The Ideal Woman is Rare

Proverbs 31:10–16
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This passage gives us the characteristics of an ideal woman. The question in Proverbs 20:6 “Who can find?” does not suggest that such women, like noble men, are nonexistent but that they should be admired because they are rare. They are even more valuable than rubies (v. 10). Another example of such a woman is found in Ruth who was called “a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11).

Her husband has great confidence in her (v. 11). Her careful household management enhances the family’s wealth and because of it he lacks nothing. This kind of woman is a great asset to her husband  as she supports and encourages him all the days of her life (v. 12). She enjoys her work as she is involved in weaving and sewing (v. 13). Like the merchants ships, her activities apparently extend beyond those normally associated with the housewife. As an ideal wife she brings unusual and fascinating things home from her shopping (v. 14).

Even though it appears that this unusual woman has house hold servants working for her she gets herself up early, before daybreak, to help prepare breakfast and food for other meals. She even considers the buying of a field (v. 15). In this wealthy household she apparently had money to invest (v. 16). It is for certain that she has a business mind and she works hard.

Application

Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the bible is retiring, quiet and entirely domestic. Instead she is an excellent wife and mother. In addition she is a manufacture, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, etc.. Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character. Lord help me to be able to evaluate myself. Lord I want to be able to give myself to you and to my family..