Powerful, Strong, I'm every woman! Proverbs has a lot to say about women. How lifting that the book ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. Verses 10—31 describe the ideal woman, wife, and mother. Her whole life is centered around a reverent fear of God, compassion for those in need, and faithfulness and loves toward her family. The woman described in this chapter has outstanding abilities. Her family's social position is high. In fact, she may not be one woman at all—she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood. She works not to get rich but to give of herself to her family and to those around her.
An attribute of kindness is valued far above physical charm in God's sight, charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. In our society where physical appearance counts for so much, is she too thin/skinny, or is she too full/heavy, or is she too short/tall, it may surprise us to realize that the woman here in Proverbs 31:10, appearance is never mentioned. Time has a way of its own in erasing outward beauty, however, it is the beauty that is within that is everlasting. She has a heart of gold that shines forth reflections of the inward beauty of her God-given attributes.
As to her household, she spends money wisely and uses it in the best way to get maximum productivity for the benefit of her family. Those of her household, her husband, and her children rise up and call her blessed. She is a daughter, a sister, and a friend she is always one to stretch forth a caring hand.
Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough to do everything she does! See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be. We can't be just like her, but we can learn from her industry, integrity, and resourcefulness.
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
FL|LA|TE|Haley's
