You might be wondering who “N.C.” is, and why we’re talking about his wife. Personally, I don’t know him, but I can say that he was a greatly blessed man. His spouse is recorded in the epilogue of Proverbs as “the wife of noble character”, now commonly referred to as “the Proverbs 31 woman”.
A few nights ago, I pulled out my Bible and stumbled through the familiar chapter. I was feeling very “un-P31” that evening and decided I was in need of an attitude adjustment, so I began to write down (for my own benefit) all the qualities and characteristics of this lady. I was writing quickly, but this what I inscribed in my notebook:
* Her worth surpasses rubies
* Her husband has full confidence in her
*She brings good to her husband, not harm, always
* She makes excellent use of her time
* She provides for her family and household
* She is business-savvy
* She works vigorously and is strong for the tasks
* She oversees her resources
* She is kind and hospitable
* She is well-prepared for the future
* Her husband is respected
* She is strong, dignified and confident
* She is wise and truthful
* She manages her household well
* She is not idle
* She is praised by her husband and children
* She fears the LORD
This final quality startled me. It made sense that she should fear the LORD, but it finally connected that she conducts herself nobly and fears the LORD. And the two go together. The way she loves her husband and family is from a selfless manner–and only God can equip us to do that. The only way any of us are capable of anything good is because of God’s enabling.
My un-P31 attitude was still smoldering some, and it was then that I realized I can’t be her without Him. My measly attempts at being super-woman are in vain if I am acting out of “my” own power. (Which is not exactly powerful.) Beyond that, if I am too proud to ask for God’s strength–so I can become what He wants me to be–well, that’s my fault, not His.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
– Proverbs 1:7
To end this on a somewhat tacky note: We can only be a wife of NC if we’re already the bride of JC. 🙂
jess leigh hanna 