A Good Woman
When the month of May rolls around, my mind turns first to my mother, then my wife, my daughter, and now my granddaughter, too. They are all women. What kind of women? Each has her own idiosyncrasies and personality. My granddaughter has been influenced by her mother, my daughter by her mother, and my wife by her mother. All of them are very different, and yet they have one thing in common. They all love Jesus.
What makes for a good woman? My mind automatically goes to Proverbs 31. It reads like 1 Corinthians 13 on the specs of love. Read it through carefully and see if you agree with me on my ten conclusions.
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, Then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
‘Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!’
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!â€
Here is what I found out about a good woman:
- Don’t be surprised, guys, if the first one you meet is not the best one or the right one for you. That’s why it’s so important to give dating some time. No hasty, arrogant “I know what I’m doing†attitudes. When Solomon says its hard to find a good woman, he means it.
- She has a basic unselfish, giving attitude. She does not just think of herself and what she is going to get out of a relationship. Everything seems to hinge on this quality.
- She is frugal, and hates to waste. She is not a spendthrift. My money will be safe in her hands. I can trust her with my wallet and bank account.
- She is not lazy. She knows when to get out of bed. She is not a slave to the TV or any of the other gadgets that so often control our lives.
- She is naturally industrious. She works hard, and does not need someone to tell her what to do. She improves her skills by training and learning from others.
- She is caring and kind to those in need. She has a heart, but knows when to say no. She does not allow herself to get swallowed into a codependent relationship that will enslave her.
- She is loyal to her husband and never bad-mouths him to others. She is proud of his achievements, and tells him that.
- When she speaks people listen, because she always has something worthwhile to say. She is not a gossip monger or blabbermouth.
- She is actively involved in her children’s lives and it shows.
- She loves the Lord. She has a deep and personal walk with God, and makes it a priority to spend time with God on a daily basis. Her true beauty shines from inside out, and is not measured by the size of her waistline.
My desire for you ladies would be that you open your heart and mind to be challenged by Proverbs 31. Listen carefully to its guidelines, discover the underlying principles, and apply them to your daily living.
I would also like to pay tribute to all the women in our church family. I want to express my appreciation for their hard work, unceasing toil for their families, and making our church a worshipful and welcoming place for members and visitors. I want to honor the spiritual women who teach in our children and adult Sabbath School classes, lead out in worship, visit the sick and shut-ins, bring delicious dishes to potlucks, and many other ministries. We men could never do this without you. We challenge you as well as ourselves to continue to live by the inspired principles of Proverbs 31.