Have you read your bible today - Proverbs 31:10-31
One of my favorite and least favorite passages in the bible is this section of Proverbs 31. I love it because it so clearly describes the role of a woman - often I ask God very simply, “can you just spell it out so I know?” and He has done that here. I don’t like it because it so clearly describes the role of a woman - and I fall so far short most of the time.
I long for the day when my husband’s heart “doth safely trust in me” - I’m working on that daily but often I slip up, I forget, I don’t guard my mind or my mouth. I want to honor my husband and ultimately God by becoming a woman that he can fully trust with everything.
I often buy the field before considering it - Hubs will know what I mean by that - some of you reading this will know that too! 
Well, I could go point by point but the purpose of these posts is not to analyze me but rather to encourage both me and you in the Word of God. I know so many people, myself included, put bible reading on the shelf for a more convenient time. Hopefully these little snippets will bring you some respite in your day and drive you to pick up your own bible and read even more. Enjoy!
Proverbs 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
7. September 2008 at 4:24 am :
Sometimes I think modern women get caught up in the obsession that we must not be perceived as weak or “submissive” and in so doing block ourselves from some very natural, obviously God given gifts that are unique to men and unique to women.
I consider myself a very modern woman, but when I met my husband I told him I wanted to be home to take care of him and my family. You know it wasn’t a popular position then and I didn’t share that in any serious way with other girlfriends. My stay at home only lasted until my kids were toddlers and then I had to go out to work for financial reasons.
I still say those days I spent home caring for my family were among our happiest days - maybe the poorest, but among the happiest! I didn’t feel put upon or denied, I felt everything just fit perfectly as it was planned!
I think some of the problems we see in various communities re: abusive relationships, teen pregnancies and general disrespect between the sexes is a result of denying a very natural and compassionate way of sharing love between a man and a woman. My husband and I enjoy that tenderness today and it has been over 20 years.
I am so enjoying your posts and podcasts - thank you.
7. September 2008 at 7:16 am :
Thank you, Sharon, for your beautiful response.