WORK & CALLING: Daily Reading Plan #3
Proverbs 31:10-31
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.
The excellent wife (Proverbs 31:10) of this passage is depicted in the context of an ancient middle eastern home. Her virtues include hard work (Proverbs 31:13), competence (Proverbs 31:19), kindness (Proverbs 31:20), and wisdom (Proverbs 31:26). The depiction here contrasts with other warnings about laziness (Proverbs 6:10–11; 19:15). The godly wife does not put off what needs to be done—as is true of any godly person, married or not.
As part of this lesson's context, the woman in question is rising early to supervise the home. The "portions" given are described by the term hōq', implying tasks or assignments. Rather than sleeping in late and expecting others to take up the slack, she takes an active role. She not only provides the resources needed (Proverbs 31:14), but she also makes sure they are used appropriately (Proverbs 31:27).
A complete inversion of this comes from the Old Testament, in Pharaoh's command to his taskmasters to require Hebrew slaves to provide their own straw for bricks (Exodus 5:4–9). Exodus 5:15–16 says, "Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, 'Why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, "Make bricks!" And behold your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.'" The Egyptians treated the Israelis as chattel slaves—as subhuman property—and expected them to produce even when they weren't given the right resources. The godly person doesn't debase other people; they are involved and diligent, even when they are the one "in charge."
Reflection Questions
- What do these verses say about work and calling?
- What about the type and quality of work mentioned in these verses causes me to change the way I work and view work?
