Proverbs 31 Wife Part 12: Outward Beauty Vs. Inward Beauty

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
-Proverbs 31:29-31

     I think this verse is telling us that we might have outward beauty, but God looks at our inward beauty.  The most beautiful women I know have God's beauty shining through them.  How do they find such beauty?  First by salvation through Christ.  Then getting to know God on a deep level.  How do you do this?  By reading the word daily, laying down your life daily, by picking up your cross daily and following Him daily.

I do fell that we need to take care of ourselves, by eating right, getting some kind of exercise in, and over all general care of our bodies and mind.  I think it is OK to make ourselves look good for our husbands. 

     So the take away from this blog series is, to be the best wife you can be is to follow the Lord and to be who God wants you to be. 

I hope you all enjoyed this series.

Until Next Time,
Pitters

Proverb 31 Wife Part 11: How are We at Home with Our Families

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
- Proverb 31:28

     Looking at this verse I feel God is telling me that it does not matter how "holy" I am to everyone outside of my home.  Our true character comes out at home, with our husband and children.   We need to show all the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit in our home.  Not just in public!

But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23

     We don't get to pick and choose the ones we like and only show them.  We are called to show all of them to everyone.  Even when we think our kids or husbands don't "deserve" it.  1 Corinthians tells us what love is.

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious.  Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4

     I know I have days when a fall so short of this.  I have times when I need to humble myself to my husband or kids and ask for forgiveness.  We have a Father in Heaven that will forgive us when we don't remember what he asks of us.  I think the point is to know when you are following God lead and when you have stepped off the path.  Stepping off the path of showing our family the love that God asks us to. 

Proverbs 31 Woman Part 10: Not Eating the Bread of Idleness

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
-Proverbs 31:27

     Ok so this one I can be really bad at.  I do good about watching over the affairs of my household.  But I am very good at eating the bread of idleness, which is bad.  The way I do that is by being on social media, watching TV shows, movies, playing games, and other things.

     One way I find that helps me is to have a schedule.  Not a overly strict schedule, because we also need to be flexible.  I also homeschool so I needed to learn to be flexible.  We do school mostly at home, but we have had days were we needed to be out o the house all day.  We have taken our school work with us.  Someone forgets to do or finish their laundry and delays everyone else in doing theirs.  One of the kids are sick or I am sick and the house is not a clean as I would like it to be.  Life throws us curve balls at times, but we can have help dodging them or catching them depending on what they are.  Knowing that God has my back is a great comfort.

     A good rule of thumb is to get your work done and then do the fun things.  A good way to get things done is a chore chart, list, assignments for your kids, if they are of an age that they can help. Yes your 2 year old can help you with "chores".  I had my kids at that age help pick up toys, put their clothes in their hamper, and put their sippy cup in the sink.  This helps teach them to take care of their things.  As your kids get older you add more responsibilities.  I now have an almost 11 year old, a 14 year old, 16 year old and over the summer my 19 year old is back from college.  They all do their own laundry, help with dishes, mow the lawn, clean their own rooms, and help with other various things. You might ask how much do you give your kids in allowance.  Here is the kicker, we give them $0, yes you read that right.  They get no allowance.  They are members of our family and have shared responsibility in the up keep of their things and our home. This is what has worked for our family.  I do know this, my 19 year old had one of the cleanest dorms on campus, he knew how to do the cleaning he needed in his shared bathroom, his own laundry, and cleaning his bedroom and the common area.  His college has dorm rooms with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a common living area.  Sorry for the rabbit hole. I guess my point for it was that I am teaching my children to not eat the bread of idleness, but still have fun.  To watch over their belongings and the living area, to take care of all of it.

     Some may ask well what do you do, well let me tell you I still do most of the household work.  That is my job as wife and mother. To care for my family is my God given privilege.  I am truly blessed to have the role I have in my family.  I don't always feel that way in the tough moments, but I try and remind myself often.

     So my challenge for you is to work on a ruff schedule that works for your family.  If you have kids have them do chores, if they are not already, and they are old enough.

Until Next Time,
Pitters

Proverbs 31 Wife Part 9: Speaking With Wisom

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
-Proverbs 31:26

     Our biggest calling as a wife and mother is to speak God's truth to our families.  Our children are our first line disciples.  What I mean by this is, our children are a captive audience.  We should be ministering to them first and for most.  It is not bad to be ministering to other women, there is a time for that.  God has given us warriors for his kingdom,  we need to be content in this job.  Our lives should be a living testimony to our family, friends and other around us.

     How can we speak with wisdom and have faithful instruction be on our tongue?  First we need to be seeking God's truth, his words, and instruction.  This happens when we are in the word daily, when we are praying during the day, having His word on our hearts.  In the past when my kids were really little I had truth packs.  I first heard about these from a pastors wife at one of our church conferences. At the time my kids were 3 or 4th grade and younger.  What are truth packs?  They are bound index cards,  that you right verses on.  They are usually sectioned by topic.  So you might have one about anxiety, about parenthood, about who you are as a child of God. Being in the word of God daily is the key.

     I also like journaling what I am reading in the Bible.  I like to also write prayer request in my journal.  I also try and take notes at church during the sermon and that goes in my journal as well.  Our church has small groups (a group of people the are basically in the same stage of life), home groups (so this is a group of people in different stages of like), we also have a once a month during the school year Women Connecting With Women, we also have a mom's time once a month and also a Women's Bible Study once or twice a month.  My point in telling you all this is that as wives and moms we need to look for opportunities to be with other believers so we can learn from each other.  I have learned for other women in our church, how to speak with God's wisdom.

     So my challenge for you ladies is this.  Read you Bible every day for 30 days, make a truth pack for some area in your life that you would like quick verse references for, and finally find a women's group or Bible study at your church and attend it.

Until Next Time,
Pitters

Proverbs 31 Wife Part 8: Using Our God Given Talents for His Glory

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

-Proverbs 31:24-25


     In these verses I feel God is telling us to use the talents that he has given us.  To use them for his glory.  To take care of our families and those that God calls us to help.  I know that not all of us will make things that can be sold.  Your talent might be hospitality, then use that to  host play dates, Bible Studies, study groups, book clubs, and any other social activity.  You can also use your gift of hospitality to help in your church for refreshments,  or a host of many other things.  If you have a gift of teaching or shepherding then teach Sunday school, lead a Bible Study, or pray group.  

     Look into the other Spiritual Gifts and see what your might be if you don't already.  There are many test you can do online to discover your spiritual gifts.  Ask your pastor or small group leader to see if your church has one they like or have used.  God has given his followers spiritual gits for His glory, it is our "job" to use them.  Here are three verse about spiritual gifts.


We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.  if your gift is prophesying then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving than serve; if it is teaching than teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving than give generously; if it is lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully,
-Romans 12:6-8

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  here are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy,  to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
-1 Corinthians 12:4-11

And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.
-1 Corinthians 12:28

So here is my challenge how can you use your Spiritual Gifts this week?

Until Next Time,
Pitters

Proverbs 31 Wife Part 7: Speaking Highly of Your Husband

 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
-Proverbs 31:23

     As a wife one of the worst things that she can do is bash her husbands reputation.  Many women don't even realize that they are doing it.  You feel that you are just getting your frustrations off your chest.  It will not hurt anyone if I just let my best friend know how much my husband irritated me, the other night.  Your words have a huge impact on how others think of your husband.  I your husband upsets you, you need to calm down and then talk to him.  You could talk with God about it.  You can and should pray about what he may have said that upset you.  I am in no way saying you need to hide abuse if that is the issue than you need to seek help ASAP.  You are your husbands help-met, your words have the power to left him up or tare him down.  Be careful of what words you speak about your husband.  Take care of your husbands reputation.  We are not going to be perfect all the time, but try your best.  Ask God to help you in this area.  Have a prayer or accountability partner to keep you accountable.

Until Next Time,
Pitters

Proverbers 31 Wife Part 6: Preparing for the storms

She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.  She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
      -Proverbs 31:21-22 (NLT)

     So I am well aware that many of us don't make our own blankets.  I feel that what this verse is saying is that the Proverbs 31 wife planned ahead and had everything her family needed.  She stored up the basic needed of her family for when things were not always going good for them.  I also know we are instructed to not worry about tomorrow, but I fell like we are encouraged to be prepared.

     For the second part of this section, we are encouraged to dress for what we are doing.  If you are going out with your husband, dress up.  If you are playing with your children dress so you can play with them.  Dress with modesty and like you have some respect for yourself.  I also feel like this is talking about being clothed in God's Word.  A woman clothed in God's word is dressed, more beautiful than any star on the red carpet.

   

      There will be days were we don't feel like we are clothed in God's word.  That is when we need to ask, plead with God for the strength only He can give.  To be a woman of God we need to rely on God for all things.  

Until Next Time,

Pitters

Proverbs 31 Wife Part 5: Helping Those In Need

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
-Proverbs 31:20 (NIV)


     This one at times we can all turn a blind eye to.  We will be the first to help with collecting things for people that have lost everything to flood, fire, and other natural disasters.  I know I don't have an issue doing that.  But what about the veteran on the street corner, the single mom or dad that needs a helping hand, your neighbor who just needs to know they are welcome, or the other many countless people we see in need.  In need of prayer, food, clothing, love, and so much more.

     We are called not only as wives to help the needy and poor.  We are called first and for most as believers to help, even if it is just a cup of cold water. So what are some ways to help those we see in need?

     We have done Blessing bag before. We then have them in our car and pass them out to the homeless that are standing on the corner holding signs.  We took gallon size baggies and put things like toothbrush, tooth paste, granola bars, water bottles, tuna salad/chicken salad kits that don't need refrigeration, fruit cups, a bottle of water, socks, famine products, and a track.

     We have helped at a local shelter before, make meals, packaging Christmas gifts for families, and helped deliver Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.  We have packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  We have helped "adopt" families at Christmas time.  As well as other ways, I point of me telling you this is not to brag.  Our family in the past has been the recipients of some similar blessing.  My point is this, we can find ways in our communities to help those in need.  Even something as simple as a cup of cold water.

What else does the Bible say about helping those in need? Here are a couple verses:

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
-Matthew  5:42

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'LORD, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

-Matthew 25:35-40

I found over 100 verse on this subject and picked the two above.  You can look more up if you like.  I find looking up things to help me understand what God is saying to me on different topics.  I encourage you to do so also.

Until Next Time,

Pitters

Proverbs 31 Wife Part 4: Strong and Eager to Do Her Work

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. Proverbs 31:16-19 (NIV)

     Ok I know we are all not buying a field and planting a vineyard.  So how can this part help any of us?  If we look at the Message Bible Translation it says she plants a garden.  So I look at this in my life and think of when I looked over our back yard and decided where to put our family garden.  I budget in the spring for plants and seeds.  This helps me to be a good steward of our family food budget and the kids and I like to work in the garden.  Some years we have lots to harvest and other years things don't always go as planed.  Working hard at growing a garden can be time consuming and hard.  But the benefits for our family can be great.  Some who cant plant a big garden can maybe plant an indoor herb garden.  Let the Lord lead you in this area.

     So this next part verse 17 talks about setting about our work vigorously.  I don't know about you but house work is not my most favorite thing to do.  I have to work at being eager to do my daily tasks.  Some days are better than others.  In the Message translation it says: "First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started." (Proverbs 31:17 MSG)  I will be the first to admit I have days that I don't want to clean the living room again, or do the dishes for what seems like the 100th time that week.  That is not the best attitude I can have.  The Bible also tells us this.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters, - Colossians 3:23 May the favor of the LORD our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. - Psalm 90:17 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:13 This is just a few verses about work in the Bible. In verse 18 the Message Translation says this. "She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day." -Proverbs 31:18 I take this as when you have a project that you are working on and you know how important it is to get done you will work long and hard on it. This could be making meals ahead of time for your family, or for another family. This could be getting plans ready for your child's extra curricular actives. It could be preparing a place for a house guest who will be staying for a few days. What ever it is that we as wives are working on it has great value to the Lord, if we are doing it for His glory and with the right attitude. So verse 19 is one that in most translations I get a little discouraged. I don't know how to spin yarn. So I looked once again to the Message Translation. "She's skilled in the crafts of the home and hearth, diligent in homemaking." -Proverbs 31:19 Ok this I can work with. This verse is saying that as a Proverbs 31 wife I should be working hard at honing my homemaking skills. What does that mean? Well to me this means I need to be making a plan for my jobs during the day. A schedule of some sort. I need to be menu planning for the week. I also feel that teaching my kids these skills helps me to hone them better. The best way to hone any skill is to keep doing the skill, even if it does not work the first time. Try it again and adjust as needed. Being skilled in homemaking, to also means to be hospitable to those in your home. Those that live with you and those that are guest. Find ways to make your home welcoming to all. The first person that your home should be welcoming to is your husband. Yes, I said it, I know it's his house too. Why should he feel "welcome"? Ok ladies hear it is, we as women can sometimes be cold to our husbands. We can make a home environment that he dreads coming home to. Remember we are to bring him good not harm all the days of our lives. Lets welcome our husbands home, when he get home from work or where ever he is coming home from. Here is my challange for all of you this week. How can you hone your homemaking skills this week? How can you make your husband feel welcome in his own home? Until Next Time, Pitters

Proverb 31 Wife: Part 3 Bringing Her Food From Afar

     She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.  She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. -Proverbs 31:13-15 (NIV)

     Lets look at this verse in the message translation.  It gives a better insight into how this works for todays wife.

     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.
- Proverb 31:13-15 (MSG)

     So let me break this section down.  "She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing."  So to me this verse is saying as a wife we need to be choosing our clothing materials carefully.  Are they good quality?  Are they durable? Ok I know some of you might be saying I don't like kitting or sewing.  Ok I get that.  I think we as wives should at least know how to sew on a button.  I learned how to sew when I was younger.  I took a home economics class in Junior High and in High School.  I also had my grandma that taught me how to sew a little.  As I have gotten older I have found some enjoyment in crocheting.

     "She is like the merchant ship, bringing her food from afar."  I feel that in this part it is saying that as a wife we need to be looking for the best deals on food.  I feel that we need to try new recipes for our family.  Not all the time but every once and awhile.  learn a recipe from your husbands favorite place.  Almost 2 years ago I learned how to make Sushi.  I surprised my husband on our anniversary in 2017 with a Sushi dinner at home.  I have found copy cat recipes from places like Olive Garden, Applebee's, and may other places.  I ask my husband what kind of new things we should try.

This was the Sushi dinner that I made.

     "She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day."  Getting up and making breakfast for your family is a good thing.  I love cooking for my family.  I don't always like cooking for my family, truthfully. I have days were I am burned out and I don't want to cook.  I have found that doing freezer meals has helped me out a lot.  So does menu planning.  Ladies we need to have a good idea for what are day holds.  I we are cleaning, getting meals done, have a play date, homeschooling, kids actives, church actives, and the many other things that we do during our days.  It is good to have a schedule, but one that can flexible.  We need to be good stewards of our time.

     I am constantly checking myself about how I am doing in these areas.  Am I being a good steward in my home? Am I giving my all to the jobs God has placed in my life?  One key is to find a good system to help you plan your day, your menu, and any other things you need to organize.  My challenge to you is to work on organizing your day, or menu planning.

Until next time,
Pitters

 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!

Proverb 31:10-31 (MSG)

Proverbs 31 Wife: Part 2 Full confidence

     One way that has helped me to understand Proverbs 31:10-31 better is by reading the different translations of the Bible.  So I will add at the end of each post a different translation. 

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

-Proverbs 31:11-12 (NIV)

     Can you honestly say your husband has full confidence in you?  Are you a wife that is honest and open with your husband?  Can he trust you, with your actions, words and finances?  

     I can honestly tell you that there are times that I feel I don't deserve his full confidence.  At times I don't have the best attitude with him, I say hurtful things. I am not bringing him good at times.  Our husband's confidence is not something we earn once.  We need to keep working on being a wife that he can be confident in. We should always strive to bring our husband good at all times.  Even when we feel he does not deserve it.  That is the key,  EVEN WHEN WE THINK HE DOES NOT DESERVE IT.  It is about respecting our husband as we are instructed to do so in the Bible.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

-Ephesians 5:33

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children

-Titus 2:4

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as fitting in the Lord.

-Colossians 3:18

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husband as you do to the Lord.

-Ephesians 5:22

     Yes I went there. We should be Biblically submissive to our husbands.  I am not saying be a door mat.  By all means if your husband is doing something against the law and God don't go a long with it.  I feel that Biblically submissiveness is allowing your husband to be the head of your household, to work along side him, to not belittle him, to be his cheerleader in life, and to love him as God loves him.  Men want to know that you respect them, that is one way to show you love them. 

     How can you bring your husband good and not harm?  Well to start speak encouraging words to him.  Speak highly of your husband when you are among your friends.  If you have a beef with him talk to him about it not your friends.  If you have to call him about something that is not an emergency call him on his lunch break. So he does not get in trouble at work.  Find little ways to do good things for him. Dose he like it when you make him a lunch he can take to work?  

     So here is my challenge to you how can you show your husband that he can have full confidence in you? How can you bring him good?

    A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.   She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.   She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.   She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.   She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.   She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.   She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.   In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.   She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.   When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.   Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.   She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.   She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.   She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.   She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.   Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:   "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.   Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

- Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

The Proverbs 31 Wife: Part 1

So today I am going to bring up a subject that many women don't like.  The Proverbs 31 wife. There was a time that I felt that I could never be anything close to this seeming unobtainable wifely remodel. I have read, am reading and rereading some very good books on this topic. One thing I have learned is everything that the Proverbs 31 wife is doing in this passage is not all done in one day. Possibly not even in the same season of life. So I have over the years learned to even dare I say like the Proverbs 31 Wife. I like to check myself from time to time to see if I am being the best Proverbs 31 Wife I can be.

I will be writing a series on my thoughts on Proverbs 31:10-31. I hope you all will join me.

What are some of your guys thoughts on the Proverb 31 Wife?  Lets get a decision started!!

Picture of my husband and I. This is one of my favorites of us.  

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?  She is far more precious than rubies.  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.  She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.  She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.  Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.  She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.  She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.  she makes her own bedspreads. she dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.  Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.  She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without ear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.  She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.  Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world but you surpass them all!"  Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a women who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

- Proverbs 31:10-31 (NLT)