She Speaks With Wisdom

To me, Proverbs 31:10-31 is one of the most influential group of Bible verses ever written. These words have inspired my life more than those of any book. Strategically contained on the walls of my home are at least 10 copies of goals all based on the words held in these verses. I've even strived to memorize this collection and although it has been a while since I've recited them, I could probably do so again with very little practice. So, you would think I have this lifestyle down to a science and perform it daily. Not!!! While these words have inspired me, they have also tried and found me wanting! Permit me to expound them for you verse by verse and what they mean and have meant to me:

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

(Be an irreplaceable wife) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (He doesn't have to ask for clean socks and underwear : )

She brings him good not harm all the days of her life. (Lovingly submit to his authority, put his needs first, build him up and no nagging) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (Happily give my all for my family) She is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar. (Steadfast and dependable)

She gets up while it is still dark; (Up one hour earlier than anyone else to pray/read my Bible - ooh, I really struggle with this one) she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. (Plan all my meals, good healthy dinners for my family and help feed those in need, uh, I struggle with this one too) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. (Have a nice yard, plant a garden, share the fruits of my labor) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (Take care to exercise and eat right) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. (Be wise with finances, work until finished) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. (Wow, what a woman!) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (Be kind and chartible - a doer of the word) When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (See that my family is adequately, and neatly clothed and well cared for) She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (Make our bedroom a beautiful sanctuary and always look my best for my husband) Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. (Shine his armor daily, support him in whatever he does) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. (Sew for profit?; use my talents and gifts generously to help others) She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ( Strong and independent,  well prepared for whatever comes her way) She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ( This one convicted  me when my son was at a critical point in his young life, so I left a lucrative job to home school him and my daughter for a few years) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ( Ouch!!! Be aware of what's going on in my children's lives - don't waste precious time on tv or the computer, make every moment count) Her children arise and call her blessed; (Love them unconditionally and be a blessing to them) her husband too, and he praises her: "many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (Love him so much that his praise is compulsive)

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. ( Let my true beauty come from loving God enough to love my husband and family with all my strength, and may my only reward be that of a heavenly nature).

So, can one woman possibly possess all these qualities? Highly unlikely; however, I coninually strive to mirror this consummate woman as she seems to embody some very traits modeled by Jesus Himself: Charity, love, dignity, servitude, strength, wisdom.

Understandably, satan labors continually, calling attention to my imperfections in mimicking Mrs. Proverb. After all, when and if I do get it right, he'll bear the suffering for my family's gain, and even if I don't, I know God will bless my efforts. Therefore I will pursue these pages of my Bible until they are a genuine reflection of my character; my husband and children are worthy of nothing less.