Thursday, December 6, 2012

Proverbs 31: Traits of a Good Woman

"A prudent wife is from the Lord." Proverbs 19:14b
A prudent wife is not dumb.
A prudent wife is not lazy.
A prudent wife does not waste her time.
A prudent wife is a learner.
A good woman is a helper, not a hindrance.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
A good woman as described here is very valuable! There are not many like her. Key words: rare, uncommon, unusually excellent, unique, precious, matchless.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
A good woman is honourable, faithful, and chaste. She does not do anything or say anything behind her husband's back. Key words: trustworthy, dependable, inspires confidence, reliable, honest, deserving.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
A good woman is trustworthy, genuine, and wise. She does not explode one day and apologize the next. She is good to him every day - including the days prior to God having brought him into her life. Key words: constant in her love, unshaken, umoved, faithful, ceaseless, enduring, unchanging, loyal, permanent.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
A good woman is a willing, eager, hardworker. She looks for tasks that will be an asset to her family. Key words: industrious, hardworking, busy, diligent, patient.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
A good woman is prudent. She is a capable, wise shopper. Key words: frugal, not wasteful, using economy and good management.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
A good woman gets up early and serves others. Key words: self-starter, energetic.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
A good woman is enterprising. She buys property, plants a cash crop, and multiplies her investments. She is not afraid of getting her hands dirty. Key words: enterprising, daring, yet cautious, resourceful.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
A good woman does physical labour and thus is strong. Key words: physically strong, hard worker.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
A good woman is competent; she takes stock of her work and is satisfied that she has done things right. She is dependable. Key words: willing to work long hours.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
A good woman is willing to do repetitive, boring work. Key words: willing to do monotonous work.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
A good woman is benevolent; she gives to those in need. Key words: compassionate, merciful, generous, easily moved by the distresses and sufferings of others.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
A good woman is confident of how she has provided for her household. It is well-outfitted due to her management and hard work. She does not wait until the last minute to prepare dinner. A good woman plans and prepares ahead. Key words: she made preparation for the future.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
A good woman is a craftsman. She is a skilled worker who creates beautiful wall and bed coverings for her house, as well as beautiful clothes for herself. Key words: has mastered skills of crafts and sewing, makes dresses with beauty.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
The good woman's husband has the time and honour to be a ruler. She brings honour to her husband by the way she keeps his domain. Key words: her support helped bring him to this place.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
A good woman is a merchant. She makes, sells, and delivers goods. Key words: organizes, manages, does not pass the work off on others.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
A good woman is known for her honour and strength of character. Her hard work and good attitude will pay high dividends. Key words: not swayed or upset by circumstances, steadfast, valiant.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
A good woman studies and shares her wisdom and knowledge in order to help others. She uses her information in an agreeable and pleasant manner. Key words: discerning, thoughtful, gentle.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
A good woman is conscious of responsibilities. She does not waste her time or other people's time. Key words: duty-conscious, reliable, not idle.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
You will know a good woman by how much her children and husband appreciate her and truly enjoy her company. Key words: she reaps her pleasant fruits.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
God describes a virtuous woman as one whose own hard work proves her value. She has won the right to be where she is and to have what she has acquired - honour, appreciation, esteem, and love. Key words: day in and day out, in season and out, she puts forth her creative lavour; for that efort, she was named the most worthy of all. Virtue means "acting power." It has the strength to affect or improve that which is around you.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
A good woman is not caught up in looking good. She is conscious of the fear of God in her life. She has lived every day as though she believes she will reap what she has sown. Key words: fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
A good woman reaps what she has sown, and it is good fruit. The enterprises and business ventures she has put her hand to are profitable. The crafts, goods, and clothes she has made are known to be of excellent quality. Her dwelling and her services are well-managed, efficient, and tidy. Her children are honourable and seek God. Her husband has time and heart to invest in other people's lives because of her being a good help meet. A good woman has lots of good fruit. Key words: praiseworthy, complimented, approved, deserving, admired, applauded, worthy.

"A gracious woman retaineth honour." Proverbs 11:16

A wise woman is not pitiful, puny, or whiney. She makes herself confident, capable, useful, and thankful.