I forgot about this for a while.  Life got crazy and kind of pushed it out of my head.  But it really is the most inspirational piece of poetry I've ever come across.  It's something to aspire to. 

 

What strikes me this morning is that except for the one line: [Her husband] praises her: “ Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” this passage says next to nothing of the relationship between her and her husband.  Why is that noteworthy?  Because there is no reason for her not to be the virtuous wife.  Her job as a wife is not depend on any other factors, it doesn't change.  That's a lesson I would do well to learn I think.  Too often when I feel as though I've been wronged I retreat, I stop acting as I know I should, as though the things I do are some kind of "reward".  They aren't.  They aren't a bonus, something I can do when I feel like it.  The duty of a wife is the duty of a wife.  As long as she remains a wife, she needs to act like it.  This passage doesn't talk about her bad days, although I'm sure she had them... we all do.  It doesn't mention her being tired, or frusterated, or angry, even though everyone gets tired, frusterated or angry.  So this morning I pick up and try again.

 

Who can find a virtuous wife? 
For her worth is far above rubies. 
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over 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:
“ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.