month of loves: scripture

Proverbs 31: 10-31

I've loved this passage of scripture since I was a young teenager and really started to think about what and who I wanted to be. The virtuous woman described here seemed to be my ideal. She is trustworthy, wise, works hard, is educated and contributes to the family income. She cares for her husband and children, and serves the poor and needy. She is strong and kind. Her husband and children love and honor her. No matter what your definition, this woman is a success.

One thing I love about the scriptures is how they can teach us about nearly any situation we find ourselves in. There are so many things a woman can be or do, and I have certainly felt the pressure to take a different route than I the one I've chosen for my life. But this passage lets us see what God truly wants His daughters to be: women who work hard, love the Lord, and serve with gladness and kindness. I feel so blessed to know this, and to be able to rise above the confusion. And I feel so much joy to know that our Father in Heaven trusts that I can be a woman like this! He is preparing me to be a queen whose value is truly far above rubies.

10 ¶ Who can find a ^avirtuous ^bwoman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely ^atrust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her ^ahands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She ^ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the ^adistaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the ^apoor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her ^aclothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her ^aclothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of ^akindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ^aidleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and ^abeauty is vain: but a woman that ^bfeareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.