Being a Proverbs 31 Wife: Part 3

Let's continue with our Proverbs 31 study.

Prov. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Ladies, it is our duty as keepers of the home to see that our home is prepared for whatever might come. In this verse God uses inclement weather, but the event could be anything. In today's economic times it could very well be job loss. Let me use ourselves for example. My husband recently hurt his back and at his return to the doctor Monday and attempt to go back to work he was told that he is out of work for the next month until his back has fully healed and he can return to his regular duties at work. Now, his employer does have a policy that will pay him a portion of his wages while he is out of work, but this portion will cover our health insurance premiums and not much else. We have food and the living expenses are paid. I have a small nest egg that I keep for emergencies. If I had not planned for this then my children would not eat or I would have to go to family and friends for food. Are you prepared for something like this? As a proverbs 31 wife you should be, it is your duty.

vs.22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Ladies this verse is about appropriate dress and dressing nicely. Husbands don't like to come home to women who haven't even gotten out of their pajamas or always run around in sloppy sweats. Dress like a woman, dress modestly, and look nice for your husband. No I am not saying that you have to look like a movie star, but at least fix your hair in the morning and dress neat and tidy. It will go a long way toward your husband (who is very visual in nature) enjoying coming home to his wife.

vs.23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

I know this verse is more about our husbands. God here is talking about men who behave and act with honor. An honorable woman should not be unequally yoked to a man without honor and respect. Does your husband behave with honor, do you help to guide him? Is he respected as a man in the community? Many women find frustration in their marriage and this can often be attributed to the fact that they have been unequally yoked with a man who does not gain this respect or level of honor. Be wise in your choice of husband ladies, and be wise in your guidance of him.

vs. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

So for those who say that the Bible is anti working women, that is not so. A Proverbs 31 wife indeed works, but she works with her hands and contributes to the family in earnings that way. Women of days past often had their "butter and egg" money saved away to help in hard times. Butter and eggs were usually what women had extra that they could sell. Women in days past also did some things such as sewing for the community. So ladies yes you can work and earn your own money, but your main duty is to the family. The working comes from things made yourself or extras that your self-sufficient lifestyle produces.

vs. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Women of the south have always been known for their strength of character, their ability to get through whatever life can throw at them and to land on their feet without losing their honor and grace. Very often when life's tribulations hit is the strength of the woman that will strengthen the family. Our husbands need our strength because when tragedy strikes they often feel helpless and less of a man. Our strength gives them the courage that they need to make it through tough times. Our children need our strength to know that their lives are not going to fall apart and that they are secure in their home and family. The honour of a woman will see that the morals and values according to God are not compromised and that the family no matter what life throws at them will continue to live in a godly manner. Ladies live their lives with strength and honour and support their family with those traits.

vs. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Ladies, think before you speak. Are you speaking from the wisdom of God or the beliefs of the world? Are you teaching your children in the ways of the Lord or the ways of the world? Do we speak with a kind tongue or do we rip apart with our words. Be cautious of how you speak and what you say. The Lord is watching.

vs. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Ladies, another verse about taking care of our household. We are to prepare for what might happen and care for daily needs. The old saying that a woman's work is never done certainly applies and a woman properly taking care of her home and family has no worry about idle hands. Being a stay at home wife and mother does not mean that you have time to sit on the computer all day or watch television all day. There is much to be done in the care of the family. Idle hands are the devil's playground so make sure that your hands are not idle.

That will be all for today. I will continue and finish up soon. God bless you all in your journey.