When I first read the scripture when I was younger (and single, and green in my faith) I would be filled with anger and frustration. I thought I could never ever strive to be this person, especially when I read the verse "...and her lamp doesn't go out at night". I like (and need) my sleep thank you very much.
When I first got married, I set for myself an unrealistic expectation of what I thought this proverb was telling me. I got angry and frustrated in a different way.
Then I wised up and looked for the silver lining and I noticed 2 things.
First, this is not a literal description. Not all women are cut out to be Martha Steward on drugs.
Second, this speaks to husbands as well as wives.
This Wife is honest, trust worthy, deserving of her husbands confidence and adds value to him and her house hold. She is his partner and care for his goals and aspirations...she supports him
She has marketable skills - this wife can sew, can trade and barter, she looks for ways to make her skills benefit the family. Not all women are domestic goddesses, but everyone has a skill that can be used to benefit the house hold.
When she sets out to do a task, she tackles it head on and doesn't give up. She looks at it from different angles. She doesn't eat of the bread of idleness, but idleness and resting are different. Her lamp doesn't go out at night...her garments she sold to merchants who might now be in different time zones will be working. The dishes might be soaking over night...perp work might be done to make the next day easier and is waiting ot be used. Crops grown at night too.
She takes care of her body. She keeps herself fit, well dressed and attractive for her husband, She also takes care of those who help her - like her servants and her children....AND reaches into her community and helps those who need a little extra.
most important, not only does she love and fears God......but she has confidence in herself.
Her husband has confidence in her. Her husband is respected and therefore also has good moral character to the point that he sits with the elders at the city gates. He praises her. But deeper than that when it talks about her buying a field, trading items to merchant ships etc....Her husband must have supported her and encouraged her in her ventures.
That sounds a little more obtainable.
