“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs 31:10-31 are verses known for describing the ideal wife. She is never lazy, always staying up late and getting up early to provide food and clothing for her household. She shares all her goods with the poor, is financially wise and is never fearful of the “days to come”. Her husband and children constantly praise and love her, speaking of her to all they meet.
Whenever I read this proverb, I tend to think this is a woman who doesn’t exist! And as I ponder my life as a wife and mother, I wonder how I can possess all the skills the Proverbs 31 wife seems to attain so easily. But is isn’t easy, is it? And it’s not supposed to be.
Being a wife and a mother requires much self-discipline, selflessness, and a deep dependence on God as a daily source of grace. There is no way we can measure up to these standards on our own, but with the help of God, we can grow into what He has desired us to be as a wife, mother and friend.
At the beginning of each month of 2010, I am going to challenge myself to look at a verse of this portion of Scripture and pray for the wisdom to display these qualities in my own life, applying them in practical ways. I want my blog to be a source of encouragement and so I pray that you will come along with me on this journey! Maybe you will even feel inspired to ask God to show you how to apply each of these Scriptural principles to your individual circumstances, whether you are already a wife and mother or preparing to be one sometime in the future. I will also continue to post additional devotions every Monday, a tasty treat on Tuesday and a Will-ism on Wednesdays!
January’s verses are 11-12: “Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
What are some practical ways I can, as the New King James puts verse 11, allow the heart of my husband to safely trust in me? I can resist the urge to talk about him with my friends, even though it is tempting to complain about his odd habits or shortcomings to others that I’m sure would respond in kind. I can speak up for his integrity in a public setting by vocally supporting his moral and ethical standards. And I can continue to keep between us the things he has told me in confidence.
What are some other ways to give our husbands the assurance that they can have full confidence in us? What are some daily ways we can bring good into our husband’s day?
“Dear Lord, please help me to encourage my husband in his work and lift him up on difficult days. Help me control my tongue so that he can trust me to speak well of him among others.”
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
