A Wife: Proverbs 31

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her, so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Rubies are a beautiful precious stone. To be worth more than them is quite a compliment. Men are always looking for a good, honorable woman to marry, even if they do seem to go for the sexy women. A virtuous and loving wife is truly something that most men would give rubies to have. For a woman to be good for a man and not do him evil, that is what leads to a good marriage(as long as the man is willing to return the good). I see all around me marriages falling apart because the husband and wife both do evil towards one another, neither willing to try to do good in order to save their marriage. So, this part encourages us to be good wives and show our husband that we really are worth more than rubies.

She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.

Wow, this sounds like Wonder Woman! But the skills mentioned above are good to know: knowing how to sew and how to buy smart are valuable skills in tough economic times; being able to provide and cook for her family and any possible hired people is also something valuable. Having good economic and business sense is something that every woman should have or learn. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well even back then! So basically, knowing money and business skills are important for all women, especially wives.

She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.

The Biblical fitness program! It is extremely important to be fit and healthy. Not skinny and sexy, but healthy and able to work on tough projects. This also encourages business sense and to know how to manage your money so you do not have to worry about the electric bill. Spinning is a good skill to learn, if not in order to spin your own yarn but to strengthen your own body.

She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Helping the poor is also a important thing. While we are busy being wives and mothers, we sometimes lose sight of those who barely have food on their table, let alone enough to cook something with. Always willing to help those less fortunate, in good times and in bad, is a wonderful quality in a Proverbs 31 wife. Also, being prepared for any natural disaster or trouble is key to a good wife. Being able to create fine clothing for oneself is also a good skill to learn and will show your skills to the world.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.

A Proverbs 31 wife is something that her husband can be proud of, even able to brag about. Now what woman does not want her husband to brag about her in a positive way? Also, more help when it comes to business and money management. Having strength and honor are important, as they will define a Proverbs 31 wife from other woman.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

While you learn all skills and expand your knowledge, you will eventually be able to pass that wisdom to the next generation. Also, not gossiping or being cruel to others will make you shine among other women. Now, sometimes a woman just needs to have some time for relaxation and rest, but rest is very different from idleness, or laziness. Always make certain that you take time to recoup, but do not spend your time being lazy and bored.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

To be a good wife and mother will take time and learning, but to be able to sit down at the end of the day and see your children happy and praising you(maybe not verbally, but you will know it when you see it) and to have your own husband call you better than all woman, that is a Proverbs 31 wife's true reward.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

The end result is for a woman to stay away from charm and vanity, to become a woman WORTHY of praise, not WANTING of praise, to makes certain to praise God as she grows. Her works and wisdom will be her crown, and her heart her ruby.