Recently, I have been considering the virtues of being the virtuous wife as they relate to me. This morning it lead to a review of the last 22 verses of Proverbs 31 verse by verse in my journal. Here are my thoughts…
10An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
-Be the young woman who waits on the Lord, work diligently, and trust. She is skilled in many areas. Worth pursuing. She waits to be pursued.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She is faithful with that which is given to her care…reputation, money, children, the home.
12She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She protects his reputation. She guards how she speaks of him. She is discrete, obedient, and faithful.
13She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She sees the purpose and blessing of faithful work…she seeks it and does it well.
14She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
Caring for her family with wisdom in the food she feeds them, both physical and spiritual. Quality is most likely emphasized. Distance and work to provide this do not trouble her.
15She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She is not slovenly. This reflects back to earlier verses. Faithfulness with what is given. She does not expect it to take care of itself. She is on the front lines in her household.
16She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Her earlier faithfulness enables her to further bless her husband and family. This is further provision for them. She doesn’t do this without her counsel or her husband’s approval. This will be another jewel in his crown. This is an inheritance.
17She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She cares for her body. She does not grow lazy or cease to care for her needs. She keeps herself attractive for her husband.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
While she sleeps, that which she has invested in, planted, and worked for is still producing.
19She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She works…nothing is too menial to her. She is capable at everything.
20She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She cares for those in need. She does not limit herself and her giving to her family.
21She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Quality. Her produce and attention to detail have made sure that those under her care will be well-dressed, warm, and their needs will be met.
22She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She dresses well. Quality, once again. Her appearance will not bring dishonor to her husband. Her dress suits the situation. Also, her lovebed is well prepared.:-) Probably cute lingerie is involved somewhere.:-)
23Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
Her faithfulness and work in what he gives her brings him honor. He is blessed in his wise choice in choosing her.
24She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Once again, productivity. Her produce is quality. She has more than her household needs so she is able to increase her husband’s income.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She is prepared for what may come. Her reputation and wisdom will stand against whatever is thrown at her. She does not fear for God is her strength and foundation. She trusts Him.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Her faith, experience and education have given her wisdom. She shares it, kindly and graciously, instructing others. She is not rude or abrasive. Her counsel is sought.
27She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She oversees, knows the ins and outs, accounts for the finances, feeds her household, studies scripture. She is always faithfully working, never slothfully lazy.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
Her work and faithfulness have not gone unnoticed. She receives respect and honor for all she has done and given. She finds rest.
29"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
His words of praise to her. He is proud of her, does not regret his choice of her as his helpmeet. This man adores his wife and will die for her.
30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Focus not on outward beauty or skills, develop inward beauty and all will follow. Fear God, honor Him and He will honor you. Faithfulness yet again.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Her work and faithfulness will be seen and honored. She will not be forgotten.
Blessings...
~Christine
