This is the Proverbs 31 passage describing a woman of excellence who will be a wife of excellence. It defines exellence of character, working/living skills, money and time management, treatment of those who are underdogs or impoverished or her loved ones, speech, teaching, dress, bearing, and reputation. I followed my "commentary" on the chapter with a brief poem about what it means to be a truly lovely woman!
<><><>Proverbs 31<><><>
10An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
A woman who would make an excellent wife is extremely rare and invaluably precious--she is a man's treasure.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
A good woman is trustworthy. Her words and actions coincide and she has integrity, forthrightness, and has the moral strength to act as she believes is right and as she says she will.
12She does him good and not evil, All the days of her life.
A woman who is virtuous, trustworthy, and excellent in moral character will be a blessing to a man for his entire life!
13She looks for wool and flax, And works with her hands in delight.
She looks for work and does so cheerfully, with her own hands.
14She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
She looks for things that are excellent, even if it takes more time or effort.
15She rises also while it is still night, And gives food to her household, And portions to her maidens.
She is on schedule, productive, dedicated, and diligent. She not only cares for
those who are closest to her, but also to those who are under her or below her.
16She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She thinks before she spends money and chooses to spend it wisely and frugally. She takes her profits and invests or saves them.
17She girds herself with strength, And makes her arms strong.
She works energetically, efficiently, and unfailingly--she is a hard worker.
18She senses that her gain is good;Her lamp does not go out at night.
She is a good steward who ensures that things in her house/life are properly managed.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is diligent, faithful, and a joyful and dedicated worker.
20She extends her hand to the poor,And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
20She extends her hand to the poor,And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She reaches out to the poor and needy, whether they desire material possessions or spiritual ministry.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The people she cares for can trust her to take good care of them.
22She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She dresses with modesty and elegance.
23Her husband is known in the gates,When he sits among the elders of the land.
She has influence in the world around her.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She is enterprising and industrious.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
She is poised. She is unafraid of the future because of who she is as a woman (and because of the God she believes in!).
26She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
When she speaks and teaches, what she says is wise and kind--and she actually does speak and teach!
27She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
27She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She manages her home well as a diligent, productive, dedicated, wise, frugal, enterprising, industrious, joyful, faithful, kind, and caring woman.
28Her children rise up and bless her;Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,But you excel them all."
She is distinguished--she has an exceptional reputation for being the type of excellent woman who is described in this passage.
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
She fears God above all else!
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
She fears God above all else!
31Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
The things she says and does in her life are so beneficial, that she would be blessed if they were done to her. Others praise her and her deeds/words praise her.
<><><>Retrospect<><><>
There is a better thing, dear heart,
Than youthful flush or girlish grace.
There is the faith that never fails,
The courage in the danger place,
The duty seen, and duty done,
The heart that yearns for all in need,
The lady soul which could not stoop
To selfish thought or lowly deed.
All that we ever dreamed, dear wife,
Seems drab and common by the truth,
The sweet sad mellow things of life
Are more than golden dreams of youth.
