The Original Supermom!

The Proverbs 31 woman. (with my comments in paratheses)

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. (she is beyond treasured)

The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. (She never bad-mouths him and she supports him?)

She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. (she goes out and finds the proper materials for her sewing, etc)

She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. (she goes to the ends of the earth to get food? or is this merely refering to the fact that she provides variety in her family's diet?)

She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. (she is clearly a morning person)

She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. (she works)

She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. (she keeps herself healthy)

She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. (She is always prepared)

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. (In those days, cloth was spun by women)

She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. (she gives to those in need)

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. (she sews and makes sure her family is properly clothed)

She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (and apparently, she likes quality!)

Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. (her husband is well respected in the community)

She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. (she’s works…again!)

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. (she is optimistic and refined)

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (when she speaks, she doesn’t say foolish things and she teaches others to speak kindly)

She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. (this women is not lazy, her household is #1)

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." (Her family respects her.)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. ( her value is not tied up in how she looks, but in her ? can’t seem to put this one into words)

Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. (she will be rewarded in both physical blessings and in how she is perceived in her community)

I'm going to look at some more biblical support for priorities in the life of a Christian woman, before going much further.

Stick with me, I think this may be a bit of a process.  Feel free to add your thoughts below!