A Proverbs 31 Woman

As a wife, this virtuous woman is a true helper to her husband. She does him good consistently till the end of her life - not in fits and starts (v. 12). In other words, she never loses her first love for him. She also adjusts herself to his profession and vocation in life, supplementing his income with her own quiet labors at home, being thrifty and careful in how she spends her money, so that no money is wasted. (v. 23-27). No wonder her husband praises her saying that of all the women in the world she is the best of the lot (v. 29). Such a woman certainly deserves to be praised publicly as well (v. 31), for she has understood the glory of her calling as a woman.

The New Testament places great emphasis on 'serving the saints' in our homes. "Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring....Communicating/Contributing to the necessities/needs of the saints. Pursuing hospitality." (1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:13). Hospitality is primarily the responsibility of the wife in the home. She can receive a prophet's reward, without ever being a prophet herself, merely by welcoming a “prophet” into her home (Matthew 10:41). She will be rewarded for hospitality shown to the least of Jesus' disciples as well (Matthew 10:41). To receive an Priest into our homes is equivalent to receiving Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:40).

Likewise, to receive a child in Jesus' name is also equivalent to receiving Jesus (Matthew 18:5). What fantastic possibilities are opened up for ladies in the area of hospitality! The early Christians (to whom Paul and Peter wrote concerning hospitality), were by and large, very poor. Simple food and a place to sleep on the floor however, were all that they were asked to offer the saints. It is when believers seek the honor of men that they feel that they cannot be hospitable, until they are capable of offering rich food and grand accommodation. 1 Timothy 5:10 indicates that even poor widows in the first century, served the saints in their homes!