The Independent Woman

22 

Proverbs 31:22-25

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.

24 

25 

We are reminded she is royalty she is using the finest linens and purple to dress herself. I know that sometimes we are tired, as women. We work hard, we have a family, and sometimes it’s just getting through the day that we strive for. However, I think that it’s important for us to dress appropriately. I think we can look presentable without spending a fortune or wearing things that are super dressy. The way we dress reflects who we are, it reflects on our husbands, and it shows what sort of person we are. I am not saying it's okay to judge an unkept person and fault them for not being perfect. I am stating the fact that the way we present ourselves represents our families. This Proverbs 31 woman is someone who presents herself in the best light possible in order to bring honor to her husband and her family. 

Her husband is respected at the city gate. City gates were the social and economic hub of the city. The elders were the leaders responsible for legal rulings. The husband of the “excellent wife” was known and respected among the leaders of the town. Job describes how he was respected by all at the city gate before his suffering (Job 29:7–11).[1]

During this day it also means he’s at work all day. He cannot be reached by text, phone call, or email. Even to send a messenger may have been a difficult task. So this meant that our lovely lady is making decisions for her home that best benefit her family. She isn’t relying on his opinion to sway her or choose for her. She is choosing the best option and he trusts that she will make good decisions for their home. I think there are many decisions that husband and wife should make together. I believe that men are the heads of the household and should be consulted in big decisions.

photo credit: quotesgram.com

However, there are many things that we as women can do to help take the burden off of the men in our lives and decide for ourselves. I am really bad about asking The Hubs what he thinks I should make for dinner. He has a lot of decisions he’s already making and truly, the last thing on his mind is what he *wants* to eat. Let’s face it… he doesn’t really care what I make for dinner! He is gracious in that he is happy if I just make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich just as well as he’s happy with a big sirloin steak. I know that I can personally learn from this woman how making small decisions and making household choices lends itself to serve our husbands and our families well.

We also learn that her productivity is so much so that she even brings sashes to the merchants. When she isn’t taking care of her family physically, then she is helping to take care of them financially. I also gather from verse 25 that she is a giver. Maybe the merchants are rich and maybe they’re poor. Either way, we know that her heart is gracious in wanting to give to others for the sole reason that she is able to, therefore she does.

I love her independence and I love her giving heart! Are there areas in your life that you can work to be more independent or use your gifts to give to others in need?

^[1] Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Pr 31:23). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.