10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11-12 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.

13-18 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself (or, girds her loins) with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

19-21 Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet (or, in double thickness).

22-23 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24-25 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:11-25 English Standard Version.

In vs 1-10 the man known as King Lemuel told how his mother had warned him against giving his strength to women who could destroy kings. She was obviously well aware of the influence women can have on a man's life, for good or for bad. He now goes on to speak of the sort of woman who has a profound influence for good. What's the first thing he says of her in vs 10.

She is a woman who is (or who would make) an excellent wife. That's a role the modern world has tried to play down. But the Bible clearly teaches that being a wife and a mother is precious in God's sight and should be worth more than valuable jewels in our sight. This doesn't mean that woman who’ve not been able to marry are of less worth. But marriage was certainly the original intention when God created Adam and Eve. There's a batch of things said about this woman in vs 13-18, but what is one theme that comes through strongly?

She is industrious and quite capable of business ventures. She bought a field and planted a vineyard. She provided income for her family. (See also vs 24-25) I know of many pastors who did not earn large salaries, but who were blessed through their wives bringing in extra income even through very humble roles. But this hard work on her part goes even further. What else does he say of the sort of woman he is speaking about? (vs 19-21)

While charity might 'begin at home', it doesn’t stop there. Not only did she make sure her own household were looked after and provided for, she was always willing to extend her care to those she met who were in genuine need. Compassion meant more to her than fashion. This doesn't mean she was unaware of looking after herself as well. What do vs 22-23 teach?

She didn't neglect her own needs and appearance. She dressed and behaved in a way that actually won great respect for her husband. It may well be that much of the success he had in life (and the spotlight) was due to the stability she brought to the marriage. That's not a contradiction to the apostle Peter's words when he said to wives “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4) It's not a sin to look one's best - but the greatest beauty of any woman is that of a spirit which seeks to honour the Lord Jesus Christ in her life. Blessed are those who have known such a woman in their lifetime.