Her husband is respected at the city gate, 

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

She makes linen garments and sells them, 

and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

this noble woman is every man’s dream. other men respect her virtue and loyalty to her husband, which can clearly be seen.  they know that this woman is a lady in the truest sense of the word.  she is an asset to her husband, and not a liability.  her husband is well respected because of the wife’s testimony.

as wives, we can have a huge influence over how the community views our husband. it is so easy to get caught up in our own interests and desires, and easily lose sight of stepping in front of our husbands socially in a community of believers. while the wife can be one who takes charge in certain things (business, tending to her household, etc.) it is the man who should clearly be the head of the household.  even though submission can be hard, especially for this girl, we really need to make it a priority.  

she’s an enabler in the best sense. she enables her husband to be a man of influence outside their home. her husband to be a man of influence outside their home because of how well she runs their home. their marriage is a joint partnership, they are both helping each other to fulfill Gods desire for them.

we see that she has yet another source of income. she sees her husbands concerns over finances and wants to help him if she can. the context of the Scripture is that a proverbs 31 woman is not a couch-potato who sits around doing nothing. we are to stay busy, using our time wisely for the benefit of our family. 

out for now
~kisses

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; 

for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 

She makes coverings for her bed; 

she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

Proverbs 31:21-22

this week we see a lady who isn’t concerned when there is a change of seasons because she is prepared. she thinks and plans ahead. she doesn’t wait until the snow flies to say “oh, we need winter coats and mittens”.  she makes sure her children never go anywhere improperly dressed. so really, when we go shopping to buy these items for our household, we are doing hard work and doing God’s work. now that doesn’t mean spend $400 on a new winter coat. remember, this noble woman is also frugal. but really, clothing is a basic need that we, as mothers, are to meet. 

clothed in scarlet means she had quality clothing. that type of dye would have really been expensive. but remember, she just also extended her hand to the poor. so she isn’t buying expensive clothing for her family at the expense of others. she obviously has money, she is not only frugal but has also planted a vineyard and sold her harvest.

she pays special attention to the place where her family sleeps and spends many hours a night. she makes special coverings for them.  now, i’m not friends with the sewing machine.  not a single bit.  but i can still do my part.  it’s our job as mama’s to make sure our family has clean sheets and a comfy special sweet spot to retreat to when the day is over.

we also see that after this lady tends to her families clothing, after she gives to the poor, after she tends to her household needs then she gets to herself. she is humble, sacrificing and puts herself last. but yet, she doesn’t neglect herself either. she knows that how she dresses reflects on her husband. how you dress, as a wife, will either show honor and respect to your husband or disrespect.  and she knows her husband doesn’t want to come home to a frumpy wife every day.  we have to remember to take care of ourselves as well.  it’s easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else and neglecting ourselves.

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

this coming week as you shop, as you wash sheets, as you be frugal and find sales and as you tend to your own appearance…do it to the glory of God.

out for now

~kisses

She opens her arms to the poor 

and extends her hands to the needy. 

Proverbs 31:20

it’s so important for us to learn to have a servants heart.  after all, Jesus did say the second greatest commandment was to love your neighbors.  reaching out to others, being the hands and feet of Jesus, is one of the greatest callings we have in our faith. not only does it show the love of Christ for the world, it’s also an opportunity for us to worship God and for us to grow more like Jesus.  i not only think it’s important for us to have a servants heart, but to also model this for our littles.

so this week, be kind, thoughtful and compassionate.  serve your husband, family, friends and neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit.  look to the needs of others before you satisfy your own wants.