Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
I know what your thinking. The same thing I thought when I read that.
"What the...HOW AM I GOING TO DO ALL THAT?!"I laid in my bed at 3 am, reading and rereading that passage. Determined to understand how I was going to strive to do all these things. I am a perfectionist so I was not going to go to bed until I knew how to designs gowns, mend winter clothes, and bring back exotic surprises. Then I read this note from another youversion bible app reader:
Wow, the proverbs 31 woman is difficult to measure up to! Who can do it? I don't know if any of us can do it all. She sounds too perfect. So instead of getting locked up inside about how imperfect I am compared to this woman, I will pray and ask the Lord to help me each and every day to become a better wife. -- Traci_hild
This is awesome. After I read this, I was able to finally go to sleep, because I realize just like any other verse in the bible, it is the example of how I should and should not be in Christ. And just like any other verse, I need to pray to God for the guidance and grace to STRIVE to do these things!
So I am committed to do a few blog entries breaking down, using the word, to really help others understand what I have learned (and still learning!!) on how to become more like the Proverbs 31 woman in our relationships/marriages! Even those women who are not married yet will prosper learning this PRIOR to getting into a relationship, you build a foundation of greatness and value for your future husband/relationship!
Stick around this week, I'll be posting throughout!
Blessings!
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