Lets take a look at Proverbs 31 (virtues of the resourceful woman) but with an interesting twist--lets not look at just the list for what the women folk need to do but lets take a step further and examine what those around her need to do to help her achieve the "virtue" status from a Biblical perspective.
IN OTHER WORDS...
The whole thing is not on her--but on those who love her as well. Lets look at the passage and then at the list.
First, what her responsibility is, then what the responsibility is of those who live with her.
“THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESOURCEFUL WOMAN (AND THOSE WHO LOVE HER)”
Proverbs 31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
1. She is always honest—they treat her like a priceless treasure. V. 10
2. She lives up to date—they trust her unconditionally. V. 11
3. She affirms and builds up—they believe in her and accept her for who she is. V. 12
4. She stays with something until it is finished—they encourage her, back her up, and don’t lay guilt on her. V. 13
5. She looks for the best opportunity—they are supportive of her even when they don’t understand completely. V. 14
6. She believes God is in charge of each and every day—they don’t complain about her or her decisions. V. 15
7. She is resourceful—they don’t manipulate her; they give her space. V. 16
8. She is secure in herself/She takes the high road—They don’t get in her way; let her be herself. V. 17
9. She is focused and not taken in by scams or schemes—they don’t make fun or her or mock her. V. 18
10. She is determined and follows through—they are supportive of her interests knowing it develops positive habits. V. 19
11. She is helpful to others—they are not jealous of her time or attention—Even if they can’t stand the people she is helping. V. 20
12. She is balanced in preparing for the future—they work together communicating their hopes and dreams for the future. V. 21
13. She has firm and balanced moral standards—He only has eyes for her—they understand she knows what she is talking about even when it is awkward. V. 22
14. She brings respect to everyone in the household through her stability—they listen to her and lean on her for balance. V. 23
15. She is always conscious of being an example to others—they are teachable and learn things from her. V. 24
16. She doesn’t stress out because she knows she has done everything she can and it is all in God’s hands—They help her to relax/They don’t add to her stress. V. 25
17. She doesn’t gossip or slander. She is always positive about others—they are supportive of her positive example.
18. She leads the family with activities and guidance—they stay positive and affirm her ideas with great appreciation. V. 27
19. She holds her relationship with God as the most important thing in her life—they communicate openly their appreciation for her Christian example. V. 28
20. She enjoys her life—they make life a joy for her. V. 29-30