A noble wife

From the time I was a teen, which was a while ago, I always admired the passage from Proverbs below and have tried to live with it in mind. It is something we women should strive for in character and works. How interesting that working with wool, spinning, sewing, weaving and making things for the needy are an important part of this “Woman’s Work”. My thoughts are in italics.

A wife of noble character, who can find?


She is worth far more than rubies. (We always knew we were not worthless)

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (I hope our husbands appreciate this).


She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (Learning to judge a good fleece and good quality flax? Wool, yes! Flax, still learning about this)


She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. ( So this is where our love of shopping come from.)

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portion her servant girls. ( Sure wish I had some servant girls. I've got to get a housekeeper!)






She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plan a vineyard (A working woman and a smart woman who can handle money is of great value)

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks (Boy, do I need to get in shape! Still a work in progress.)

She sees that her trading is profitable. And her lamp does not go out at night. (Is this why I'm up early and asleep late? Always vigilent and alert!)


In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.( A spinning skill at it’s best)









She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (a compassionate and generous heart is needed)










When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet (Warm clothes are made and dyed, a great skill to have)










She makes coverings for her bed;







she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (She sews or knits or crochets and dyes it in purple)









Her husband is respected at the city gate. Where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. (Only if he is worth respecting. She can't make him into a leader, but she can encourage and affirm his efforts to lead)

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. (How about cotton washclothes? Close enough)









She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ( She knows when to be serious but a good well-practiced sense of humor is always needed)

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (She loves teaching others, and others come to her for counsel and wise advice. Don't forget to pray for wisdom!)

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
(Idleness is never a friend)










Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband also, and he praises her.
(Perhaps, someday)

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. (Be happy with yourself)

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Don’t be a flirt and outward beauty is skin deep and after one turns 50 is very fleeting. Above all, obeying the Lord is more important)
Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31
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