You've heard the expression "behind every good man is a good woman." Behind this man before you today are two good, virtuous women---and both of them are here today! You all know my wonderful wife and my wonderful mother that put up with me all of those growing up years. These two ladies in my life epitomize the woman described in the text today.
A husband who is married to a virtuous woman lacks nothing of value (v. 11). He receives favor from the Lord (18:22). She is her husband's crown (best half) in Proverbs 12:4.
Just who is this virtuous woman?
I. SHE HAS A GOOD NAME
Her virtue is known to all. We see this
in reference to Ruth in verse 3:11 of that
wonderful book. This is not talking just
about morality but that is certainly part of
it. Verse 11 of the text says, "Her husband
doth safely trust in her."
Her name is intertwined her husband's---verse 23. "Known" means respected.
I can hear folks saying now, "There is not much to him but he has a good wife!"
II. SHE IS A HELP MEET (SUITABLE) FOR HIM
A. She will do him good---working by his side; for him, not against him (v. 12)
This is not a popular
notion among those who are trying to redefine family and
the relationship
between husbands and wives.
B. She helps manage the money---not just spend it (v. 16)
III. SHE PROVIDES FOR HER FAMILY (v. 27)
The noblest profession of all is raising a family.
It is crucial to the human race.
There is room allowed here for a wife and mother
to work but the Word of God
is honoring the wife and mother who makes the
care of her home her #1 priority.
Ladies, you think you've got it rough. Check
out the daily activities of this virtuous
woman:
-weaves cloth (v.
13)
-buys food (v.
14)---I chuckled when I read she brings it from afar. Anybody
knows
you have
to cook it first.
-cooks food while
it is still dark (v. 15)
-she dabbles in
real estate (v. 16)
-plants and tends
a vineyard on the side (v. 16)
-works well into
the night producing merchandise to sell for extra money (vv. 18&24)
-spins her own
thread (v. 19)
-sews all the clothes
after spinning the thread and weaving the cloth (v. 21)
-makes quilts---that's
what we call tapestries in the country (v. 22)
-and still finds
time to care for the needy. She is actively seeking areas in which
to
minister.
She is the one who is reaching out (v. 20)
IV. SHE WEARS SOME VERY SPECIAL CLOTHES
A. She dresses herself and her family in clothes
befitting a woman of noble character
(v. 21)
B. Most importantly---she clothes herself in Godliness (v. 25)
In the light of
the New Testament we could accurately say that she clothes herself
in the Lord Jesus
Christ (Colossians 3:10 ff.) This clothing includes mercy, kindness,
humility, patience,
forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness.
I would say that is a pretty nice outfit, wouldn't you?
Ladies, we are rising up today and calling you blessed (v. 28). We are praising you on this----your day. The fruit of your work is here, now and forever (v. 31)