Pity or Praise the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:31: "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."


We have finally come to the end of the 21 week Proverbs 31 series! What an inspiration it has been to study this amazing woman who does not eat the bread of idleness! We have seen her diligence in every aspect of life - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! In the end, what does she get for all of her hard labor? A prize, trophy or plaque? No, she receives the praise of those around her declaring indeed she is rare.

Let's reflect for a moment on the above list. Do you think she wanted to be pitied for the lowly work she had to do? Do you think she moped around imagining that the grass was greener for the lady down the road? She had to wake so early to care for her loved ones. She had to work so late at night to get all of sewing work done. She helped the poor, while still making sure her family was warm and fed. She had to be exhausted! Should we pity the Proverbs 31 woman?

I mean where are the spa days? Disney Land vacations? The raise with the corner office and bonus checks? Proverbs 31:31 says - "Give her the reward she has earned." So what has she exactly "earned"?

Proverbs 31:28 says "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her." Her reward is the praise of her closest loved ones. And so we must ask:

1. What do your children think of you?
2. What does your husband think of you?

Some may say, "Praise is not much of a reward." But truly, how many wives do you know who long for their husband's appreciation and acknowledgement of what they do. How many parents do you see struggling with the rebellion of their teens. The Proverbs 31 woman does not face these struggles. Wouldn't you take the peace, love, and harmony of a warm cozy home over a free family vacation filled with strife?

Let's switch gears, I have said many times on this blog "Who you are at home is who you really are." But I want to add - you cannot be warm to those inside your home and cold to those outside your home and be like the Proverbs 31 woman.

Her character was clearly seen by those outside of her home. Verse 31 says: "Her works bring her praise at the city gate." Not only is she praised by those inside her home, but now we see her being praised by those outside her home! Double bonus!

So, at the end of the day, do we pity or praise the Proverbs 31 woman? I suppose it matters what you value? Money, status, power, or people?

To me, life is empty without the people in my life. And though I never want to selfishly seek praise from others - we see that it is the natural outcome of a woman who lives her life poured out for her family and friends.

Does God pity or praise the Proverbs 31 woman? He praises her. It is God I ultimately desire to please. And though this world may be confused by our dreams, visions and goals, one day when we stand before God's throne on judgement day it will all be clear.

Proverbs 31:10 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Indeed sweet Christian sister, you are rare and your worth is beyond any earthly treasure. Now go treasure the people in your life and pursue pleasing God.

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and Internet Cafe's Word Filled Wednesday.