The Proverbs 31 woman is what every Christian woman strives to become. She is the goal, the role model that every little girl should have.
I have noticed a lot of blogs and articles lately that make light out of being a "less than perfect mom" and give any woman every excuse in the book not to strive for excellence. I can't stand them. As a mom, step mom, and wife I know that I am FAR from perfect, but I will never change my standards. My goal is the Proverbs 31 woman, not some overweight, lazy mom who makes a living off writing "full of excuse" blogs that make you laugh once or twice, but leave no lasting effect on your thinking.
I posted the Proverbs 31 passage on the bottom of this blog to reference, but here is my break down...
A virtuous wife, worth more than rubies... is someone who her husband can trust, she gives him everything he needs, he is satisfied. She works hard, she carefully selects her food, and prepares it for her family. She has people that work for her, she is good to them. She is a business woman, she makes her own money. She is strong and fit.
She stays up late working, she is a giver. She helps those in need. She is fearless. She takes care of herself, and dresses in beautiful clothes. Her husband is respected, not just by her, but by everyone. She is strong, honorable and faithful. She is wise, she knows when to shut her mouth and when to speak, her words are uplifting and fruitful and kind. She watches over her household, nothing gets past her, she strives to continuously make it better. Her children and husband appreciate her. Most importantly her God is first.
She is fruitful in all she does.
God loves excellence, look at his creation! Why do we set the bar so low? No woman on the planet is perfect, but if we measure by other women then we are doomed! The perfect woman is mapped out for us, and if she can do it, why can't we?! Lets raise our standards, ladies! Become the woman God intended you to be and stop making excuses!
I will be further breaking down particular verses in this passage in very near future posts, so follow my blog if you would like to read along!
XXOO
The Virtuous Wife
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.