Classic KJV - Proverbs 31:18

The text says that she senses that her gain is good. This means that she is watching and monitoring her progress. Unless we evaluate our work and correct errors we will not make progress. The checking and rechecking of our work to ensure its quality goes right back to the Creator who did the same. His pattern of working is documented for our benefit. God reviewed His work daily and stopped only when He was satisfied that it was “good,” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Shoddy workmanship helps no one.

Ready for Trouble

She is prepared for difficulties, be they the dark of night or the cold of snow. When her lamp does not go out, it means she has filled it with enough oil to last the whole night. It does not mean that she never sleeps. It is commonly understood that whether the darkness is eight hours or twelve hours, she is prepared for the duration.She is ready for the full extent of darkness.

With Her Own Hands

Although she has servants, she is not an idle spectator but gets right into the work herself. She is a very practical woman, not afraid to get her hands dirty and willing to keep busy with practical work. The distaff and the spindle are essentially parts of a spinning wheel. In other words, she demonstrates a strong work ethic. She leads by example.

She is one smart woman. She produces goods (garments and belts) and then sells them and supplies the tradesmen. This describes 1. production 2. multiple product lines and 3. multiple distribution channels. She's a successful business woman. Note that she produces essential goods, clothing, rather than frivolous items for which market conditions are unpredictable.

She gets personally involved in assisting those lacking in basic human necessities:  the poor and the needy.  Perhaps she has no time for high society social events but instead helps only those who really need it.  While giving to others she does not ignore those closest to her.

Since she is running her home extremely well, her husband can become a public figure and a leader in the land. She and her family are well-dressed. Her clothing is fine linen and violet. She does not dress shabbily in poor taste, low self-image, or lack of funds. She is an amazing mother and homemaker but what about dads?

The Proverbs 32 Dad

Award-winning author, popular speaker and humorist, Phil Callaway has composed a poem (on the lighter side) in honour of dedicated dads. It repeats many of the themes applicable to women, while highlighting some of the qualities that make for a great husband. NO, it's not inspired Scripture, but it shows us all that to make an excellent home, you also need an excellent dad.

A good husband is hard to find,

     And worth more than a lifetime supply

          of Belgian chocolate.

His wife trusteth him without regret,

     Enjoying his company so much

     that she may even golf with him once or twice.

He buyeth her the choicest of finery,

     but never on credit.

He is borderline cheap,

     Though he calls it thrifty,

         Selah.

He payeth more attention to his children

     Than his iPhone or his HD television.

Somehow he findeth time

     To attend their sporting events,

         Stifling his desire to scream at referees.

He doth also attend recitals,

     Never wincing nor bursting forth with laughter

         When sour trumpet notes are hit.

He naggeth not his children,

     Loving the sound of their laughter

         More than his own voice.

Though screaming ensues, he dealeth with it calmly,

     Disciplining in love, then buying ice cream.

He kisseth owies, repaireth leaky sinks and shattered vases,

     Muttering but softly when he stubbeth his toe.

He even exerciseth verbal restraint

     When stepping upon Lego blocks in the night.

He lowereth his expectations for a clean house,

     Praising his wife for hard work and new hairdos.

He provideth gladly for his family,

     Avoiding any signs that say:

         “No payments until February.”

He prefereth a home to a house,

     Scripture to Pacman,

         A car that’s paid for to the smell of new leather seats.

He forgetteth not his anniversary,

     Complimenting his wife’s clothing, yea even her purse.

With great wisdom he bringeth along a book to read,

     While his wife shopes.

With gladness doth he make the bed

     On her 78th birthday.

He complaineth not about the inlaws,

     But joyfully cutteth the roast when they visit.

He careth more about widows and orphans,

     Than buying boats and vacation homes.

He chooseth wisely his Facebook friends,

     Avoiding the second glance,

         And the seedy side of the Internet.

Though his girth may grow and his hairline recede,

     He laughs at the days to come.

Strength and honor are his calling cards,

     Serving God his greatest pleasure.

Meet him at the door with a kiss and a welcome home,

     For he is to be valued above diamonds,

         Dark chocolate and season tickets.

Festoon his plate with ice cream and mangos,

     Adorn his feet with cushions and turn on the game.

For fame is fleeting and good looks fade,

     But a man who loves his family and his God

         Is a living celebration.

Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend

Superwoman emulates the qualities we see perfected in Jesus. He was (and is) an energy giver rather than an energy taker (Mark 10:45).

God is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (1 Timothy 4:10).

Through His Church, that is the body of Christ, Jesus is a channel of love and truth to all society. The followers of Jesus love to do good to others, even if it means loving their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Furthermore, unlike a fictional Superwoman or an amazing diligent home-maker, Jesus Christ has received authority over everything (Matthew 28:18).