A wife of noble
character who can find. She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs
says “a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies”, a statement
that intimidates most women. It makes me think of my mom. She made her family
her entire world. She loved my dad with a love that’s still single-hearted
twenty-two years after his death, and we knew she loved us. That sacrificial
love that dominated her life reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. My lullaby
was often the sound of her sewing machine as she made our clothes.
The
woman described in Proverbs 31 intimidates us because we believe she was some
kind of super-woman, impossible to emulate. However, I think we’re seeing a
glimpse of her entire lifetime, not one single day. She provides an example of
the attitude all women should have toward the importance of serving as a wife
and mother. This outlook is worth more than rubies to the Lord.
This
interpretation is rare in our world today. However, we must undertake our task with
eager hands, seeing it as important above all but our relationship to God. Her arms
were strong and her lamp burned late into the night as she cared, not only for
her own family, but those who suffered need.
This
woman’s husband was well respected and she behaved in manner that honored him. The
influence she made through service to others gave her the reputation of
possessing strength and dignity. Rather than eating the bread of idleness, she prepared
for her family’s needs far ahead of time. She undertook her God-given task as a
wife and mother with a seriousness we are to emulate.
Her
husband called her blessed, not only for her abilities as a homemaker, but for
a spiritual life and commitment that served as an example. To make the Lord our
highest priority, spend time in His word, seek His wisdom, pray for our family,
and serve them with joy causes us to become the woman God created us to be.
There is
winsomeness about a woman who puts her husband and family first. Nothing is
wrong with having a career. Today’s economy often requires that women work
outside the home. The key lies in what we see as our ultimate purpose, and that
key is found in scripture.
© Copyright by Norma Gail
Thurston Holtman, 2011 and January 19, 2018
Norma
Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016
Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21
years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the
Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of
America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who
lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have
two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to
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