Proverbs 31:29

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Christian woman, do you want to be the best of the best? Here is a very exceptional woman! There have been many good and virtuous women, thankfully. But there have not been many like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31! This description, composed by a queen mother to identify the kind of woman her son the king should marry, is a detailed list of the marks of a perfect wife. This kind of woman earns the praise of God and men.

Both children and husband laud such an extraordinary woman (31:28). This verse has the glowing and tender words of her husband, as this is the only verse in the lengthy description in the second person. Having known this woman intimately and personally for many years, he praises her for the wonderful companion and helper she was and continued to be. He rightfully exalts her to a place of preeminence over all other women.

This woman is no average virtuous woman – she is overwhelmingly exceptional! The standard here is not a low bar: it is very high! This is a woman fit for a king! Remember, King Lemuel’s mother drew this portrait (31:1-2). What a glorious sketch of the perfect woman! For ambitious women, your goal should be to learn all there is to know about this woman and copy her in your life. Why settle for less? Being second best is losing!

The detailed picture of this wife overwhelms most women. They see her amazing daily diligence, tireless industry, domestic foresight, business savvy, sartorial skills, decorating finesse, creative planning, sweet spirit, moral integrity, satisfied husband, spiritual zeal, and happy family … and they forfeit! It is impossible to do all that, they say. But it is possible, if a woman were totally committed to the goal, with the strength of Jesus Christ!

Rather than resent it, women should thank the Lord for such a clear description of the perfect woman. You cannot match her in one day, week, or month. But diligent efforts will accumulate quickly. Her reputation is achievable. But you cannot even get close with less than all-out effort! The sleepy life of leisure of the average loser is out the window!

Why not be the best? Athletes run to win a prize (I Cor 9:24-27). Who runs to lose? Why be an average wife? Second place is like third place, or last place. Only one wins, so run to win! Crowns are won by temperance in all things – and the virtuous woman is a temperate woman – highly disciplined in self-denial, diligence, graciousness, etc., etc.

Christian woman! Your Creator and all men and women are watching. Your husband and children are watching. How do you approach your day? There is hardly anything more beautiful and praiseworthy than a great woman, especially today. How will you respond?  received from proverbs@letgodbetrue.com

Proverbs 31:10-31 10. Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies. 11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; 12.  She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13.  She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. 14. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. 15.  She rises whil it is yet nights, and provides food for her household., and a portion for her maidservants. 16.  She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. 17.  She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms, 18.  She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night, 19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle, 20.  She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy, 21.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet, 22. She makes tapestry 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 sashes for the merchants, 25.  Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in the time to come, 26.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness, 27.  She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness, 28.  Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her, 29.  Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all, 30.  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, 31.  Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. I truly believe the Lord has given each wife and mother a special "mission field" right at home.  Taking care of our husbands, children, our own homes, providing food for our families (either gardening or grocery shopping), making sure everyone is adequately clothed, etc. is a huge opportunity for us each day.  I know many women whose personal homes and lives are falling apart but they are great room moms, committee chairwomen, Sunday School teachers, workers in the secular world. They don't want to take care of and "serve" their own families but they willingly do it for others.  I think thats a backwards way of living. Take care of your household first and then "if" there is time, you can go outside your gates and help with others. Many say they don't have time to do everything they need to do. The Lord gives us all the same 24 hours in a day, its how we choose to spend that time that matters.  In our home, we are busy all day.  I've got 3 fantastic apprentices that are learning all it takes to run a home, take care of it, garden and work in the yard, plan menus, make a grocery list and comparison shop, make crafts for gifts/sale/fair entries, etc.  If we were gone all day long, every day ~ these things couldn't get done.  I read on a blog once, that a woman sits down with her husband when she is feeling stressed and relates her day and activities to him.  He is usually able to figure out what is causing her the most stress and offer solutions to help.  Usually its when she and her children are involved in too many "outside" activities and they aren't home.  Just something to think about when the stress hits! (and it will to everyone) 27. she watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.