Who is the Wife of a Noble Character?

We all know Proverbs 31 describes the "ideal wife." But, what does that really mean?  I decided to break down verses 10 through 31 in my own words, have a little fun, be inspired, and then aspire to the wisdom found in the passage.

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
Pay attention to what I'm about to say here, this woman is of value.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value. 
She is trustworthy and dependable.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life. 
Everyday? Yes, everyday!  Even when tired, stressed and overwhelmed, she still is thinking of her husband.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
She is enthusiastic in providing for her family.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar. 
Takeout is okay!!  (Reference from B. Moore :)
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants. 
Providing for her family is hard work that requires discipline and may mean sacrificing comfort, sleep, and your own needs.  She is thoughtful to provide for those outside of her family, as well.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
She makes her own money...hmmm...interesting.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks
Again, discipline is needed here; she is hardworking and focused.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night. 
She prepares and plans.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 
She holds tightly to her tasks, literally and figuratively.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy. 
She gives, loves, and serves.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 
She prepares and plans.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 
She takes pride in her appearance.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 
She needs to be ready to offer her husband the respect, support, and encouragement he needs.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
Uses her gifts to financially provide for her family.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come. 
She does not worry.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 
She is thoughtful, clear and teaches others.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
She stays busy.
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.”
She is respected and admired.
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 
She rests in the Lord and is content in His call in her life.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 
Instruction to her husband: Honor her in public as you do in private and in front of your children.


Lord, I praise you for the call You've given me to be a wife.  It is the most wonderful gift.  Mold me into a noble wife.  Allow my husband's needs, and the needs of my family, to come before my own.  Give my the strength to stay busy, the wisdom to speak clearly and the vision to plan and provide.  Teach me to rest in You and not worry.  Amen.