The Wife’s Life Was Centered Around Her Home
March 15, 2021
Commentary
She is more valuable than rubies (v. 10). Her husband has great confidence in her (v. 11). Her household management enhances the family’s wealth. She is a great asset to her husband as she supports and encourages him all the days of her life (v. 12). She enjoys her work as she weaves and sews (v. 13). Like a merchant’s ship, she brings unusual and fascinating things home from her shopping (v. 14). She gets up early, before daybreak, to prepare breakfast for others. She considers the buying of a field (v. 15). She sees the value in investing money (v. 16). She has a business mind and works hard. She is famous for the way she looks after her household. Her priorities dictate the investment of her energies. She works hard (v. 17) and has a healthy attitude toward her work. She plans ahead (her lamp does not go out – v. 18; see Matt. 25:4). She makes her own cloth by spinning wool on a spindle (v. 19). She sells some of her merchandise for profit, but because of her generous heart, she also gives clothing to the poor (v. 20). When the weather turns cold, she and her family have no need to panic because they are prepared for it. She has clothed them in expensive (scarlet) garments (v. 21). She even makes her family’s bed coverings.
Her lifestyle elevates her husband’s standing in society (v. 23). She shows great leadership abilities, but she honors her husband’s leadership and makes him respected. Her life is centered around the home. She does not leave the home to work someplace else, leaving the children with a babysitter. She is no weakling as strength and dignity are a part of her character (v. 25). She can rejoice as she faces the future with confidence. She is praised for her wisdom and faithful instruction (v. 26). Though involved in business, she makes her home her priority (v. 27). Her children call her “blessed”, and her husband praises her before others (v. 28). Many women have done well but this Proverbs 31 women exceeds them all (v. 29). Her secret is her godly character. Her beauty on the outside is because of the godly characteristics she has on the inside (v. 30). A woman was not normally honored at the gate, but she was given special recognition (v. 31).
Application
I am very privileged and thankful to have a wife who has honored this Scriptural principle described in Proverbs 31. My desire is to be the right kind of husband to her and finish well.
Proverbs 31:10– 31 (NET)
10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.
11 Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends.
12 She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life.
13 She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands.
14 She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar.
15 Then she rose while it was still night, and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants.
16 She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard.
17 She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms.
18 She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night.
19 She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle.
20 She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy.
21 She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet,
22 because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land.
24 She made linen garments then sold them, and traded belts to the merchants;
25 her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come.
26 She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue.
27 Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her:
29 “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the Lord —she makes herself praiseworthy.
31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.