Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Pro 31:10)
Is my personal “virtue” worth more than rubies? Or is my personal “virtue” a fake like cubic zironia?
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (Pro 31:11)
Does my husband know that I will be frugal with the money he works hard to bring home? Or do I spend it without prayer or forethought and end up with too much week at the end of my paycheck?
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Pro 31:12)
Do I do my husband good ALL the time? Or do I just do my husband good when I feel like it?
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (Pro 31:13)
Do I willingly work with my hands for the benefit of my family? Or do I complain of the mending that is sitting in the basket waiting to be mended?
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (Pro 31:14)
Do I try to help out when finances are slim? Or do I complain to my husband that there’s not enough money (all hubby hears in my complaint is that he is an awful provider!).
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (Pro 31:15)
Am I in control of my schedule to the point that I can get up early to take care of the needs of my family before they rise and the hussle bussle of the day takes over? Or do I hit the snooze button a couple of times only to have my entire household in a rush. I am in charge of setting the “tone” in my home.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (Pro 31:16)
Do I consider what I buy and spend the money I make from my “craft” (whether that be from my garden or sewing or whatever) wisely? Or do I buy something that I hide away in a drawer or closet and never use?
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (Pro 31:17)
Do I exercise to keep myself physically fit for my family’s sake? Or do I indulge and overeat only to put on more weight? Too much weight reduces my stamina, adds stress to my heart and my legs, and plays havoc with my blood pressure. My family needs me strong and healthy to be able to meet their needs.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (Pro 31:18)
Do I make sure that the products I sell are done to the best of my ability? Or do I try to get away with providing lesser quality for the same amount of money?
Am I so well organized that I do not run out of oil for my candle during the night? Or does my lamp go out at night and my family is left to wander through a dark house?
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (Pro 31:19)
Do I learn to use the talents that God has blessed me with faithfully? Or do I make excuses that I simply just can’t learn?
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (Pro 31:20)
Do I care for the needs in my own church as I should? Or do I turn my head and hope that someone else will take care of?
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Pro 31:21)
Do I plan ahead and buy winter clothes on sale in the Spring to prepare for the needs of my family? Or do I end up buying winter clothes at top dollar value in the Fall?
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Pro 31:22)
Am I watchful as to how I dress so I can represent my husband properly? Or do I leave the house to go shopping wearing my grungiest jean skirt and no make-up?
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (Pro 31:23)
Are my deeds such that someone who knows my husband would say “He sure does have a good wife!” Or do his friends see a man whose shirt has not been ironed and his pants look like they sat in the dryer for a few days?
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (Pro 31:24)
Are my creations done to the best of my ability where they are a wonderful example of Christ through my work? Or do I create things half heartedly and say “it’s good enough”?
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Pro 31:25)
Am I clothed inwardly as well as I am clothed outwardly? Or am I guilty of hypocrisy?
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (Pro 31:26)
Do I think before I speak making sure I have a kind response? Or do I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind and have to clean up my mess later?
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (Pro 31:27)
Do I make sure that my list of chores for the day are completed? Or do I procrastinate on a few of those chores so I can watch something on TV?
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Pro 31:28)
Do my words and actions warrant receiving praise from my family? Or do I become bitter because they don’t praise me, not once wondering what I should repent of?
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (Pro 31:29)
Do I strive to excel in my spiritual walk? Or do I do just enough to get by?
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Pro 31:30)
Do I fear (and honour) the Lord enough for it to guard all my words and actions? Or do I leave those things undone and concentrate on appearing spiritual?
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Pro 31:31)
Do I let my spiritual walk and work speak for itself? Or do I look for praise from others?
Kate Plourde
June 28, 2006
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor. 2:9)
Luke 10:38-42, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
