For the Women in My Life

The Book of Proverbs was purportedly written by wise King Solomon for his son.  It is filled with advice, sayings and quotes - and in Proverbs 31:10-31 it describes a "wife of noble character".

HOWEVER, when I read the laundry list of good qualities this woman brings to the table I am exhausted and ashamed, for I fear I do not measure up.

As women we often take on responsibility for our husbands, our children, our homes, the meals, the laundry, the chauffeuring, the social schedule, the budgeting and the cheerleading.  And sometimes all this work leaves us feeling like a wrung out old dish towel.

But the other day I heard the opening lines of these verses spoken at the beginning of an episode of The Chosen.  So I decided to do a little research.

Apparently, in Jewish culture, these verses are read aloud on the Sabbath as a celebration over women.  The words are a declaration of who she is...strong, courageous, honoring God and serving out of love.

She doesn't have to have a spotless house.  She doesn't need to have perfectly behaved children.  Heck - she doesn't even need to be a wife.

In fact - she doesn't need to do or be anything more than WHO SHE IS. Who God created her to be.

The woman who honors God and seeks Him in everything she does, trusting Him wholeheartedly with her life is the woman in Proverbs 31. SHE is each of us.

[b]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.