Proverbs 31:28
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Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
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Here is every woman's dream - her children and husband adore her! But this measure of character and conduct, though very accurate, is hard to obtain. Self-deceit or self-praise will not do, for children and husband know the truth about a woman. They live with her and see every virtue and fault. No one can properly judge a woman like her children and husband. But for the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, praise is the certain result!
Virtuous character is always recognized and rewarded. Guaranteed! Samuel and Jesus grew in favor with God and men (3:3-4; I Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52). Israel loved David and exalted his name (I Sam 18:1-5,14-16,30). A gracious woman is always honored (11:16), and the man with a pure heart and gracious speech will be the king's friend (22:11). A good woman will have a good name that is highly respected by others (22:1; Eccl 7:1).
A wife or mother not honored has a clear problem - she is negligent, odious, or slothful in her life (11:16; 30:21-23). What is an odious woman? A critical, nagging, overbearing, stubborn, and whining woman that irritates her family! Ever seen one? Ever been one? Are you one? You cannot hide - everyone knows (11:22; 27:15-16). Worse than death, your poor husband and children cannot lie about you to others (Eccl 7:26).
Woman! What keeps your children and husband from adoring and praising you? Is it your critical, nagging, and overbearing voice (31:26)? Is it neglect of your appearance (31:22)? Is it not adoring and reverencing your husband at all times before the children (31:12)? Is it selfishness for your own time (31:18,27)? Is it slothfulness when facing a challenge (31:17)? Is it lack of creativity in cooking and decorating (31:14,22)?
What is it? Is it lack of entrepreneurial effort to help build the estate (31:16)? Is it less than total devotedness to your husband (31:11)? Is it not ruling your spirit for cheerful graciousness (31:25)? Is it complaining about your work (31:13)? Is it not promoting your husband (31:23)? What is it that costs you the praise of your children and husband?
The virtuous woman never complains about her husband, her work, her children, or her difficulties. She is altogether selfless, never seeking her own pleasure at the expense of the least thing for her family. She is cheerful at all times and nurtures those around her.
Woman, are you in touch with reality? What you think about yourself is totally irrelevant. Children and husbands do not make mistakes. They know if they have a great woman or not. And if you have a Christian family, their judgment is just that much more accurate.
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