Polished Cornerstones

In family bible time, we have been studying Proverbs. Being in a family of 3 girls plus my mom and cousin, we were all excited to reach Proverbs 31. We went through the chapter, studying it in depth.  After we completed our study, Mom pulled out her copy of Polished Cornerstones, written by Pam Forster. If any of my readers own Polished Cornerstones, they know that it is setup by chapters such as “A Cheerful Woman” or “A Patient Woman”. Each chapter has verses and application activities. Mom recommended that we each choose an application activity from the chapter, “A Godly Woman”. I chose a study of cornerstones in comparison with Psalm 144, particularly verse 12, which reads, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as cornerstones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” (KJV)   

                I found that cornerstones are a foundational part of any structure. They connect two sides. They are often engraved, and sometimes contain a time capsule. In Psalms 118:2, Jesus is referred to as “the stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” (KJV) This verse is quoted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, and 1 Peter. God knew that this was important. Jesus is mentioned again in Ephesians 2:20 as “the chief cornerstone”.

                From these facts and verses I have learned a few ways we as daughters can be “cornerstones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” First, if we are called cornerstones, then that means that we are a foundational part of our families, and ultimately the church. If we crumble, so will they. Secondly, just as a cornerstone is sometimes engraved with the builder’s name, so God has engraved his word on our hearts. Thirdly, a time capsule is meant to represent our time to another generation. God wants us as daughters to represent Him and be obedient to His commands for passing on God’s word and wisdom to the world. Finally, Jesus too is called a cornerstone, which means He is our ultimate example. What’s more, He is the author of the Bible, which means that the Bible is our ultimate reference book!

                Psalm 144:12 mentions cornerstones that are “polished after the similitude of a palace.” Think about Solomon’s palace.  The chosen cornerstone was probably sanded until it was perfectly smooth. Then it might have been overlaid with the finest and purest gold. In the same way, God chose us carefully and now sends us trials to make our character smooth. Someday in Heaven God’s holiness will overlay us.

                Recently I had the privilege to visit Washington D.C., our nation’s capitol. While we were there, we visited several memorials including the Thomas Jefferson memorial. As we were leaving we noticed a stone that was engraved. It was the cornerstone. Like the cornerstone, we can be overlooked, but God always sees us. He knew when He called us cornerstones that He was giving us a character description that would help us better understand our roles as daughters.  -Molly