Did the
Proverbs 31 have a career as many have told me? Did she work outside of the
home many hours per day and give her children to others to raise? These are
comments I get often from others that say most certainly the Proverbs 31 woman
had a career outside of the home. Here is what the late great Matthew Henry had
to say about the Proverbs 31 woman.
This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the
general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to
recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and
is willing that he rule over her.
1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for
him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him
good.
2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in
them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She
applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's business {which is
to marry, bear children, and guide the home}. She does what she does, with all
her power, and trifles not.
3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management.
Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it.
She provides well for her house {by living within her means}. She lays up for
hereafter.
4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige
all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her.
5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and
cheerfully.
6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she
governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures
herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is
written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of
another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world.
7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor
is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made
his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the
beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever.
8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She
shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or
useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great
blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good
word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her.
Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; and
according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This
description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and
respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals,
but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous
spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true
believers, to possess all the excellences here described.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27
