More than Rubies

Proverbs 31:10

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

^{10 [a]} A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

A few weeks ago, we looked at Proverbs 12:4 which says that a wife of noble character is her "husband's crown." And here she is again : )

I think it is so fitting that this verse begins the passage. It won't be long before we see how hard this woman works- but right now, we are just going to focus on her noble character.

What does a wife of noble character look like?

- She's kind. She does thoughtful things for her family.

- She's humble. She doesn't think that she is "above" any one or any chore that may need to be done.

- She's patient. With the husband who hasn't fixed the sink yet and the children that are constantly making messes.

- She's honest. She shares her whole heart with her husband and doesn't mislead her children.

- She's gracious. She doesn't hold grudges, but remembers that everyone in her home is a sinner.

- She's hopeful. She knows that God is at work in her and in her family. She is excited for what He is doing.

Her character directs her towards her good deeds.

- A kind wife makes favorite desserts and writes love notes in lunchboxes.

- A humble wife changes diapers and cleans toilets.

- A patient wife picks up mess after mess, day after day, with a smile on her face.

- An honest wife tells the truth about her children's ages, even if it means spending more money at amusement parks, movie theaters and restaurants.

- A gracious wife pays a forgotten bill quietly, without chastising her husband.

- A hopeful wife can laugh at a toddler covered in spaghetti, and know that this stage won't last forever.

We have to admit that it's easier to learn how to do the good deeds than how to have good character. How can we develop these traits?

- Spend time with our God who has perfect character. Read the Word! Pray and ask for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self- control. Record ways in which He has been faithful to give you these traits.

-Spend time with women who have good character. Proverbs is full of encouragements to surround yourself with people you want to be like and to avoid those who will bring you down. Find women (older, younger, same stage) who have noble character and read and pray together.

I hope you are encouraged that the first step towards being a good homemaker is having noble character. The LORD is always looking at our heart first. There may be days when the house is a mess, but we have had sweet communion with Him. There will be other days when we've cooked a dinner for 12 and snapped at our children just as many times. And still others when our kindness and patience have been well demonstrated through our actions. He knows our hearts and He is working towards making them more like His.

Today, I encourage you to take a look at your character and determine to cultivate it to be more noble. Hey, who doesn't want to be worth far more than rubies??