The next element of the virtuous woman is her organizational and thinking skills. She is very diligent in taking care of the needs of her family. Always looking ahead and making plans for the days to come. In verse 21 she is planning for the change in climate. A sudden snowfall doesn’t catch her off guard. The garments are sewn and ready to wear when needed. Because of her strong work ethic and desire to take care of her family, she not only is prepared she is able to cloth them in beautiful garments. Her industrious character provides clothing of rich colors and fine quality fabric. She has cloth of purple and scarlet that are usually worn only by royalty because of the cost of this fabric. Her secret to clothing her family in such royal coverings, is her ability to keep things running smoothly at home, so there is time to sew garments to sell to others. We live in a society that is me focused and feels entitled. Many women are foolish enough to live day to day never preparing for the future. Even thinking about the future overwhelms some women, so the opt for a nap, and look for ways to get out of doing things in the home. These attitudes only make things worse.
Proverbs 31:21-23 “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”
Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.”
Proverbs 31:24-25 “She maketh fine linen, and sleuth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
This woman fears the Lord above everything else in her life. Her love for God is the basis for everything else she does. It forms her character and governs her conduct. She does not spend her time hoping for opportunities to enjoy recreation or sleep. She is determined to raise a family that honors and loves God. Her joy comes from pleasing God, and seeing her family love him also. She rejoices over all that God has blessed her with and is never satisfied to set back and do nothing.
Sandwiched in the middle of these verses is another benefit of her character and conduct. The greatest blessing a man has is a good wife. If she is known for being this virtuous woman, the reputation of her husband is elevated. This man is free to sit at gates where much business occurs. He can do this, because she has kept everything going well at home. The reputation of his family helps others to think well of him. Because of her diligence it appears to others that he has a charming wife, well behaved children, and a wonderful home. With this kind of home life, he can work with confidence and freedom. From the beginning of creation, the wife was to be a help and that is exactly what the virtuous woman is to her husband.
She thinks, plans, and takes action.
