Virtuous Wife

1.  She does her husband good and his heart safely trusts her.

This phrase is so loaded.  I would do well to dwell on this phrase alone all day.  I’m going to leave it at the challenge to ponder what you think it means to “do your husband good”.  Other clues from Proverbs speak of being a “crown” to him contrasted with being “rottenness in his bones”.  He is also “known in the city gates” (well-known and respected) and that advantage seems to be at least partially attributed to his wife’s character.

2. She feeds her family well.

This is more than quantity, I believe, and requires a considerate amount of studying, preparing and planning for meal time.

3.  She is a strong and vigorous worker.

A virtuous woman in God’s economy is not a woman too delicate to get her hands dirty.

4.  She helps those in need.

One important element of being a keeper at home is being available for the very basic Christian command-helping others.  The Christian community was and is expected to have reaching arms, always ready to help those around them, especially those of the household of faith.  The home should be the center of this tangible, outflowing of love. Such an important responsibility has been diminished and replaced by the activities we have deemed important, leaving little time for this lifeline of ministry.

5.  She dresses well and with dignity.

A virtuous woman doesn’t need a lot of money to dress nicely and keep herself tidy and attractive.  All it takes is a little time and fore-thought.  I think it’s important for us to be careful to avoid gaudy fads while still maintaining a stylish appearance.  Sometimes that’s a fine line.

God’s ideal woman has a tall order to fill.  I want to study, ponder and practice to become that woman.  It’s a life-long process; we are all in different places.  But by God’s grace, let’s keep looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith and believe that He will enable us to become “a rare jewel” in our homes, to our husbands and children, and in our communities!