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.1
Marriage is one of the most important decisions one makes. Thus, we encourage couples to go through a marriage-preparation (at our church Victory-BGC we call it, The Blueprint for Marriage). It is crucial to know what weight or purpose marriage connotes—it is a covenant we make before God; it is not merely a contract. Marriage carries with it a permanence with Jesus at the helm of the relationship.
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.2 To find an excellent wife is to be blessed by the LORD. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.3 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.4
The Book of Proverbs, which is full of practical wisdom for living, warns of women who do not have the fear of God and who are contentious—It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.5 There are other similar verses that repeat the warning.6 Take heed! Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses the way.7
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.8
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.9 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.10 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.11
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”12
To my wife, Stella, mother of our children, and all the faithful mothers: Advance Happy Mother’s Day. Rest assured that Jesus awaits you to welcome you with these words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’13
Notes:
1. Proverbs 31:30-31
2. Proverbs 31:10-12
3. Proverbs 18:22
4. Proverbs 12:4
5. Proverbs 21:9
6. Proverbs 21:19, 25:24, 27:15
7. Proverbs 19:2
8. Proverbs 19:20-21
9. Proverbs 14:1
10. Proverbs 31:15
11. Proverbs 31:25-28
12. Proverbs 31:29
13. Matthew 25:23
