Proverbs 31 (Part I)

Proverbs 31: 10-31 can be a very daunting piece of scripture. Talk about the ideal wife and mother! There are so many times that I try to capture perfection and I'm sorely disappointed. I'm learning that I don't need to be perfect. I'm learning other virtues that are helpful in the long run such as grace, patience, and forgiveness.

Here is the NIV (New International Version) of the scripture:

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bring her food from afar.  15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  16 She considers a field and buys it; out her earnings she plants a vineyard.  17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  18 She sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night.  19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  20 She opens her arms to the poor and extender her hands to the needy.  21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;  for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  22  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where takes his seat among the the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes.  25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  28 Her children arise and call her blessed; and her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things but you surpass them all."  30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I have a quite a few thoughts on this verse and will be commenting on it over the next day or two. Something to think about. How about you? Ever feel like you need to achieve perfection? Or are you able to look at your celebrate your joys and learn from your challenges. I'm trying to learn from the latter and become a better person day by day.