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NASB | Proverbs 31:10 ¶ An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 31:10 ¶ An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov 12:4; 18:22; 19:14] |
Bible Question: Can anyone enlighten regarding the application of Proverbs 31 regarding the virtuous woman? I wonder how it applies in modern times? She is no longer the fulltime homemaker but has entered the working world of man. How to excel as a career woman and yet not threaten the love of her life for being the intelligent, wise, virtuous partner of his life? |
Bible Answer: Working Women. For most periods of history, women have worked. The rules about women in the "domestic sphere" only became dominant with industrialization in Eurupe. We should not think of "a woman's place in the home" as normative. The virtuous wife of Proverbs bought land, had employees, and was involved in all kinds of economic transactions (as beautifully described by Jappii, above). She has considerable influence in her family and society. Obviously, the kinds of jobs have changed from spinning etc. - but the point seems to hold. Women deserve praise for their work: "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (v. 31.) There you have it: affirmative action in the days of Solomon! |