I know that a lot of women, including myself at one time, have a really hard time with this passage of scripture. The woman described in this chapter of Proverbs seems to be almost perfect. She seems unattainable, overwhelming and unfair. This time I decided to read the chapter in several different translations to see if I could get anything more out of it that seemed more relevant to my life. I came across one version that I particularly liked:
A Wife of Noble Character
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong,
She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
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 31:10-31 NLT
something that, when found, a husband should hold on to.
She is completely trustworthy and open with her husband.
She doesn't nag him or bring him worry or strife.
Instead, she is a joy to be around and he looks forward to coming home to her.
She finds creative ways to help provide for her family,
and she is creative in the meals she makes and the things she buys,
She takes care of her house and the people in it
and she makes sure that the things that need to get done, get done.
She spends her money wisely and without impulse
and makes decisions that benefit her whole family.
She isn't lazy, but a hard worker
and she makes sure that the things she does do not go to waste.
She is giving and does not hesitate to help those less fortunate than herself.
She doesn't worry about her family's needs,
because she has planned for the future and for emergencies.
She makes sure that her family has what they need.
She is resourceful.
She pays attention to her appearance and dresses appropriately.
Because of her conduct, people can respect her husband
and she supports him however she can.
She holds her head high and has strength of character.
She doesn't worry about the future because she knows it's in God's hands.
She thinks before she speaks
and is kind to everyone.
She makes sure all is right in her home and family.
Her children respect her,
Her husband is proud of her and says:
"You're the best, honey!" ;)
A women who loves the Lord has inner beauty,
which is longer lasting and more valuable than good looks.
The things she does are recognized by others.
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