What exactly does it mean to be a virtuous woman? Some have used the word excellent instead. My Old Testament Word Study says, “moral strength, good quality, integrity” (Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies, pg. 469). H.A. Ironside, in his book on Proverbs says, “Thrifty and devoted ... (she) is a dependable woman; one who can be counted on in every emergency. Capable and energetic with a high sense of the dignity and importance of administering the affairs of the home” (Notes on Proverbs by H. A. Ironside, pgs. 472-473).
Not too long ago a man asked me what my occupation was, and I answered, “Just a housewife.” I don’t know if he was a Christian or not, but he said to me, “Don’t say just a housewife. That is quite a job!” I had to agree with him and felt rebuked!
A brother who is now with the Lord once said, “A church or gathering is never stronger than the homes that compose that gathering.” And so remember, when you are washing the floors for the second time in a day or washing jam-smeared smiles, that your work in the home reaches over the walls like a climbing ivy. God rates your role as a wife and mother as a thing of greater worth than earth’s most treasured jewels. “Her price is far above rubies.”
Who can estimate the value of your prayers for your little one as you nurse him or rock him to sleep? We’ve all heard stories of godly mothers who taught the Word of God to their children when they were young, and it bore fruit their whole life. Well-known men of faith like John Wesley, Jim Elliot, and even Samuel of the Bible all had mothers like you. Teach your children early to enjoy singing hymns. Get them to memorize portions of Scripture, and the Lord will use it for blessing in their lives.