The Wife of Noble Character

My favorite thing to read in the bible is Proverbs 31. The Wife of Noble Character. She is a women to look up to, but boy did I fear her. She seems so perfect. I could never do and be all the things that she is (for one, I don't know how to sew!). Well, I learned recently that she didn't really exist. Phew, that makes me feel better! These are qualities we as women should strive to have, but God knows we aren't perfect. We all have different talents and interests and that is a-OK!

Webster on line dictionary defines noble as:
1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc; above whatever is low, mean, degrading or dishonorable; magnanimous; as  a noble nature or action; a noble heart
2. Grand; stately, magnificent, splendid; as  a noble edifice.
3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station or title; highborn; as noble blood, a noble personage. 

What an amazing way for my husband to describe me (I pray one day that he will, as of right now I fall far short of this). At the end of my life I hope that my husband and my God will say that I was all of these things- Possessing dignity. Being above whatever is low and mean. Honorable. Having a noble heart. Magnificent, splendid! The thing is, we already are all of these things when we put our faith in Jesus. He shed His truly noble blood, so that our sinful blood is saved. He is the reason we are distinguished from the masses. When we have faith in Him, we are born again- highborn- we are noble. Looking at it this way, being a Proverbs 31 women isn't so hard to obtain. All we need is Jesus and obedience to Him! 

Here is the scripture with my notes attached (My notes are in italics). I am in no way someone of great knowledge of the bible. I have done a small amount of research on the proverbs 31 wife and I have read it so many times that I just started jotting things down in my bible. I may be way off the mark with some of my ideas and thoughts, but I thought I would share what I have been learning and thinking...

"A wife of noble character who can find?
she is worth far more then rubies.  -I need to teach my son to find a women who will make a good wife and mother- what is having money and things if his home life is not intact.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good not harm all the days of her life.- All the days of my life. Not some, but all. Not just when I feel like it or I'm in a good mood, but ALL the days of my life I am to bring my husband good!!

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands. -She is happy about working, not going about it bitterly.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls. - she has servants to do stuff for her, but still gets up early and feeds everyone?! "I am not a morning person" is not a good excuse!

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. - She is thoughtful before she spends money.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. - She is physically fit for what she needs to do.

She sees her trading is profitable, - she has confidence in herself
and her lamp does not go out at night. - maybe because she has a newborn or two!!

In her hand she holds a distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy. - is kind to those who need help.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. - No fear because her household knows God, because she taught them about Him?

She makes coverings for her bed; -A way to say she protects her heart?
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. - She takes care of her appearance. Purple is the color of royalty.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. - he can be away from home for more then just 'work' because he knows she can handle it!

She makes linen garments and sells them, - She produces something worthy.
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. - She does not worry, she does not worry, she does not worry!

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue. -She is careful about what she says. She is always teaching (instruction).

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. - She is busy taking care of her home. She knows what is going on in her home.

Her children arise and call her blessed,
her husband also, and her praises her: -She has a good relationship with her children and her husband.

'Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.' -She surpasses them because she not only does noble things but she is noble?

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;
but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised. - Fear = respect. Respect the Lord above all else.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring praise at the city gate." - Praise in heaven?

Proverbs 31:10-31

The proverbs 31 wife could not text her husband to say "Hey, I forgot milk. Can you pick some up on your way home?" She couldn't call him to say, "The toilet is clogged again, what do I do?" Or, "These kids are driving me crazy HELP!"  She had to be able to handle the household on her own while her husband was out working- and more importantly, her husband had to have faith in her to know she could handle it! Also, she couldn't google anything (weird red rash after nap time) or call her mom for help- "Max just drank dish soap, should I worry?" She had to be smart. She had to be wise and resourceful.

I will never be a Proverbs 31 wife that sews and knits. I wont be planting a vineyard any time soon (although I considered planting an apple tree once because I thought it would be easier then a vineyard. Not kidding!). I may never be able to get myself out of bed early (although I always try and intend too). But, I can bring my husband good ALL the days of my life. I can teach my family about Jesus and make sure that they know Him. I can help those less fortunate then myself. I can watch over my household in a way that my husband never has to worry if I will have it under control while he is away. I can have respect for the Lord and know that I have all that I have only because he first gave it to me. That is what a Proverbs 31 women looks like in our home! Not such an unmanageable thing after all!















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