proverbs thirty one

While doing my devotions this morning, I read through Proverbs 31 and got to the passage about a wife of noble character. While I am not a wife, and not planning on becoming one anytime soon, I thought it an important passage to keep in mind so that when it comes time for me to get married, these qualities will be instilled within me.

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Now, I admit this post will get a bit lengthy so let's view it as a devotional. I feel the need to break down the passage to not only help my lovely readers understand, but to help myself as well!

The beginning of the passage refers to the rarity of women who are noble and honorable, good for their husbands. She is a persevering and eager worker, ready to be of help to her family.

She is selfless; "she gets up while it is still night" and that requires a devotion to her family. Ladies, if we have a late night or a busy day we are still asked to follow this model, of selflessly serving our families. 

"She considers a field and buys it;" she is thoughtful and thinks about her actions before carrying them out.

She works well into the night to make sure the needs of her family are met. Not only does she support, honor, and love her husband and provide for her children, but she gives to the poor and needy.

Her husband is respected and they need not fear for the household because they are confident in God and their diligence and hard work.

She is wise; happy; dignified; and strong in spirit and virtue.

Her husband will be proud of her and her children will say, "Wow! What a great mom!"

She fears and honors the Lord; she does not worry about her appearance and does not try to be the most beautiful woman and center of attention. She will be honored for her hard work and her dedication to her family.

Ladies, while this may seem like a very difficult way to live, especially in our day and age, we should do our best to strive after this example and stay close to God in constant prayer, asking for this diligence and perseverance to be a wife of noble character. 

Check out today's post on Proverb's Wife, as well!