[This article was written by Bryan Dockens.]
“The virtuous wife” brings her husband “no lack of gain” (Proverbs 31:10-11).
While maintaining a reasonable effort to keep her husband attracted (Proverbs 5:19; Song of Songs 7:1-9), the woman of valor acknowledges the fleeting nature of outward glamour (Proverbs 31:30). Instead, she chooses to emphasize inward beauty (1st Peter 3:3-4; 1st Timothy 2:9-10) and is therefore not one to waste the family’s hard-earned income on expensive clothing, fashion accessories, or cosmetics for herself. Similarly, gym memberships and exercise equipment are not considered priority expenses (1st Timothy 4:8).
Knowing “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession” (Proverbs 12:27), the excellent woman abhors waste. She uses food before it spoils and redeems rebates and vouchers before they expire.
Taking seriously the charge to “manage the house” (1st Timothy 5:14), the wife of virtue may be tasked by her husband to do the bookkeeping for the household. This she does with diligence, paying bills before they are due and keeping expenses of all kinds under budget.
She is well acquainted with domestic skills and employs them to her family’s gain, not making an expense of work she can perform herself. Sewing (Proverbs 31:13, 19, 22; 1st Samuel 2:19) and cooking (Proverbs 31:14-15) are not beneath her dignity.
Without interfering with her husband’s “rule” or usurping his role as breadwinner (Genesis 3:16, 19), the honorable woman nevertheless is unafraid to maintain her own “substance” from which she may perform good works (Luke 8:3). She “considers” and she “buys”, she “makes” and she “sells” (Proverbs 31:16, 24).
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1). Always, but especially at times of economic distress, it is appropriate for the godly woman to exercise sound financial policy in her household. Her purpose, according to God, is to be a “helper” to her husband (Genesis 2:18) – and fiscal restraint goes a long way toward helping.
