I Do Not Like That Proverbs Woman

I have a problem with her (I must confess). That virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She did all things well and never did anything wrong. I’m sure she coined the term busy as a bee, and made coffee breaks and take-out pizza tabu. Considered it sinful to sleep once the sun was up. Never a hair out of place. And sure she never gossiped or was unkind. And certainly never yelled at her kids! 

She was always working, never idle. But me? I love a coffee break and I adore take-out pizza! Or some leisure time reading, watching a film, or swinging in the garden. And I wonder if my kids ever thought that yelling was the only volume I had.

Is it any wonder I don’t like her?

She leaves me feeling idle, frumpy, and feckless!

And I know a good many women share my feelings! But it’s best we come to terms with her. Because that Model Woman won’t be going away, thanks to the book of Proverbs.

If you’re like me you read and think: I’m determined to become a better cook and housekeeper! Why, I’ll even learn to knit! I’ll guard my tongue more carefully. And find more ways to help the poor. I’ll become such a model woman that my family will barely recognize me! 

But I always fall short of my high and lofty goals! We still get take-out pizza. And as far as knitting is concerned, don’t even bother searching for any knitting needles in my house!

No one can do everything

This model woman was an ideal business manager and homemaker par excellence. Yet even she didn’t seem to do everything.

We don’t see her babysitting for friends.

The neighborhood children didn’t seem to gather around for stories or fun activities. I know women whose homes overflow with neighborhood kids. It’s difficult to figure out which kids are theirs. And I admire their gift. But I’d go stark raving mad!

And we don’t know if she was like the Shunamite woman.

That hospitable woman from 2 Kings who made a special guest room for the prophet Elisha. We don’t even know if this Model Woman had a guest room!

Some women, however, have turned hospitality into an art form. They go out of their way to make people feel at home, and they have a real knack for it.

No imitations

We can learn much from the Proverbs 31 woman. But the main thing it’s taught me is to always do my best. Even in the things I least enjoy. (Like cooking and menus.)

God has plotted a special path for each of our lives. He made us with unique strengths and talents. And he expects us to use and improve them – with wholehearted diligence.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go the grave, there be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT

My daughter encouraged me one day, by telling me that she grew up thinking I loved to cook. (Me?? Love to cook?) “But you were always cooking, and pouring over recipe books and meal plans!” she said. And it’s true.

With our low budget and ever-hungry family I had to! And I am an excellent cook (necessity is a great teacher). But I certainly don’t love cooking! I just tried to do the best I could. (Between coffee breaks and take-out pizza, that is!)

Doing our finest for the glory and honor of God is what really makes a worthy woman. One who tries to do what is right and cares about others. And who, though mediocre in many things, stewards her God-given gifts with care. And who does her very best – in her own special way.

Others will rise up and call such a woman blessed. Her works will praise her. And her heart will be at rest, knowing that her life is pleasing to the Lord.

Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels… Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!”

Proverbs 31:10, 28-29 CSB

Images: Crochet hooks by xxolaxx. | Yarn ©SignoraSheila.