An excellent wife . . . is far more precious than jewels. (Proverbs 31:10-ESV)
Money can buy a lot of things. But Proverbs teaches that a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14) and an excellent wife is FAR MORE precious than jewels. (emphasis added)
What are the things you value in your life? House, car, lifestyle? How about your wife? Is your wife more valuable than any of those things?
Proverbs 31 says an excellent wife does the following:
Plans: In today’s world, her planning often includes nutritious meals, juggling multiple busy schedules, family time/homework/sports and other extra-curricular activities, and chauffeuring.
She has wise judgment: She must mediate arguments between your children, make snap decisions on last-minute requests, discern good from best and know when to speak and when to listen.
She controls money well: For some wives, that entails an outside job—whether full-time, part-time, or running her own business. For some, it means genius acts of working the sales, using coupons, or trading used clothes, car seats, or services with other moms. She teaches your children how to use money well.
Her husband realizes economic gain from her labor. Whether she puts money into the bank account or prevents it from going out as fast, she helps the family survive or flourish by her work. And, SCORE! The money she saves isn’t even taxable!
She is diligent: More often than not, she does double and triple duty to make sure the children are fed and bathed and the house is decent. She often takes care of these things at the expense of what she would prefer to do.
She is concerned for the poor: She rolls down her window as she exits Ralph’s and gives the homeless woman a dollar or a banana.
She is not afraid of the future. Believe me—over the years, she has lots of reasons to be afraid. Trips to the ER. The roof that unexpectedly needed to be replaced. Fear of losing you. But she holds God’s hand and is steadfast and confident.
Her work is excellent. Whether it is the costume she made your son’s 3rd grade play, helping your daughter put the finishing touches on her project for the science fair, or painting your den, she pays attention to details and makes her family proud of her work. In a pinch, she can even do nice work with duct tape and a glue gun.
She has excellent character. You know that if she says something is true, it is. If she says she’ll pick you up at a certain time, she will. She understands what has been told her in confidence and she keeps it to herself. You can trust her. How many people in your life can you trust like that?
Because of all of these attributes, she contributes significantly to her husband’s success and reputation.
She is dignified and confident. She is a strong, competent partner. Her strength and confidence come from an intimate relationship with her Lord.
It is not possible to buy an excellent wife. If God gives you one, be thankful and take good care of her. You have been given a precious gift.
– Written by Bob (with detailed reminders from Roxann).
