Who Can Find a Virtuous Wife?

Over the past few weeks, I have been formulating a blog in my head about finances and how we, as wives, can best "help" our husbands be good stewards of the resources God has so graciously given to us. Naturally, other priorities have come before this posting and my writing has had to continue in my head instead of on this "paper"we call a blogspot! In the mean time, I attended the funeral of dear friend's mother a couple weeks ago. Though I did not know the mother who past away in an intimate way, I was drawn to her life story through the testimonies of her children and pastor. From all that was said, she epitimized the Proverbs 31 woman in her life relationships with her husband, children, grandchildren, church family, friends and strangers. In response to her story, I began to question my own life and what people might say of me when I leave this earth. I am thankful that she left a legacy of virtue for those of us who are younger to hear and follow in her example!

As I read through the familiar passage of Proverbs 31, I was reminded of the vast wisdom we see in this portrayal of a virtuous woman. First of all, I believe she is a wise woman because she "fears the Lord" (v.30) not simply because she seems to make good decisions in her life. If we truly fear the Lord and not man, our lives will begin to align with the lessons we learn from this timeless passage in Scripture. If we study this passage through a financial lense, we can grasp many wise ways to help our husbands in the home, as God created us to do, and not hurt them!! These questions are from my own reflection of this passage and relate to issues inside my heart, as I try to seek the best way to help my husband during this "economic downturn."

v.11 - "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain"
Can my husband trust me with the buying responsibilities of the household?
Can my husband trust me to spend our money in a way that brings glory to God?

v.12 - "She does him good and not evil . . . "
Do I help my husband stay under budget and not bring financial turmoil to the household?
Do I help make wise investments that will bless and others in the years to come?

v.13 - "She. . . willingly works with her hands."
v.14 - "She rises while it is still night, and provides food for her household"
v.16 - "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard."
Do I posses a hard work ethic in my home that helps provide for my families needs?
Do I make wise purchases for our family?

v. 20 - "She extends her hand to the poor."
Do I make a habit of giving to others in times of want and of plenty?

v. 27 - "She watches over the ways of her household. and does not eat the bread of idleness."
Do I use my time wisely while at home to prepare for and take care of my husband and my children? Or
Am I lazy and waste time doing things I want to do rather than caring for the needs of my family?

v. 28 - "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
Will my children give testimony, one day, that I served the Lord with gladness and diligence in our home?
Does my husband consider me a diligent worker and approve or praise me for a job well done with the responsibilities he has given me?

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30
STILL TO COME . . . WAYS THAT OUR FAMILY IS TRYING TO SAVE MONEY