A Proverbs 31 Woman: Part 3

In continuation of the second virtue of the virtuous woman: her role as a home-maker Proverbs 31:16 "She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard." The first part of this verse discusses the care that a wife will make before using the families income to make a large purchase. Weighing the value of the purchase before opting either to turn down the offer or buy it. Far to often, large purchases are made irrationally and without proper consideration given. Than from this purchase the planting of a vineyard represents that she uses her purchase to the benefit of the family. Again, the focus is not on herself, but rather the family. In order for a marriage and a family to succeed the attention needs to be on the welfare of the family, not the individual. Proverbs 31:17 "She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong." This verse is in praise of the energy and enthusiasm of the virtuous wife, for it is through repetition and stress that strength is born. Therefore, to gird herself with strength, signifies how she accepts the struggles of the family and marriage and excels at them for she is made strong. Proverbs 31:18 "She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night." A prelude to the parable of the 7 virgins who did not have lamp oil for the arrival of the groom that Christ will later tell. However, the message still bears true of the service as a good steward; taking proper care of that which has been entrusted to you to see its gain. Proverbs 31:19 "She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle." The diligence that is required to operate a spinning wheel is the message here that is the final verse in relation to the home-maker, the level of attention and care that is necessary to take care of a home and a family.