Yesterday we read about the "Excellent wife" and her character. She is physically, morally and spiritually strong. Her husband puts full confidence in her. He trusts her with everything that is precious to him. She always seeks his best and does him good all the days of her life. She lives a life without reproach from him.
It is interesting that the author of this section, King Lemuel's mother, wanted him to know the value of finding a good wife. Women back then were thought of as property, almost slaves...definitely "second class". Very often men developed their friendships with other men and really only kept wives as servants. The King would probably have many wives but here, his mother is telling him to prize just one! And she begins telling him about her from the focus of her character. If women were thought of as servants, the qualities most desired was the ability to work hard. But his mother knows that real strength starts morally and spiritually.
She moves from an excellent wife's character to a her devotion as a homemaker. Lemuel's mother knew that her son duties would be as King and therefore would require someone who would be committed at home. She has established in his mind, the priority of a woman of character and now begins to explain she must also be devoted to her home.
She makes the transition from depicting her as a woman of virtuous character to a woman who works with her hands. Even with all the wisdom she has, she is not above hard work. Verse 13 begins by describing her as one who selects the best possible for her family. In regards to clothing, food and taking care of everyone in her house, she looks for quality. She is willing to go a bit further to find the best quality and best price. We see that from her depiction as a "merchant ship" or "ships of traders" ... she is ready to go that extra mile.
She is also a planner. She squeezes the most of her day. She is the first to rise in the morning. In these times, there was always a light kept on in a home. It was the duty of the wife to make sure the light did not go out. Should it go out, animals may attack. The wife's duty was to rise and make sure the wick had not been extinguished or the oil ran out through the night. What a responsibility we have to keep the "light" in our homes. Do we rise early for prayer and a quiet time? Do we make sure there is enough oil in our spiritual light so that we can encourage our family through God's Word? If our light is dim, how can we direct or correct?
From her duties inside the home, we also see her entrepreneurial spirit. Many here say, "look, she works out of the home!" And it is true. She does work outside the home. The key here is that she works outside while still maintaining the energy she needs to run her household. Her primary focus is her home and if she does anything outside, she still saves her best for her family. Some of us work very hard outside our homes and at the end of the day, we have nothing left for our husband and kids. We have given our best (energy, creativity, words, temperament) to our co-workers and have nothing when we get home. Some women can manage both beautifully. I think if we struggle with this, we need to check our hearts and let God's Word filter out the truth.
We see that she works vigorously, both in and outside her home. She has physical strength and energy to accomplish this. How does she find her physical strength? She works! Often housework is the best workout! When I have mopped floors, carried laundry, stepped up ladders to dust at the end of a day like that, I have sweat and my muscles hurt. I have had a workout!
Who is this "Excellent Wife" ? So far we have seen she has moral, spiritual and physical strengths. Her primary focus is her husband and home. She puts all her energy, talents, skills at home. She is clever, energetic and spiritually grounded as she maintains the "light" in her home. She is a woman of virtue. No wonder it is said of her "she is worth far more than rubies".
I have a lot to think about. A lot to aspire towards...how about you?
Tomorrow...we continue to look at her generous heart.
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