Proverbs 31

Growing up as a girl/woman in church, I've always been well aware of the "Proverbs 31 Woman". So many women cringe at the mere mention of that phrase. Why? Because the Proverbs 31 Woman does it ALL.

Take a look:

• Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

• 10. A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

• 11.Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

• 12.She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

• 13.She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

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

• 15.She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

• 16.She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

• 17.She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

• 18.She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

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

• 20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

• 21. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

• 22. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

• 23. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

• 24. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

• 25. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

• 26. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

• 27. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

• 28. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

• 29. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

• 30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

• 31. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

This is a woman who puts her family first. She is up before dawn, works all day and is praised by her family. This woman seems like a superwoman that we mere mortals can never hope/want to be. Lately though, I find my looking to her and looking back at myself. Why am I so afraid to become her? Is it because of the hard work and selfless attitude? Probably.

However, I look at her rewards:

¹¹The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

²¹She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet

²⁵Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future

²⁸Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
²⁹"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."

³⁰Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Maybe it's selfish, but I want those rewards! I want my husband's heart to trust me, I don't want to be afraid of rough times. I want to be the kind of mother that my children will want to bless me, even when they are grown.

Right now, I look at the condition of my home, my heart and my body... I don't see a proverbs 31 woman living here. It is my goal and challenge to aim for that. If this were unreachable, then God would not have included it in scripture.

I have this book, that I bought years ago & never got past the first couple of chapters. I'm going to pick it back up.