Proverbs 31 for 2011

I mentioned to Mark today that in going through old photos, I found it hard to believe that I'd made most of the clothing I wore.  I know I love to sew, but I didn't realise I actually did that much of it!  I also had to laugh at the fact that the kids (at least when they were young) were often wearing things I'd made for them.

So Mark answered that I was quite the Proverbs 31 woman.

I told him "Thanks for the compliment, Babe, but that particular woman wasn't fabulous because she sewed.  In fact, few women sew today."  He replied that it would be interesting to interpret the Proverbs 31 woman for 2011.  I agreed -- so I did.
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Proverbs 31

Hymn to a Good Wife

(from The Message)

 ^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.

A woman who is truly a lady is rare, and finding one is like winning the lottery.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.

Her husband never has to worry that she’ll wreck the car, run up the credit cards, or run off with some guy.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.

She doesn’t withhold anything when she’s angry with her husband – not attention or affection or kindness.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She’s a bargain hunter, and she won’t settle for cheap quality just because it’s inexpensive.  She loves to scrapbook.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.

She amazes everyone when they find that she got that gorgeous dress for a steal.  And she’s an expert Ebay-er.  Her kids are always delighted when she brings home some cool variation of the latest thing.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.

She’s always the first one up, pouring cereal and making coffee and lists and checking her cell phone.

She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

She’s very shrewd about her investments.  She buys things that will profit her family.  And she’s good at landscaping and possibly flips houses.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She’s always ready to dive in and tackle the day. 

She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She doesn’t just work until 5:00, she works until the task is accomplished.  Her boss knows this and that’s why she’s irreplaceable.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.

She’s got dinner on the table at night, and it’s not Hamburger Helper.  She also makes sure the vacuum is run and the bathrooms are clean.  Her coupon binder is always organized and up to date.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.

She’s a good neighbor, a good listener, and a regular contributor to the mission’s thrift shop.  She is always giving to the food bank and taking meals to elderly folks.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

Everybody has a coat, hat, mittens, boots, sweaters, and warm socks when winter comes.  And she’s right out there making snowmen and sledding with them.

She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

She can put together a nice outfit and always looks great.  She keeps up with fashion, but isn’t ruled by it.

Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

Everyone knows that behind every great man is an amazing woman -- she makes her husband look great, and backs him up when important people consult with him.

She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

She has a good eye for great design.  She also keeps the consignment shops well supplied.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

She cares about quality, and she’s predictably happy.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.

She speaks the truth in love, and her timing is impeccable.  She doesn’t gossip or spread rumors.  And when she says “bless her heart” she really means it.  People love reading her Facebook statuses.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.

She’s the boss at home, and she has eyes in the back of her head.  When her children complain that they’re bored, she soon has them cleaning their rooms.  She keeps a chore chart up on the fridge.

Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:

Her kids love her, and her husband only has eyes for her.

"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"

When you ask them about her, they’ll tell you that she’s an amazing mom and wife.

 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

She’s not spending money on eye creams and cosmetic surgery.  She also isn't nice to your face and talking about you behind your back.  She knows better than that, because she knows that beauty isn't skin deep.  She's involved at church, and  she doesn't just talk the talk - she walks the walk.

Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

Remember her birthday and Mother’s Day, always give her flowers and chocolate, and be someone she can be proud of.  Jewelry is nice too.  And tell her you love her all the time.  Tell everyone else how much you love her too.

 

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