Too many women have too much leisure time for their own good. They have time for criticism, gossip, faultfinding, and complaining. They have time for idle games and lay too much attention to things of the flesh. There are other women who have too little time for the enduring things of life. They are too busy flitting about doing this and that. They have great activity and much doing, but they lack time for building Christian characters. Both kinds of women — the too-idle and the too-busy need to take time for meditation and quiet repose in prayer to God. They need time to cultivate their souls that in turn they may cultivate their children’s lives” (Billy Graham).
Proverbs 31 explains the characteristics of a godly wife in the home and community.
My son, do not spend your strength and vigor on women who ruin kings. If rulers drink wine and crave beer, they forget what the law says and deprive the oppressed of their rights. Speak up for those who are destitute, judge fairly and defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov. 31:1-9). God-fearing leaders speak up and defend the rights of the poor and needy.
A wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her, lacking nothing of value. She brings him good everyday. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like merchant ships bringing her food from a distance. She gets up early and provides food for her family and servants (Prov. 31:10-15). Wives’ good character save money on food and clothing as they prepare meals for their families.
She considers a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard out of her earnings. She works diligently on her tasks. She works late making sure her trading is profitable. She is generous and helps the needy. She clothes her household in scarlet so they are prepared in every season. She makes coverings for her bed and is clothed in fine linen and purple (Prov. 31:16-22). Wives’ business sense and poise supply extra income for their families while helping the needy.
Her husband is respected in a city leadership position. She makes and sells linen garments while supplying sashes for merchants. She clothes herself with strength and dignity and can laugh about the future. She speaks with wisdom and provides faithful instruction. She watches and is never idle over the affairs of her household. Her children and husband praise and call her blessed (Prov. 31:23-28). Wives’ creativity, strength, dignity, wisdom, instruction and diligence enhance their husbands’ capabilities.
She surpasses all other women who do noble things. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring praise among city leadership (Prov. 31:29-31). Wives who fear God and do not rely on charm and beauty will be praised by others.
As a wife or someone who will be married in the future, evaluate yourself on the following checklist:
1. Save money on food and clothing as you prepare meals for your family
2. Business sense and poise supply extra income for your family while helping the needy
3. Creativity, strength, dignity, wisdom, instruction and diligence enhance your husband’s capabilities
4. Fear God and do not rely on charm and beauty to be praised by others
