Lottery Wife
20
She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21
She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.
22
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
The Proverbs' ideal woman is both generous and practical. My buddy asked me why scarlet clothes were mentioned. I had to admit I didn’t know for sure. However, I do know that dyes for purple and scarlet were very expensive, so it could imply that the family was wealthy and well-prepared with plenty of warm clothes for the cold.
Another translation suggests the phrase "household are double-clothed," meaning they wore regular, natural-colored clothes with a scarlet cloak, like Joseph’s coat of many colors, worn over the top for all to see. This would be a practical way of dressing in layers, showing both wealth and preparedness. Israel does see snow, especially in the mountains. It gets cold there. It’s a reminder of how this ideal woman was diligent in ensuring her household was well cared for, both in practicality and generosity.
The Proverbs' ideal woman is highly skilled in weaving and sewing. Her abilities in managing both business ventures and domestic tasks bring great respect to her husband. She embodies the modern saying, "Behind every successful man is a woman."
However, in Proverbs, it’s not just any woman behind a successful man—it’s specifically his wife. Her partnership, wisdom, and skill contribute significantly to her husband's success, making her an essential part of their household’s strength and reputation. This highlights the deep bond and mutual support that makes their relationship truly prosperous.
Think about this: You’ve heard the phrase, but… it is not just a woman behind a successful man, but a particular woman; namely, his wife.
And conversely Behind every successful wife is her husband.
Struggle to Standing. Available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/ev3YUqw
Website at https://www.wisdomfortheday.org
Support the show and Community Membership
I Love You!
See Ya!