Proverbs 31 is impossible to fulfill.
Or is it?
The Proverbs 31 woman sets a formidable example. She wakes before dawn every day (v.15). She searches out the best quality food for her family, no matter how far she must go to get it (v.14), and begins cooking first thing each morning (v.15). She seeks out the best material (v.13), then weaves and sews beautiful clothing for her family and herself (v.19,22). She is prepared in advance for any season (v.21). In her extra time she makes and sells a product to add to the family wealth (v.24). She buys real estate and increases the value of the land (v.16). She helps the poor (v.20), and she doesn’t rest until after dark (v.18).
Amidst all this, the Proverbs 31 woman never suffers burnout or depression. She smiles (v.25) and works in delight (v.13), with strength and dignity (v.25). She is never lazy (v.27), but wise and kind (v.26) and good at what she does (v.27).
It is not humanly possible to live up to these expectations.
But as Christians, we have a responsibility to try.
Too many women look at the high standard set for them in this chapter and write it off as a fantasy. The lifestyle described seems difficult, labor-intensive, and antiquated. But God’s Word is always wise and correct.
Though we are not technically commanded to live out our lives as described in this chapter, the description offered is of the excellent wife. Such a wife as envisioned here would be the ideal mate for any man.
Out of love for our Lord, our husbands, and our children, all Christian women should strive to follow the example of the excellent wife given in Proverbs 31.
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