Who Can Find a Woman of Strength?

One of my closest friends is getting married. Wedding preparations are in full swing and recently I had the joy of joining with several other friends in throwing the bride a Proverbs 31 shower. A heavy theme? Yes. But oh, so, valuable.

One of the wiser women in our group provided an excellent and encouraging devotion on this passage, and I came away encouraged to dig further still. Though the chapter can be overwhelming, what part of our walk/growth in the Lord isn't, apart from His grace?

For the past two weeks I've been unable to move past verses 10-12. There is so much within them, that I'm sure I could focus on them for months and still find the Lord revealing areas of improvement for me to better align myself with the godly character reflected! At any rate, I thought I'd share:

Proverbs 31: 10-12
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and
lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm
all the days of her life.

Here are a few thoughts I've been mulling around about this woman:

Vs 10: She is rare. In my past study of this verse I've always focused on the fact that this woman is valuable. But I've realized that it's more than that: she is rare. The law of supply and demand rings true: scarcity drives up value.

• Do I know many others like me? Even among Christian circles, am I different? How so? How not?

Vs 11: She is trustworthy, industrious and profitable. This verse packs a lot of challenge for me; most specifically the latter section. According to the commentary here (a great resource BTW), the basic translation reads: "so that he [her husband] shall have no need of spoil [goods gained from war]."

• In what ways am I profitable to my family? Is my husband "richer" because of me? What ways can I improve in spending my time wisely?
  

Vs 12: She rewards her husband with good. I love the basic translation "deals bountifully" here. No matter what her husband's actions, she continuously heaps good upon him. And they are blessed. I really can stand improvement here. My attitude tends to often be a tit-for-tat one. When it's convenient I'm kind. When I'm trying to make a point, I'm not. Yet the old addage "kindness makes a man attractive" is equally, even moreso, valuable for wives. It not only blesses her husband, but touches her whole family. And she is blessed.

• How can I actively reward my husband each day? Basics? Abstracts? Can I prevent any harm from befalling him? Do I value him above myself?

As you can see, I have lots of thoughts! Thanks for joining me as I'm thinking through the wisdom in these verses... and should you have any thoughts to add, I'd love to hear them. Much wisdom is gained from much council... and I have much to gain.