Proverbs 31:20-31 - The Ideal Wife (2)

A good wife has a great part to do with a man’s peace of mind and ability to fulfil his role well within the family. It will be great for him if his wife is progressively becoming the ideal wife that Proverbs 31:10-31 describe. Remember, these verses give us tips on how to be an ideal wife and not an ordeal one. In verses 20-31 we shall see the remaining qualities of an ideal wife.

Proverbs 31:20 tells us that she is generous. She is not driven by a selfish desire to grab and hoard resources. On the contrary, this verse reveals that she stretches out her hand to help the poor and lend a hand to the needy. Unlike snobbish people who often sneer at the poor, this ideal wife is not. She is kind and big-hearted.

Proverbs 31:21 tells us that she is a woman of great foresight. She thinks and plans in advance. By saying that she is not afraid of snow for her household, suggests that she prepares for the need of her family so that they will not be hampered during winter time. She prepares well to ensure that her family do not need to suffer because of cold weather.  

Proverbs 31:22 says that she is not shabby or sloppy. This woman of quality dresses well and appropriately. Her ability to be resourceful enables her to be able to afford to dress well and so she does. Verse 23 suggests that she also helps her husband to gain a good reputation by being a respectable person. By being industrious, she frees him to participate and contribute to the welfare of the community. Verse 24 reveals that her capability enables her to be a source of supply to traders who sell sashes and belts. She will not stay idle at home but creates a home industry out of her skilful hand.

Proverbs 31:25 describes her as clothed with energy, vitality and dignity. Her demeanour reflects her well-preparedness. She will calmly and confidently face the future for she has prepared herself so well that come what may, she will not become unhinged.  

Proverbs 31:26 tells us that she is also a great guide and counsellor. She wisely counsels her family members to the ground of safety by her insightful words. Unlike a woman who is indiscreet, this one lovingly supports and discreetly helps to steer the family toward the right direction. This suggests that she is not a boisterous woman who shouts direction indiscreetly, thus creating needless emotional hurts to other members of the family.

Proverbs 31:27 points to the fact that she is also a watchful person. She looks over the affair of the family with a hawk’s eye. She supervises the home on her husband’s behalf to ensure that nothing is left unimproved within the family. She diligently sees to it that everything in the home is well and orderly.  

Proverbs 31:28 reveals that she is not only a great wife but also a great mother. Her children are full of respect for her. It will be evident in the way they show their courtesy and appreciate her love. She will also be the praise of her husband. And verse 29 tells us that she is the pride of her husband who prices her above everyone else. She is the pride of his life and he is not afraid to say so.  

Proverbs 31:30 shows that of all the ideals given earlier, none is more important than the fact that she is a God-fearing woman. Nothing shown by her virtuous and graceful conduct is as critical as this one. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is fitting that the ideal wife should top the list of her qualities of excellence with this most important quality – the fear of the Lord. This is indeed foundational to all her other qualities.  

Finally, in Proverbs 31:31, it shows us that she is a praiseworthy woman. Though she may give all her attention to the home mainly, yet her reputation will precede her and reaches far and wide within in the community. She will be known for her worth and be highly honoured.  

So be mindful that the ideal wife serves as a challenge to all the up and coming wife to be. It also suggests that the domestic life in a family is worth a woman’s attention. When the home is run well because of a virtuous woman, it is a place of great refuge from the world of chaos. To all who are seeking a wife, seek to find a great wife. For all those who are married, help your wife to become one, by being an ideal husband. All glory to God, who is able to transform both husband and wife to become the best that they each can be!