CONTINUED

    "The next two verses (19, 20) are lovely. The same hands that work at the distaff and that hold the spindle to earn more money, as a result, are able to reach out to the poor and needy. She makes enough to help others. She is not ingrown.

    And she doesn't fear cold weather (even snow) for her household. Why? She clothes them all in red flannels (literally, in scarlet). Beautiful, warm clothing is what she provides the family. She prepares ahead of time (v. 21).

    She also makes her own bedspreads and expensive clothing (fine linen and purple). She wants her home and her family to look attractive (v. 22).

    In verse 23, you must understand that her husband is not loafing as she works. Because he has a wife like her, he has risen to a place of prominence in the town, so that he sits as one of the elders (town fathers) in the gates (the city hall). The verse is speaking about her in terms of what she has done for her husband.

    She also makes clothing to sell: linen garments and belts. How many tasks of this sort does she undertake? Four? Five? It is hard to tell, buy many.

    She is a woman of strength, but also dignity (she is not a mere drudge, v. 25). And because she has such foresight, and prepares so well for it, she is able to laugh at the future.

    Indeed, she is well versed in biblical teaching and can speak wisely to others, including her children. She is not gruff, sarcastic, short-tempered or careless in speech. Her words are kind (v. 26).

    She cares for her family (making sure they are cared for spiritually as well as materially). She is not an idle gossip or busybody (v. 27).

    For all this her children and her husband praise her. He says, "Honey, you're the greatest" (vv. 28, 29).

    Beauty, or physical attractiveness, can become a curse to those who depend on it. Here is a woman with inner beauty (v. 30; cf. I Peter 3:1-6). She must be given credit for all she does (she is action and task driven) and her works (exhibited by the clothing her husband wears) will praise her in the city hall."