Proverbs 31

On this date, the beginning of Mother's Day weekend in the U. S., I see that the daily selection of scripture from Bible Gateway (on the upper left corner of this blog) is from Proverbs 31, the famous description of the "ideal wife." I will quote verses 10-31 of this chapter:

"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions
for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and
does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

This is a busy woman! No idler, she! And she is certainly not a meek, "submissive" woman, as submission is defined to today's culture. She is a go-getter, a Super Mom. She works day and night; she spins and weaves and sews, and sells clothing. She has her own money; she is not dependent on her husband for finances. She shops and cooks. She deals in real estate, and she plants and grows crops. She is generous to the poor, and she is a provider. She is a wise woman; people listen to her. She is respected at home and in the community. Her husband must be a sort of judge or community leader, but all he seems to do is sit at the city gate, while she does all the work.