Friday, August 30, 2013

~A WOMAN of VIRTURE~


The other day while working in my studio a passage of scripture regarding The Virtuous Woman (found in Proverbs 31:10-31) kept running through my mind.  When I was a young wife and mother I had a small card I kept in my wallet with the very words that have been bouncing around inside my head...  My father gave it to me when I became engaged to my Mr. AGP Man and I still have it after all these years.  It's tattered and old now.  So, in order to preserve it I've tucked it away for safe keeping...
 Truthfully, I've failed miserably at following such profound words and teachings.  But I try.  I do.

While re-working the decor in one of my upstairs guest rooms I decided to include a gentle reminder of the passage I far too often forget...  

I actually found the wood/board at a thrift store a few months ago.  It was originally a hunting sign (or something like that!).  I like it much better painted in my favorite shade of soft white!  I found the lettering online and the florals came from The Graphics Fairy!
 
  I'm most familiar with the passage in the King James Version (my favorite), but I thought the version found in THE MESSAGE was easy to read and so I'm sharing it with you today...

~HYMN TO A GOOD WIFE~
(The Virtuous Woman)

A good woman is hard to find,
    and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
    and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
    all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
    and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
    and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
    for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
    diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
    reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
    when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
    and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
    and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
    her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
    but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
    The woman to be admired and praised
    is the woman who lives in the fear of God.
Give her everything she deserves!
    Festoon her life with praises!

~~*~~

Hope your Friday is wonderful!  

Love to you...
 

14 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Just beautiful Rebecca... I miss you... hope all is well... please tell Miss K hello for me, xoxo Julie Marie

Theresa said...

Beautiful words to inspire us all! Have a blessed and beautiful day dear friend, HUGS!

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Just Beautiful, that you for sharing this wonderful Psalm. Di@Cottage-Wishes

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

This is beautiful, Rebecca, and what a gorgeous way to display your father's card. Precious words of wisdom! Enjoy the long weekend, dear friend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Sandra said...

Thanks for sharing this scripture. I really enjoyed reading it from another version. It gives me lots to think about in my role as a wife.

Have a blessed weekend!

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Beautiful Rebecca! Have a blessed weekend sweetie!

hugs,
Debbie xo

NanaDiana said...

I have read this many, manu times over the years, Rebecca. It is a beautiful passage and I love that your Daddy gave that to you and you kept/treasured it all these years.

I hope you are doing well- I miss seeing you here more often but I do understand- xo Diana

Victorian1885 said...

Good afternoon Dearest Rebecca
Thank you for stopping in and commenting today on my AS project!
I love your verse and that is has such special memories of your dear Father.
Have a wonderful weekend my friend!

Hugs,
Wanda

Unknown said...

I love this....thank you for sharing!

Debby Ray said...

Wow...oh to be like her...

Lady Pamela said...

I am sooooo glad that God has given us a lifetime to achieve all these goals. I could never do this all in one day. Whew!
*Hugs*
LadyBug

MFEO2009 said...

Lovely. <3

Pondside said...

It's been a long time since I last read that verse, so appropriate at any age.

Tanna said...

Visiting from Pondside... such a beautiful post. I love that your Dad gave you that little card... and that you have kept it... and now created a beautiful piece to be a part of your world...

We could all be reminded of this scripture daily... ;) blessings ~ tanna

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