The Proverbs 31...Husband?

In Proverbs 31, Lemuel described a virtuous wife whose value to her husband and family was far greater than precious stones.  Many women have made the industrious qualities of this woman an inspiration to live up to, and others feel inadequate as they consider her superhuman work ethic.  Because this is written generally of "a virtuous woman," I do not believe all these specific skills or qualities are necessary to be considered virtuous.  At the same time, the praiseworthy description ought to inspire women (and men too!) to use their God-given talents to serve God and others in the roles He has called us to.

A virtuous wife is a blessing to her husband as it is written in Proverbs 31:11-12:  "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."  The chaste, morally upright and active wife is marked by industry.  She takes initiative and prepares for the future.  She cares and provides for the needs of others, especially those of her own household.  This wife is savvy to earn money and brings prosperity, and she is governed by wisdom and kindness in what she says and does.  Rather than giving place to idleness, she excels in all she puts her hands to do.  Her domestic skills and talents are profitable beyond her home, and her husband and children praise her in Proverbs 31:28-29:  "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."

What struck me as I consider this passage is how many virtuous wives have been hindered from reaching their full stature because of a domineering and untrusting husband.  As intimidating as the description of a virtuous woman is for women, it can also unsettle men.  It requires faith in God for a husband to trust his wife to take initiative as described in Proverbs 31:16:  "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard."  Husband, would you trust your wife and approve of her making major financial decisions?  It is possible for a husband and a wife to take initiative in a complementary marriage relationship, and this requires mutual submission before the LORD and one another.  Speaking from the perspective of a husband of a virtuous wife, I can attest how the LORD has used her industry and labour to bring immeasurable profit to our marriage, family and home that would never have existed without her drive, wisdom and foresight.

Proverbs 31:25 reads, "Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come."  The strength of the virtuous woman is not derived from her independence but by submission to the LORD and her husband she respects.  A wife is made strong when her husband loves her like Jesus does the church, and God's sacrificial, active love makes her to thrive in her role.  The future of a virtuous wife is rejoicing, for her husband and children will rise and call her blessed.  The passage concludes with Proverbs 31:30-31:  "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."  It is one thing to be praised by your husband and children, but how much greater it is to hear "Well done!" from our LORD Jesus in His presence forever!  Since our LORD will praise us for a life well lived, the husband of a virtuous wife ought to honour her publicly and reward her with praise.