Becoming a Virtuous Woman

10 Who can find a virtuous 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. 

This chapter of Proverbs gives us a lot to live up to doesn't it?!?  And this is just a couple of verses...there's so much more!  This week we're going to start with a couple verses in this chapter and we will pick up a few more next week.


So what does it mean for us when it says that her husband safely trusts her? Our husbands should be able to trust that we aren't talking badly about him to others (a reasonable expectation not just for our husbands but for anyone we encounter).  He also needs to trust that you will keep his private thoughts between you and him.  He can trust us to take care of his household when he is away.  He can trust our faithfulness to him as a partner and confidante.  


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. 


The next point in this chapter shows us that a virtuous wife is a hard worker.  She clothes her family - okay we don't have to make our own clothes today...but we do have different clothing challenges.  Fighting with a toddler just to put clothes on them, providing weather appropriate clothing, tying shoes, changing diapers, combing hair, and let's not forget shopping for all of that and getting a good price...the list goes on and on.  She makes sure there is food provided. She uses money wisely.  She exercises.  She works and works and works.    I don't think this is news to any of us.  But take heart, when you are working hard to care for your family you are fulfilling the "virtuous woman" described so beautifully here!


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing this chapter to us as a guidelines in being a virtuous woman.  Help us as we strive to be a trustworthy wife and a hard working wife.  
Amen