Reading the Word

Proverbs 31:13–19 (ESV)
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

Understanding and Applying the Word

This section continues a description of the “excellent wife” that we looked at yesterday. From today’s verses, we see a description of a woman who is not idle, but busy and who is highly skilled in the affairs of life. She does many things to provide for her family. Of course, the woman pictured here is not an actual person, but a picture of the ideal.

Many argue that the woman described in these verses is wisdom personified. Wisdom is skill at life and the woman described here is highly skilled in all she does. The excellent wife is one who, in all she does, shows wisdom. She shows practical skill in decision making and life. She is truly an ideal partner in life to her husband.

As we read of this ideal wife, let us think how we can apply this passage to our own lives. How can we be an excellent partner in life for our spouse? How can we be wiser in our daily living in the world? How can we become more skilled at life?

---

**If you enjoy reading Shaped by the Word, please consider sharing this post on social media. Doing so helps us reach a larger audience. Thanks for reading!

Follow Shaped by the Word on WordPress or Facebook.