Proverbs 31:18
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She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
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A great woman is confident and driven. King Lemuel's mother described the perfect woman in detail, so her son would know what to look for in a wife (31:1-2,10-12). The fear of the Lord is the first prerequisite (31:30), and diligence is the most obvious character trait (31:13-31). This proverb identifies a great woman's confidence and drive.
"She perceiveth that her merchandise is good." The virtuous woman knows her performance, productivity, and products are good. Her purchase of a field and investment in a vineyard are great ideas (31:16); she is committed to do what it takes to make a success of her income-producing venture (31:17). She is confident of her plan and future.
Humility is not a defeated attitude about abilities. Humility is being strong and confident about plans, because you trust the Lord, not just yourself (Jas 4:13-15). Paul was a humble and meek apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he also declared that he worked harder than the other apostles, by the grace of God (I Cor 15:10; II Cor 11:5; 12:11-12).
Great women are not puffed up about abilities, nor do they brag about accomplishments. Never! But they know they have a good plan, what it takes to get the job done, and that they can do it. This confident and strong approach to domestic and outside-the-home pursuits condemns the fear and weakness of many Christian women (20:4; 22:13; 26:13).
A virtuous woman is a confident and strong woman. Jael is one of the greatest women in the Bible (Jdgs 5:24)! Why? Intimidation, false humility, timidity, and fear are not Christian virtues, no matter how piously they are presented. A skilled and gracious hostess knows when a meal is well prepared. To think otherwise is flagrant slothfulness!
"Her candle goeth not out by night." The virtuous woman is driven. She knows there is profit in all labor (14:23). She does not waste time talking. Once she settles on a plan, she goes for it! When she has a job to do, she is going to get it done! Extra effort or extra hours do not discourage her! She finishes her projects! She completes her tasks! She is a success, because she will not quit until the goal is achieved! She does not faint!
Of course, this is a proverb. It does not mean she never sleeps, even if the words indicate she works all night long! This is hyperbole - an obvious exaggeration! She puts forth whatever effort is called for to get the job done. She perseveres energetically. But she does not cross the line of reasonable labor, though extreme when compared to the lazy women around her, into that excessive effort that denies the Lord His role (Ps 127:1-2).
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