We have all heard of the Proverbs 31 Woman. Depending on the version of the Bible you read, she is called a Worthy Woman, Virtuous Woman, Good Wife, Capable Wife, Wife of Noble Character, Radiant Bride. She is the epitome of a Christian wife. But who is this model of a woman and what does she really do? Can we ever measure up to such a high standard? I decided to write a lighthearted contemporary commentary of her. I hope it makes you smile.
An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
It’s hard for a man to find a good woman. But her husband was lucky enough to find her and he “married up”.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
No matter what her husband has to put up with in their relationship, she will always be worth it.
She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She is an encourager and helper for her husband, and they will be together a loooonngg time.
She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
She loves to sew and do crafts. She often squeals in delight when she finishes a project.
She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
She grocery shops and sometimes has to go to Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and Central Market to get what she needs.
She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
She cooks breakfast and packs lunches for everyone in the family then makes treats to take to her lifegroup or a neighbor.
She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She’s always on the lookout for good deals. She has frequent garage sales where she sells her repurposed furniture.
She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
She works out regularly (aerobic and strength training) so she can have a real reason to wear yoga pants.
She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
She stays up late picking up toys and socks left on the floor, and makes sure her family is ready for the next day.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
She is sewing again… Or maybe doing some DIY project she learned on HGTV.
She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She looks for ways to help in her community, volunteers at the downtown homeless shelter, and donates regularly to the resale shop that supports battered women in the area.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She keeps an eye on the weather so she can gently remind her husband and kids that it’s too cold/hot/rainy for what they are wearing. And to put on sunscreen.
She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Looks like she’s sewing again… She stays up-to-date with the latest clothing design trends and knows how to dress for every occasion.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Her husband hangs out at Starbucks or a Sports Grill.
She makes linen garments and sells them,and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She does more DIY – maybe has an Etsy shop to sell her handmade jewelry or crafts.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
She laughs a lot – especially when she thinks about her kids growing up and becoming independent. Or about retiring. Or about looking for a new swimsuit for an upcoming trip.
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She gives good advice to her friends and teaches her kids to say “please”, “thank you” and “yes ma’am”.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She stays on top of the family calendar and coordinates carpools, lessons, practices, and games.
Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”
Her kids tell their friends what a cool mom they have. Her husband thinks she’s great too. And he is really glad he married her instead of his high school sweetheart who looked so old at the last reunion.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Moral of the story:
It’s not about being the most charming or beautiful person in the room. It’s about living your life to please God. Let what you do for your family and others be what you are known for.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:30-31
