10 characteristics of a great wife and mother

I am utterly intimidated by this Proverbs 31 woman

I am not sure about you, but when I read Proverbs 31, I am utterly intimidated by this woman. She is no ordinary woman—this is superwoman on steroids!

She “selects wool and flax,” and I don’t even know what flax looks like!
She is compared to a “merchant ship.” I am not sure that I want to be compared to any kind of ship.
She gets up while it is night, but that is when I want to sleep.
She loves the snow, I am never going to love snow . . . I tolerate the snow!
She makes linen—I buy my garments at Woolworths or Edgars.

Where does this woman find the time to ‘buy fields,’ ‘make sashes,’ ‘grasp spindles’ and ‘plant vineyards’? Honestly, I get tired just reading this chapter in Proverbs.

As I look deeper, I see how remarkable this woman is.

10 characteristics she displays for how to be a great wife and mom

She is trustworthy – Proverbs 31 says, ^“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.” Her husband never doubts what she says or does because he knows she will always make the right decision.
She works hard – “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.” Here is someone who works diligently all of the time.
She is not impulsive with money – ^“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” She doesn’t buy simply because she has the money. No, she “considers” her options, and then after careful thought she makes wise choices.
She is compassionate – ^“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Not only does she care for her family, but she cares for others.
She dresses beautifully – “She is clothed with strength and dignity . . . ” This is not merely outward adornment. No, her beauty is internal and it shines from her.
She is confident about tomorrow – ” . . . she can laugh at the days to come.” There is no fear about getting old—she is confident about tomorrow. In fact, she is so assured, that when she thinks about her future she laughs.
She is wise – ^“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” When she talks, people listen; they want her advice because she is a prudent woman.
She is honored by her children – ^“Her children arise and call her blessed…” Her life is lived in a consistent manner, she has been the same woman all through the years, and her children bless her for her wonderful attributes.
She is adored by her husband – “. . . her husband also, and he praises her.” In his eyes, she is more “valuable than rubies.” Her life has so enriched his and the lives of their family that he cannot imagine life without her. Her dignity and inner strength draw respect from everyone who knows her. Because of the way she conducts her life, this in turn has brought her husband respect in the city.
She fears the Lord – ^“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Above all of this, she loves and fears her God, and this is her crowning glory!

I can understand why this woman was loved and revered by her family. She is an incredible lady and definitely one that I aspire to be like.

I know that I am not there yet, but I do strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman—strong, dignified, wise, compassionate, full of laughter about the days to come, with a family who love and honor me because I love and honor my God.

Carol Alexander

Carol is married to Paul and they have two wonderful children and two grandchildren. She has lived on four continents, traveled to over 50 countries and preached in most of them. She is passionate about Jesus and His Kingdom and has just published her memoir, Wild Hope. She has a PhD in practical theology and currently serves as Director of the Graduate School at Trinity Bible College, North Dakota.