Homemaking Mondays: A Virtuous Woman

Welcome to Homemaking Mondays! 

I have recently been studying Proverbs 31: 10-31 

and wanted to share with you some of my thoughts on it.  

I'll do a few verses at a time. 

Proverbs 31: 10

" Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

This questions posed gives the reader the idea that it's not a common thing to find a virtuous woman.  

She is valued, and to find her is a treasure.  I don't think that being a virtuous woman is something that we can create out of ourselves...it is something wrought of the Lord in a woman's life.
It takes time.  The Lord is continually working in a woman's life that is seeking after righteousness and godliness. 

VIR'TUOUS, adjective (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

1. Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, and abstaining from vice; as a virtuous man.

2. Being in conformity to the moral or divine law; as a virtuous action; a virtuous life.

The mere performance of virtuous actions does not denominate an agent virtuous

3. Chaste; applied to women.

Proverbs 31:11

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

Does your husband trust you?  Are you a good steward of what he provides for you and of the time and attention your home needs? Do you overspend or waste things so that it cause your husband to be in want or overburdened?  Being wise and being thrifty are important skills that we need to gain.  

Proverbs 31:12

" She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

This has always struck me.... do we put the needs of our husbands in a priority in our marriage and home?  Are we truly a helpmeet to him?  This can be simple like keeping the home clean and orderly so he can rest.  Putting things in the kitchen that are easily accessible for him when he needs to have a snack or making him special meals.  

Do you keep your personal matters private? Not airing your dirty laundry is such an important part of a marriage.  He needs to know that you're not telling everyone his faults (and yes he has them just like you do) so that others may look at him in a lower light?  Much of his reputation rests on you! When I was newly married I fell into the trap of "sharing prayer requests"... with others who cared nothing about the integrity of my husband or the sanctity of my home.  I encourage you ... keep your family business to yourself, and before the Lord.  

Proverbs 31:13

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

Here a virtuous woman is concerning herself with items to create things with.  You can see that she works willingly with her hands... it's not a drudgery.  I can see a creative aspect to this women.  Wool and flax are both used for clothing and other fabric needs.  I think of those that sew, quilt, crochet, and knit.  Taking these basic items and creating things to keep the family dresses, warm, and comfortable.  

There is a huge array of possibilities here, but what really strikes me is willingness.  

Are we willing to put in time and effort to create things for our families? 

I know we can all go to the stores around us and purchase things we need.  

Even to have the basic sewing skills to mend items so that it extends it's usefulness is very important!  

Handmade items are not only lovely, but often very useful...I encourage all of you to give it a try sometime if you've never before.  Perhaps you'll find another area in your life where you work willingly with your hands. 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer