Have you ever heard of the woman found in Proverbs 31?
Her virtues are amazing and her praises are constantly sung.
To be like this wonderful lady my heart does truly yearn
But my ability to achieve this goal seems to evade me at every turn.

Is it true that my husband can trust me—it seems we often have no gain,
Is my worth truly far above rubies—or am I struggling and striving in vain?
Is strength and honor my clothing; do I honestly fear the Lord?
Do I value beauty and favor when I should be seeking His Word?

When do I ever awake, and rise up in the night
To organize our food before the day has light?
When do I ever have what it takes to buy a field—
What business do I own that will bring forth such a yield?

O where is the law of kindness I need to have on my tongue,
And where are the words of wisdom that so often fail to come?
Will my family ever recall a mother who was lots of fun,
Or will they remember someone always tired, worn out and glum!

Does this sound rather piteous, dismal or even sad?
To be honest, it really can't be said that life is all that bad—
Despite my many short-comings, my husband lavishes praise
And my children bestow wonderful blessings in oh so many ways.

The sadness of it lies in the fact that I often fail to see
The goodness of my Lord in His daily dealings with me
For when I yield, take up my cross and die to selfish living
Then He is free to work in me and make me more self-giving.

Philippians chapter one verse six has words that encourage me—
I know the Lord will mould me to how he would have me be,
So instead of dwelling on my fears, my faults and foolish ways—
I aim to be Mrs. Far Above Rubies throughout my numbered days.

Copyright © 2001 by Margaret Hartnett