When I read the Bible, I try to understand it as if the writer was speaking directly to me. I know it was written a long time ago, but I believe the words of antiquity hold the same value and meaning today as they did when God first spoke them to His chosen authors.
I would like to share my understanding of Proverbs 31 with you as I study it this morning.
Proverbs 31:1-31
The words of King Lemuel.
An oracle that his mother taught him:
"What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
So honestly, I'm not sure who King Lemuel was, but I know he had a smart mother! Since I do not have a son yet, I don't completely understand the mother-son dynamic but I imagine a modern day translation would go something like this...
Boy, what are you doing?! Do you remember what I taught you and the commitments you made as my sweet child? Do you realize you are in a position of power and people look to you for help? How can you make wise decisions for a city, a state, or a country if you are drunk? Leave the drinking to those who are suffering and to those whose life is better forgotten in a hangover.
You are a leader and God has placed you there to speak for those who have no power to speak for themselves. Can you please use your position to speak truth and defend those who cannot defend themselves?
As a leader you are going to need a wife who is on your side, a woman who will take care of the house, the kids, and you, of course, so that you can more efficiently do your job. Here are the kinds of things you need to be looking for in your wife; without her, you'll never be able to fulfill the role God has placed you in...
"An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."
Reading this in high school, it sounded like such lofty ideals. I'm sure at that time, I could've quoted most of these verses if someone asked me to. But now I realize these aren't just ideals, this is for real! My husband and I both work and we do not have any kids yet, but the day runs so much smoother for both of us when I have made us breakfast, taken care of our dogs, prepared lunch, picked up the living room, made our bed, etc.
I can just hear King Lemuel's mom telling him this; wholeheartedly praying for a woman who would take as good care of her son as she would...
Finding a wife who loves you and takes care of you is all I've ever wanted. She will be worth more to you than anything you ever thought you wanted! You should be able to completely trust your wife and know she always has your best interest at the forefront of her mind. While you are working, she will need to make breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can spend your time focusing on your job. Even if she has to drive all the way to Central Market to get your favorite chocolate covered espresso beans, she will. She loves you :-)
When it comes time to buy a home, you should trust that she will shop smart and find a place where you two can raise a family together. And you don't have to buy everything at the store, you know. Your wife should plant a garden so you can save time and money. And if you can grow grapes in Texas, ask her to plant a vineyard of grapes and make your own wine! :-D
Make sure you find a wife who doesn't obsess over what she looks like. She is yours and yours only and doesn't need to dress to win the heart of other men, if you know what I mean. Find a wife who is kind to everyone! As part of your support system, she needs to be able to help and agree with the way you are leading people.
She should be the kind of person who plans for the future so you two don't have to worry if you'll have enough to eat or a place to live. She needs to be a wise woman who speaks with grace and truth. Your wife should make taking care of you and family a priority. This will show in how she loves you and takes care of the children (dogs).
When you find her, never let go! Always let her know how much you appreciate her. She will be your strongest support in this life; so make sure you take every opportunity to love her, hug her and brag about her so that you friends and the people who follow you have an example of what a good wife is and won't settle for less.
Yep, I'm pretty sure I have a lot to work on when it comes to being an excellent wife to my husband, but it's just so cool to read these words and see how they can be so applicable today.
Love and Blessings,
Brittney
