Proverbs 31 Woman

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family

and portions of grain for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plans a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fins linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

when he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her.

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

This is the woman that I desire to be. A supporter of my husband, a care giver to my children a provider to my family. I long to work vigorously in all things and serve my family with diligence. Being in this city I have had the opportunity to watch many woman serve their families and those around them. It has been such a blessing and a challenge to me watching them live out the type of life that I one day desire to have. In observing them quietly tend to their children during house group, serve those who come into their home, support their husbands and raise their children in the way of the Lord. I have come to learn that the work of a wife is quiet work, sometimes background work and the work of a servant. Not that I didn't know this before, or see this modeled before me in the life of my mom or women at my church, but at this point in my life I am much more aware of this aspect of my future role. Maybe because I hope to see myself as a wife and mother in the next several years. I have moved beyond the point of simply desiring a husband to desiring to be a wife and all that that means. There is a huge difference in my mind between wanting a relationship and wanting to play my proper role in that relationship. I am so thankful that God's Word gives us a clear description of the role of a woman. I desire to mold my life after this example and the real life example of the wives and mothers living life alongside me. I realize each day that I have a far ways to go- I must remember as I lift up my future husband before the Throne I must life up myself as well, that I am molded into a Proverb's 31 woman. When it comes down to it, my desire to be a wife doesn't line up with the selfish 23 year old tendencies I still posses. Thankful that I serve a God who loves me enough to mold me.