Well, I just typed in almost all of my post and went to search something else and lost it.
So, here goes again.
Some of my thoughts about this first verse:
Virtuous - the only other woman referred to by name in the Bible as virtuous is Ruth (Ruth 3:11 ". . . for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.") That was her public testimony. Is that our testimony in our community, family, church, etc.? Because it IS a reflection upon our Savior and our husband (Proverbs 12:4 "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.")
Virtuous as defined in Webster's 1828: morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties; and abstaining from vice; being in conformity to the moral or divine law; chaste
The Bible mentions "finding". (Proverbs 18:22 "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.") Someone mentioned our sons finding a virtuous woman. Do we set the proper example of what they should seek for? It is thought that very commonly men look for a woman just like "dear old mom". If our son brought home a wife that acted like us at times, would we be pleased? I say this because I know that for myself I would not like the answers to some of these questions.
Our price - as defined by Webster: value; estimation; excellence; worth. The Bible says above rubies.
The only other thing the Bible values in that manner is wisdom. Job 28:12-20 "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls:
for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?"
and Proverbs 3:13-15 "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her."
and Proverbs 8:11 "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
So there is something about wisdom and rubies and virtuous women. We cannot be virtuous in God or man's eyes without Godly wisdom and that can only come from God. Practically speaking that is through reading and studying and applying the Word of God to our lives. I personally have found that when I am more consistent and diligent with my daily Bible reading and a daily Proverb that I am a better wife and mother. And when I slack off I get irritable and mouthy and icky. Proverbs is the book of wisdom and there is a Proverb for each day - read one.
Last but not least, rubies. They are spoken of as being more valuable than gold, silver, onyx, sapphire, crystal, coral, pearls, and topaz. Webster says "the ruby is next in hardness and value to the diamond, and highly esteemed".
The Gemological Institute of America says "Ruby is a variety of the mineral species corundum and has been a popular gemstone for centuries.
Large, fine-quality rubies are extremely rare and valuable.
Corundum has excellent toughness, and it's harder than any other natural gem except diamond.
The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means "red." The most expensive ruby color is a deep, pure, vivid red.
So, why a ruby and not a diamond? Does the color have anything to do with it? Red - blood - redemption? I honestly don't know and am not trying to make something there that isn't - just thinking out loud.
Well, I think that is all I have on this verse. Ladies please jump in and share what the Lord has shown you about verse 10 and how it applies in your life.
A Sister in Christ,
Lori