An Honourable Life
There are many jokes about what makes a good wife, for example.
My wife dresses to kill. She also cooks the same way. (Henny Youngman)
or
A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong. (Milton Berle)
It has become quite unfashionable to even think of a “Good Wife”. For perfectly proper reasons, like men and women are equal, and neither needs to be “the one” that holds the household together, each bring complementary roles, not necessarily dictated by gender.
So to some, this advice from Proverbs may seem twee, or outdated, but whether aimed at women or men, wives or husbands, it is excellent advice on how to live generally, and be respected.
Proverbs 31:10-31
In Praise of a Good Wife
10 A truly good wife
is the most precious treasure
a man can find!
11 Her husband depends on her,
and she never
lets him down.
12 She is good to him
every day of her life,
13 and with her own hands
she gladly makes clothes.
14 She is like a sailing ship
that brings food
from across the sea.
15 She gets up before daylight
to prepare food
for her family
and for her servants
16 She knows how to buy land
and how to plant a vineyard,
17 and she always works hard.
18 She knows when to buy or sell,
and she stays busy
until late at night.
19 She spins her own cloth,
20 and she helps the poor
and the needy.
21 Her family has warm clothing,
and so she doesn’t worry
when it snows.
22 She does her own sewing,
and everything she wears
is beautiful.
23 Her husband is a well-known
and respected leader
in the city.
24 She makes clothes to sell
to the shop owners.
25 She is strong and graceful,
as well as cheerful
about the future.
26 Her words are sensible,
and her advice
is thoughtful.
27 She takes good care
of her family
and is never lazy.
28 Her children praise her,
and with great pride
her husband says,
29 “There are many good women,
but you are the best!”
30 Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honours the Lord
deserves to be praised.
31 Show her respect—
praise her in public
for what she has done.
Caring for others; ensuring needs are met; being known for wise advice, someone it is safe to turn to to ask; being someone who honours the Lord – aren’t they qualities we should all aspire to?
Lord,
I pray
that I may be known
as someone who honours you,
who is trustworthy,
wise,
caring
and a provider.
However that fits into my life,
as a wife, mother, daughter;
as father, brother, son;
as sole-provider or joint carer;
as colleague, neighbour, friend
– may I live in ways that help others
– and honour you
Pam's Perambulation 