It seems the idea of being a 'housewife' is outdated, and is now widely considered a negative thing. I think that people who don't revere it, know nothing about it. People who think that running the household or child-rearing is not the most important thing a woman- or any parent can do- or that a woman can do so much more than the 'petty nuances of a stay at home mom'- this one is for you! Because, as a wife, I beg to differ. And the bible, an ancient text with so much profound wisdom to offer, actually states a wife's character is nothing short of NOBLE. I have copied and pasted the text, and of course added my insight. ;) Enjoy- or don't... your choice.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.She is invaluable. That's a no-brainer.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Her husband definitely knows it, and knows her value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.A wife works hard to selflessly live with intention in her marriage- intent on her happiness, his happiness, their happiness together. She knows that she may anger, or "case harm", but it is never her intent. I do not for one instance think this says that he doesn't or shouldn't do the same, merely we are focusing on the wife and sticking to topic.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She has her own work to do, and she does it eagerly. I would liken this to she is independent, pursues a career, and is always self-progressing.
14 She is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar.She's always bringing something to light, 'to the table'. This part references food in particular, that she goes out and selects the things she brings home carefully. But food can be translated in many ways, such as "food for thought". She is always "bringing it" is how I perceive this line.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.She rises with the dawn because there is work to be done- like providing for her family. Again they reference food and again I say that has a wide translation. Today's notion of "the bread winner" is the person who brings home the big bucks.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.Sing along if you know the song:I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T. She got her own house, got her own car, two jobs works hard she's a bad broad! They knew then that she could get it all on her own.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.She is strong, hard-working, and capable. She is not to be underestimated- she will get the job done.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.Girl knows how to work it- she knows when she has something someone else wants or needs, or how to do business to get what she wants or needs. She knows the art of negotiation, and never falters. She will get what she wants.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.Spinning was traditionally a woman's job. See it in this light: When she takes the fruit of her labors... in this sense, the wool/flax from the land she owns that she has produced... and take the next step with it. Whatever it is that she produces... be it a proposal, a business deal, a lesson plan, a compromise, a business plan, etc etc... whatever it is- she will take it to the next level, take the next steps necessary in the process to bring it to fruition.
20 She opens her arms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.
She is kind, generous, loving, a humanitarian.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.She doesn't worry about the health and comfort of her family in the winter or any season, having provided sufficiently for each one. The reference to scarlet here -- scarlet is considered a high standing color, I would say that she provides the highest quality for her family.
22 She makes coverings for her bed, she is clothed in fine linen and purple.She presents herself well to the world- she has provided for herself and her family and she is proud of it.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.This one could be self-explanatory, but I would go a step further and say that such a noble women is equally represented by her partner- she chooses someone as noble and worthy of highest respect to live her life with.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.They are reminding you that she bears the fruits of her labors- and she sees things through. She is creative and hard-working and sees/reaps the benefits.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.She is a TRIPLE THREAT: More than just beauty, she exudes strength, dignity, and humor. She is a force to be reckoned with, and a trophy to be won over and over again.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Wisdom and faith. Have faith in her - the instruction may come as criticism or compliment, but it comes with the best intentions.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.She watches over the affairs like a hawk. On top of all the other hard work she does, she keeps the affairs of the household neat and tidy. I'm not talking about cleaning, I'm talking AFFAIRS- relationships, responsibilities, financial dealings, "business", public and private! She is not passive in the family affairs and idleness is not her cup of tea- she will not sit back and let these things pass her by. She is the action in the household.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Her husband definitely knows it, and knows her value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.A wife works hard to selflessly live with intention in her marriage- intent on her happiness, his happiness, their happiness together. She knows that she may anger, or "case harm", but it is never her intent. I do not for one instance think this says that he doesn't or shouldn't do the same, merely we are focusing on the wife and sticking to topic.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She has her own work to do, and she does it eagerly. I would liken this to she is independent, pursues a career, and is always self-progressing.
14 She is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar.She's always bringing something to light, 'to the table'. This part references food in particular, that she goes out and selects the things she brings home carefully. But food can be translated in many ways, such as "food for thought". She is always "bringing it" is how I perceive this line.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.She rises with the dawn because there is work to be done- like providing for her family. Again they reference food and again I say that has a wide translation. Today's notion of "the bread winner" is the person who brings home the big bucks.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.Sing along if you know the song:I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T. She got her own house, got her own car, two jobs works hard she's a bad broad! They knew then that she could get it all on her own.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.She is strong, hard-working, and capable. She is not to be underestimated- she will get the job done.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.Girl knows how to work it- she knows when she has something someone else wants or needs, or how to do business to get what she wants or needs. She knows the art of negotiation, and never falters. She will get what she wants.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.Spinning was traditionally a woman's job. See it in this light: When she takes the fruit of her labors... in this sense, the wool/flax from the land she owns that she has produced... and take the next step with it. Whatever it is that she produces... be it a proposal, a business deal, a lesson plan, a compromise, a business plan, etc etc... whatever it is- she will take it to the next level, take the next steps necessary in the process to bring it to fruition.
20 She opens her arms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.
She is kind, generous, loving, a humanitarian.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.She doesn't worry about the health and comfort of her family in the winter or any season, having provided sufficiently for each one. The reference to scarlet here -- scarlet is considered a high standing color, I would say that she provides the highest quality for her family.
22 She makes coverings for her bed, she is clothed in fine linen and purple.She presents herself well to the world- she has provided for herself and her family and she is proud of it.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.This one could be self-explanatory, but I would go a step further and say that such a noble women is equally represented by her partner- she chooses someone as noble and worthy of highest respect to live her life with.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.They are reminding you that she bears the fruits of her labors- and she sees things through. She is creative and hard-working and sees/reaps the benefits.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.She is a TRIPLE THREAT: More than just beauty, she exudes strength, dignity, and humor. She is a force to be reckoned with, and a trophy to be won over and over again.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Wisdom and faith. Have faith in her - the instruction may come as criticism or compliment, but it comes with the best intentions.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.She watches over the affairs like a hawk. On top of all the other hard work she does, she keeps the affairs of the household neat and tidy. I'm not talking about cleaning, I'm talking AFFAIRS- relationships, responsibilities, financial dealings, "business", public and private! She is not passive in the family affairs and idleness is not her cup of tea- she will not sit back and let these things pass her by. She is the action in the household.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”The husband and children recognize and acknowledge all the great/wonderfully things she does for them- They know how lucky they are to have her. Sounds like wishful thinking, but this is how it SHOULD be. Genuine appreciation seems to be so few and far between now-a-days.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”The husband and children recognize and acknowledge all the great/wonderfully things she does for them- They know how lucky they are to have her. Sounds like wishful thinking, but this is how it SHOULD be. Genuine appreciation seems to be so few and far between now-a-days.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
I just like this one. Even if you are not religious, I translate this to mean the woman who does the right thing no matter what is to be held in high regard. Does the right thing for herself, her family, treats others as she wishes to be treated, and just overall lives a good life.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Her husband has a duty to 'toot her horn', because she does so much and does a good job. He can be her liaison to the world, and should be her biggest supporter. that's why the city gate knows how great she is. Maybe he even brings her there, or maybe- she even brings herself there.
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