I'm taking a break from the regular reading this morning to wish my wonderful wife of 28+years a very happy birthday. Without a doubt she is the best example of the life of Christ that I have ever known. She exemplifies Philippians 2:5; "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus"
Now to the passage today. I'd like to go through this passage verse by verse.
The noble wife’s husband is mentioned three times and is referred to as “him” in verse 12. His confidence in her is complete. He trusts her. Her careful household management enhances their family’s wealth. He lacks nothing of value by way of household goods.
This kind of woman is an asset, not a liability, to her husband. Good comes to him that can be directly attributed to her. She supports and encourages him. And she is faithful in helping him all... her life. (This is Sharon in spades)
She is involved in weaving and sewing. She uses wool and flax, and linen made from flax. With eager hands is literally, “with the delight of her hands,” suggesting that she enjoys her work.
(Sharon loves to work and work hard. I don't know anybody who loves to work like her and yet never complains - never!)
The noble wife also does shopping. She is like... merchant ships that brought unusual and fascinating merchandise from other places. She too brought interesting and unusual items home from her shopping. Though she has household help she herself gets up early, before daybreak, to help prepare breakfast and food for other meals, and to delegate work (portions) to her servants. (Sharon serves our family everyday, and to our shame many times without the appreciation and gratitude she is owed)
She works energetically and with vigor. She has a healthy attitude toward work.Her wise business dealings are referred to. The fact that her lamp does not go out speaks of her planning ahead. (This is so Sharon. Always thinking ahead to how to best serve others)
The noble wife is also selfless and generous. She sells some things for profit but she also gives to the poor and the needy. Cold weather does not cause this woman to panic for her household -she is prepared for it. She has clothed them in scarlet, that is, she has provided expensive garments. She spares no cost in protecting her family from the cold. (While Sharon takes care of her family big time, she does battle me over the thermostat controls)
She even makes her family’s bed coverings. A noble woman enhances her husband’s standing among those who transact legal and judicial affairs at the city gate among the elders. Though she is obviously aggressive and competent, she functions in a way that honors her husband’s leadership rather then denigrates it. She respects him and builds him up. (The best part of my ministry is Sharon. She is the greatest partner and friend any man could hope for or desire. I strongly believe that I have enjoyed God's blessing all these years because of her life.)
In keeping with the theme of Proverbs, this woman is praised for her wisdom and faithful instruction. The instruction probably refers to her teaching her children and her servant girls.
She is involved in management (she watches over... affairs of her household). Yet she is also directly involved in various activities as a housewife. She is not idle. (Everyone who meets Sharon knows there is something special about her. She carries herself with great dignity and grace)
Her children... call her blessed. She is positive and optimistic and enjoys her role in life. Her husband... praises her by telling others she is the greatest of the noble women. Her secret is her godly character. She is physically charming and beautiful but those qualities may not last. But as a woman who fears the Lord, she is praised by her husband and others. (As I think back through all of our married life, there are countless people that Sharon has invested in and been a blessing to, but none more than her children. She has forever marked our kids with the love of God and compassion and the ability to forgive others when they have wronged you. Her kindness and mercy are intertwined and indelibly marked on each of our children's lives.)
The virtues of a noble wife are those that are extolled throughout the Book of Proverbs: hard work, wise investments, good use of time, planning ahead, care for others, respect for one’s spouse, ability to share godly values with others, wise counsel, and godly fear (worship, trust, service, obedience). As Proverbs has stated repeatedly, these are qualities that lead to honor, praise, success, personal dignity and worth, and enjoyment of life. In the face of the adulteress’ temptations mentioned often in Proverbs, it is fitting that the book concludes by extolling a virtuous wife. Young men and others can learn from this noble woman. By fearing God, they can live wisely and righteously. That is the message of Proverbs. This is the life of Sharon Pedlowe.
Let me say it to all who will hear - Sharon is a wife of the noblest character. I love her, respect and will cherish her all the days of my life.
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