As I’m writing this and I hope as you are reading this, that you would pray a special prayer for the Lord to speak to you.
I still doubt myself in writing this. Satan gets in my head saying, why? No-one will read this? What are you doing?
But one thing I am learning is that often times, the things we are most scared to do, are the things we need to do.
I have a feeling a virtuous woman probably tells Satan to “shhhh” it anyway.
So what does a virtuous wife, mom, shopper, planner, early riser with eager hands mean to me?
Verse 13- “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. “
The NIV version says eager hands. Eager means “wanting to do or have something very much.”
How many of us ever have eager hands? The only thing my hands are ever eager about is eating a donut! (They actually have good gluten free ones now, hallelujah!). Or how many of us aren’t eager until we have coffee?
I’m usually never eager to do dishes, laundry, clean the bathroom, or go to work. BUT what if I saw this as an opportunity to love Jesus and share Jesus with my kids or husband? What if Christians really were the happiest most eager people on Earth?
Colossians 3:23 -“ Whatever you do, work at it with ALL your heart, as working for the Lord….”
Whatever you do – dishes, laundry, cleaning the toilet – can be used as a moment to glorify the Lord. Glorify the Lord in providing a simple task for your family.
Verse 13 also says she provides wool and flax. Flax is a “blue-flowered herbaceous plant that is cultivated for its seed and for textile fiber made from its stalk.”
I’m not a lover of wool so we will pretend its cotton. 😉
Verse 14 – “She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.”
Now with Kroger click list and Shipt, bringing food from “afar” is not that hard. However, I think this sentence speaks volumes.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English reader says: “Looks for opportunities of buying cheaply at a distance from home, instead of paying a large price on spot.”
By being considered like “ships of the merchant” – A virtuous wife is wise and well planned.
I imagine a virtuous woman taking some time every day to plan her day and meals. Maybe it’s early morning time or late at night. She seems to have a plan and sticks to it.
Verse 15 – “ She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.”
She gets up early and gets the job done. That is one of my goals for this year. I personally feel so much better, when I rise early and get some simple tasks on out of the way.
She also provides food for her household AND maidens. A virtuous wife seems to be very thoughtful and much of a planner. I wonder if she prefers Erin Condren or a Day Designer planner. 😉
Verse 16 – “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.”
I imagine a virtuous wife as independent and strategic. “She considers,” means she puts thoughts into her purchases. I believe she consults with her husband. AND her husband trusts her judgement.
She plants a vineyard. I have no green thumb – I even killed a cute little cactus before! However, a virtuous wife is productive in providing for her family’s needs. Whether that food is homemade or wisely bought from the store it’s given in love.
So, take a deep breath
Be eager to work
Be a wise planner
Rise early and drink coffee 😉
Feed your family spiritually and physically with love.
Jesus loves you oh virtuous wife.