Remember the super hero Wonder Woman who could deflect bullets with those amazing bracelets she wore? Is that really what makes a Wonder Woman? Proverbs 31 asks this question, “An excellent wife, who can find?” The word “excellent” is also used in Proverbs 12:4 and is translated “nobly” in Proverbs 31:29. Ruth was called a woman of noble character in Ruth 3:11 (same word). This same word is translated “able” or “capable” in Exodus 18:21. Who can find a trustworthy woman (Proverbs 20:6)? This is not indicating that they are nonexistent but rather that they are very rare. Proverbs 31 concludes that the excellent wife’s worth is far above jewels. The same is said of wisdom in Proverbs 3:15 and 8:11. An excellent wife is hard to find which makes her such a treasure.
Now let me say a word or two to my readers who are single. So often I watch young men and young women who so badly want to be married and so concerned about “missing out” as their peers and even siblings tie the knot, that they rush into a marriage with someone who is not an “excellent spouse.” Let me just say this…no matter how long you have to wait to find that one man or one woman who would be the excellent wife or excellent husband, it will be worth it in the end. Don’t rush into marriage with someone who is less than excellent. Wait for that one person who will provide for you the benefits that the husband of the Proverbs 31 woman discovered. Notice three of these discoveries.
He believes in his wife (Proverbs 31:11). The noble wife’s husband is mentioned four times in this one chapter (v11, 12, 23, 28). These thoughts are far different from the ungodly wife seen in Proverbs 11:22 where a beautiful woman who lacks discretion is likened to a ring of gold in a pig’s snout. It is far different than Proverbs 21:19 which teaches that is better to live in a desert than with a contentious and vexing woman. And it is far better than Proverbs 27:15 where a contentious woman is likened to a constant dripping on a day of steady rain. The husband of the Proverbs 31 wife has complete confidence and trust in her abilities. Her careful household management allows them to lack nothing of value in the way of household goods.
He also benefits by his wife (v12). She is an asset, not a liability, to her husband. Good comes to him that can be directly attributed to her. She supports and encourages him. She is faithful in helping him all the days of her life.
Finally, he is built up by his wife (v23). She enhances her husbands standing among those who transact legal and judicial affairs. She functions in a way that honors her husband’s leadership rather than denigrating it. It is assumed that the head of such a well-ordered household must be a worthy man.
Gentlemen, if you are married to a wife like this that you believe in, are benefited by and who builds you up, get down on your knees and thank your Heavenly Father for such a gift because you have a rare and wonderful gift. Then take her in your arms, hold her tight and let her know how very much you love being married to your very own Wonder Woman!
Now let me say a word or two to my readers who are single. So often I watch young men and young women who so badly want to be married and so concerned about “missing out” as their peers and even siblings tie the knot, that they rush into a marriage with someone who is not an “excellent spouse.” Let me just say this…no matter how long you have to wait to find that one man or one woman who would be the excellent wife or excellent husband, it will be worth it in the end. Don’t rush into marriage with someone who is less than excellent. Wait for that one person who will provide for you the benefits that the husband of the Proverbs 31 woman discovered. Notice three of these discoveries.
He believes in his wife (Proverbs 31:11). The noble wife’s husband is mentioned four times in this one chapter (v11, 12, 23, 28). These thoughts are far different from the ungodly wife seen in Proverbs 11:22 where a beautiful woman who lacks discretion is likened to a ring of gold in a pig’s snout. It is far different than Proverbs 21:19 which teaches that is better to live in a desert than with a contentious and vexing woman. And it is far better than Proverbs 27:15 where a contentious woman is likened to a constant dripping on a day of steady rain. The husband of the Proverbs 31 wife has complete confidence and trust in her abilities. Her careful household management allows them to lack nothing of value in the way of household goods.
He also benefits by his wife (v12). She is an asset, not a liability, to her husband. Good comes to him that can be directly attributed to her. She supports and encourages him. She is faithful in helping him all the days of her life.
Finally, he is built up by his wife (v23). She enhances her husbands standing among those who transact legal and judicial affairs. She functions in a way that honors her husband’s leadership rather than denigrating it. It is assumed that the head of such a well-ordered household must be a worthy man.
Gentlemen, if you are married to a wife like this that you believe in, are benefited by and who builds you up, get down on your knees and thank your Heavenly Father for such a gift because you have a rare and wonderful gift. Then take her in your arms, hold her tight and let her know how very much you love being married to your very own Wonder Woman!
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