Reading

• Joy and Grief – Prov. 14:10, 13; 15:13; 17:22; 18:14; 25:20; 27:11; 29:6
• Good News – Prov. 15:30; 25:25
• Curiosity – Prov. 27:20
• Sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh, an oracle – Prov. 30:1-33
• Sayings of King Lemuel – Prov. 31:1-31

Devotional

Today’s reading includes the beautiful passage commonly referred to as “The Virtuous Wife” from Prov. 31. Unlike most of Proverbs, this chapter was not written by Solomon, but rather an individual named King Lemuel, about whom the Bible reveals nothing else. This Scripture begins by stating how hard it is to find a wife of noble character. This type of wife is extremely valuable, worth far more than rubies. Her husband fully trusts her. She is a helper to him and doesn’t do him harm.

The noble wife is a hard worker, diligent and tireless in accomplishing what needs to be done. She provides food for her family, rising even before the sun comes up. She is a smart businesswoman, buying and selling. She is a giver, helping those who she sees that are in need. She takes care of her household, providing clothes for them so they’ll be warm in winter. She sells garments to others as well. She is strong and possesses dignity, confident and well-prepared for the future. She speaks wisely and is faithful in all things. She watches over her household carefully. She is busy. She is praised by her children, her husband, and those who see her at the city gates.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
(Prov. 31:30 NKJV)

Young girls and ladies, you need to strive to be this woman. What a noble and wonderful aspiration—an excellent calling and worthwhile cause for yourself! Young men, you need to look for a woman who displays these characteristics when you seek a wife! There is no greater blessing for a woman than to be like Jesus, and a woman with this character will be a blessing beyond measure to any young man she decides to marry, as well as her children and family.