Ode to a Capable Spouse

Proverbs 31 is comprised of two discrete sections. According to my online source, verses 1–9 carry the heading “The Teaching of King Lemuel’s Mother.” This section is interesting, but it is verses 10–31 that always catch my attention when I read this final chapter in the book of Proverbs. This section is titled “Ode to a Capable Wife.”

Reading these verses with 21^st century eyes, one might be tempted to dismiss them as abject sexism. Knowing what I know about the history at the time, however, they are actually unusually liberating.

Regardless, I invite you to read the following, substituting “husband” for “wife,” as appropriate. What I read is a description of the ideal partner/mate/spouse—not only the spouse that I have in my ideal life, but the spouse that I am in his or her ideal life.

With that, here are verses 10–31 in their entirety. I hope you enjoy them as much as I always do.

A capable 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.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
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 for her household when it snows,
for all her household are clothed in crimson.
She makes herself coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the city gates,
taking his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she supplies the merchant with sashes.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her happy;
her husband too, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the city gates. (Prov 31:10-31, NRSV)

I have enjoyed spending these 31 days of August with you. The 31 chapters of the book of Proverbs in the Bible have provided excellent food for thought on most of these days. Stay tuned as I “decompress” the effect that this exercise has had on me in the days and weeks ahead. And, as always, thank you for your feedback below. God’s blessings on you and yours.

Tagged as: proverbs, sexism, spouse