question relates initially to the enduring difficulty of finding a woman who possesses a holy character – which is rare. Such a woman is truly a treasure, “worth far more than rubies,” and her partnership is priceless and absolutely invaluable (verse 10). Why is that? What characteristics make a woman (and subsequently a wife) “noble?” Here, we recognize differences between the terms “noble, ideal, and holy.” Lemuel presents examples that idealize “the noble,” but these characteristics are not always attainable for every woman. That which elevates a woman to the level of a flawless treasure – “worth far more than rubies,” is her commitment to live according to the highest biblical standard – holiness. By God’s grace, every woman can attain holiness. God’s standards for living elevate a woman by sanctifying and separating her above other, ordinary women – who, either choose to remain uncommitted to God’s standards, or they commit themselves to their own mediocre standards. Simply stated, Lemuel’s practical examples represent the woman who chooses to be holy, and holiness reveals the heart of a woman’s true character. In short, this woman is focused on the things that interest God; her concerns set her apart from all other women – like “the pearl of great price.” A merchant who finds her wisely “sells all he has” to obtain her (cf., Matthew 13:45-46). Here, in His Word, God establishes that women and young girls should set their sights on rising to His level for beauty and nobility, which always begins with holiness.
Today in Revelation 18:1-17, we come full circle (cf., Genesis 10:10) to the fall of Babylon – that awful world system which seeks to overpower all mankind during the future end times. We see the wide effects of this wicked system – “a home for demons; a haunt for evil spirits and every unclean bird; all the nations have drunk of her wine; the kings of the earth; and the merchants” (verses 2-3). Even God’s people have somehow been influenced by Babylon, as they are admonished to “come out of her” (verse 4). Her fall will be “terrifying” for those with whom she has trafficked, and her loss of commerce, which has included every conceivable cargo, will incite double “woe” (verses 9-13). According to verse 8 (and verse 17), her end will come in “one day” and in “one hour.” We need to recognize what God is saying here in His Word – His wrath is sudden, thorough, and all-inclusive – trifling with our God is a serious mistake in any and every age.
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