A wife of noble character who can find, she is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10
Honestly when I read this I'm not sure whether to laugh hysterically or sit down and cry. I don't feel like there's is whole lot of noble character to be in me some days. Most days if I'm honest. It seems like an impossiby high standard.
But this is not written for women to beat themselves up with and then to give up in defeat before even getting started on the journey. Along with high standards there is also Grace, given freely to all of us who will except it. With that Grace comes strength from beyond our own ability. Strength to get up and try again when we fail and strength to reach a little farther, climb a little higher, stretch a little more.
The Hebrew word for noble is chayil which carries the meaning of noble, virtous, a strong woman of substance, depth and character. She is capable in the work set out before her. A woman of this character is valuable to her her husband because she is not a weak and passive woman who allows herself to be swayed by every passing fancy. Neither does she allow herself to be run over by those around her but stands firm in her convictions.
I found some interesting resources and articles on the Proverbs 31 that I thought I would share.
Proverbs 31: Portrait of a Godly Woman
Proverbs 31 Ministries
A Virtous Woman
I will continue to update this post throughout this week as I focus on the first verse of this passage this first week of the 2011. 2011 Resolution
There is a hymn sung by husbands to their wives on Friday night after Sabbath-eve dinner. It is called Eshet Chayil, A Woman of Valor. It begins "A woman of valor who can find, for her price is far beyond rubies.." It is sad to remind the husband of all that his wife does to keep a happy home and to not take her for granted. Here is a you tube of the hymn, it is Hebrew with English translation...no hubby doesn't sing it to me, apart from the fact that he isn't so religious, he constantly tells me how lucky he is to have me, so that's good enough for now :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDNSG1Kub8U