People say they want to look like celebrities or like people who did amazing charitable work in the past. I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never had that goal. It’s not that I don’t respect what some of them did or do, it’s just that I don’t really know them personally — how can I want to be like a stranger? But there’s a woman I aim to be like who I know quite well.
In fact, most of my friends feel the same way about her… she’s amazing, a true example to be followed, and I see women molding themselves to be like her every day. She’s a true inspiration. She’s the Proverbs 31 woman. The only woman the Bible describes with specifics — the way she handles herself, her family, her work, her time, her money, and her responsibilities. Most Christian women have heard or read about her, and though she’s popular with them, there’s a bit of controversy when it comes to the things she used to do – it’s totally not popular these days anymore.
Let’s examine her description as outlined in these Proverbs verses and discuss them in coming weeks:
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.
13. She seeks wool and fl ax, 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 honour 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. (Proverbs 31:10-31)
In faith,
Cristiane Cardoso