Finding Purpose as a Proverbs 31 Wife
As we embark on our deep-dive into Proverbs 31, we’ll be focusing on one small set of verses at a time. Today we’ll be looking at Proverbs 31:10-12, which are quoted below. If you haven’t taken the time to read Proverbs 31 as a whole or my previous blog post about it, make sure you check it out!
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” - Proverbs 31:10-12
Who doesn’t want to be an excellent wife? Getting married is the typical childhood fantasy of countless women. Many young girls spend hours upon hours dreaming of the perfect white wedding dress, the most beautiful venue, and the charming man with tear-filled eyes waiting at the end of the aisle. But being a wife is so much more than being a bride on her wedding day.
When focusing on finding the “perfect man” to marry, it can be tempting to put our own desires ahead of where God has us now. We desire attention, attraction, and a laundry list of worldly characteristics that get in the way. We chase after the wrong things. In this pursuit, we tend to neglect caring for the relationship that should be the first priority in our lives – our relationship with the Lord. When we pursue that relationship first and foremost, trusting the Lord to guide us to the right person, He is faithful to provide a love that is "far more precious than jewels."
Proverbs 31 women are most fully able to live in God's order and design for the family when their husbands act as servant leaders, as Christ leads the church. My friend, who you choose to marry matters. Be picky. If you are still waiting to find your person, remember not to settle for less than God's best.
But, you have to BE the right person before you find the right person. That begins with your pursuit of the Lord and continues with the daily pursuit of living out His purpose for your life.
One great purpose that God designed for women is to become “wives of noble character” who care for their families and homes. My sister, it's never too early and it's never too late to start refining your homemaker skills. Whether you're already married, still waiting for a husband, or married but pre-children (like me), you can start focusing energy towards learning how to maintain a healthy home, body, and soul for your family. That’s why Homemakers University is here!
In contrast to today's culture where the pursuit of money, possessions, and personal accolades seem to be front and center, I believe that we are called to honor God by working for the benefit of our husbands and the good of our family. This obligation is, of course, shared by both husbands and wives. We are called to love unconditionally by serving each other joyfully.
The foundation of this way of life is your marriage. God wants you and your husband to use the playground of marriage to grow spiritually. He wants His love to shine upon each of you and out to every witness of your relationship. This Agape love is covenantal. It is selfless, trustworthy, kind, gracious, and unconditional. It is on display through how you care for the needs of your husband and how he shows love in return.
Should God bless you with children, this love is for them, too. A virtuous marriage plays an integral role in developing young disciples for Jesus. The “excellence” of a Proverbs 31 wife comes from her integrity, godly character, and dedication to family. Her efforts to maintain a peaceful home are valued by her loved ones. One of her roles is to share wisdom with her children to instill the virtues of Christ in them. As Proverbs 31 women, we are to lead the next generation in the way they should go and teach them to be fruitful for the Kingdom. The covenant of marriage is the foundation we can set for our children that will affect the way they come to understand God's love, choose a partner, and be that example to their own kids one day.
As Proverbs 31 women, the value of our commitment to homemaking extends beyond the home. As homemakers, our lives are examples of the sacrificial love of God through our service to our family. Homemaking is our ministry. All we do inside of (and outside of) the home is ultimately for His glory.
Remember, being a homemaker isn't about doing it all, it's about intentionally putting Christ at the center of everything you say and do. This is the most important purpose in the world!
By writing these devotions, it is my hope that the Lord will use my words to stir your faith and inspire you to live it out wherever you may be. However, His Words are more powerful than mine ever could be.
For further reading and personal study, consider these verses: Proverbs 22:6 | Psalm 128:3-4 | Philippians 2:3-4
For a time of worship, consider this song: How Good of God by Matthew West
FUN FACT
Here is an eye opening statistic that shows the economic "value" of the Proverbs 31 homemaker. When you feel guilt for pursuing the incredible commitment of a homemaker instead providing monetary contribution, KNOW YOUR WORTH, GIRL.
"Depending on the size of the home, family, pets, and numerous other conditions, a stay-at-home parent may work upwards of 98 hours a week. According to 2019 data from Salary.com, if you were a stay-at-home parent who was paid for your services, you would be looking at a median annual salary of $178,201." - Investopedia.
What are you most looking forward to in our study of Proverbs 31? Have any thoughts you’d like to share? I’d love to connect!
Homemakers University creates home guides, Biblical art, and apparel that inspires homemakers to intentionally manage, style, and steward their spaces. Sadie Jean works to bring her love for God, minimalist design, and homemaking together through her modern designs.
HU proudly supports women who see their homes not just as spaces, but as their ministry.
