10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her 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.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her 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.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
It is God's will:
- that it is allowed for a wife to be praised (31:31)
- that children bless their mother (31:28)
- that husbands praise their wives publicly (31:28-29)
- that husbands are wise and have a good reputation (31:23)
- that husbands trust their wives (31:11)
- that wives are trustworthy and do good for their husbands (31:12)
- that wives are allowed to enjoy the fruit of their labor (31:31)
- that wives are joyfully productive (31:13)
- that wives are industrious and entrepreneurial (31:16-17, 19, 24, 27)
- that wives are willing to help out the people in need (31:20)
- that wives should fear the Lord (31:30)
- that wives are strong, dignified, and have a positive outlook for the future (31:25)
- that wives are wise (31:26)
- that wives teach with kindness (31:26)
- that wives manage the household well (31:27)
- that wives make sure her family and employees are fed well (31:14-15)
- that wives make sure that their family is clothed well and clothed appropriately (31:21)
- that wives make sure they are dressed well (31:22)
- that wives are willing to get up at night if there's an issue with the children (31:18)
Today's prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the families which You have blessed us with, whether they are familial or our church families. May we graciously work together in unity, all in Your strength, wisdom and love.
May we all realize that we need to be doing our part, working together and using our gifts and talents to serve. And even when tasks might not be "fun", help us adjust our attitudes so we can strive to do them joyfully. Help us make ourselves available to wherever there is a need which matches our abilities. And when it is not something within our abilities, guide us to know what else we can do, and guide us all to be in prayer. May we always be praying for each other
May we seize the opportunities to be teaching each other, with a spirit of lovingkindness. Help us respect and honor each other. And may we also be blessing, praising and encouraging each other.
Help us realize that we do not have to dress in dowdy rags or the latest most expensive brand names - but that we should be dressing nicely and appropriately, because we represent You and each other. Help us realize that whatever we do - reflects on each other as a testimony to the world. Guide us to love each other with Your selfless love. Amen.
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