Proverb 31 women

My eldest daughter has started reading the book "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery to a Woman's Soul" by John and Stasi Eldredge.  I have read their male version "Wild at Heart..." and found it to be a psychobabblish piece of literature with a bit of scripture thrown in here and there.  I have not read "Captivating.." but have spent much time reading reviews, critiques etc and have found that many see it as giving glory to women and not God.  In light of my daughter exploring this book she is also exploring Proverbs 31.  If read in the perception that this is what a woman needs to be the moment she is married, we females all fall short.  But with further thought, we know it is what God wants the female to aspire to be, married or not.  To be a woman after God's own heart!

Proverbs 31:10 reads "Who can find a virtuous woman?  She is worth far more than rubies."
This precludes the examples in following verses on what a woman does/is to be virtuous, to aspire to be a Godly woman.

The word virtuous refers to strength of character, that is, moral strength and firmness, pure.  She is a Godly woman, strong, capable and steadfast in her convictions and her faith.When the word is applied to a man, a virtuous man  is one who fears God, loves truth and hates sin.
The virtuous woman does everything wholeheartedly and with all her ability.  She does not do it to bring glory to herself  but to bring glory to God.  And when a virtuous woman brings glory to God, she also brings glory to her husband.
 

How does she do this?

She remains modest in her dress and her actions.
She submits to the authority of her husband...even when she doesn't want to.
She cares for her family in all possible ways and is charitable to those who do not have as much as she.
She is a joy to those around her.
She supports her husband in all he does being encouraging and loving....even when she is in a bad mood.

The list can go on from here.  But the basic attitude is...serve all others before self...wholeheartedly!

How are my daughters becoming Proverb 31 women?

1. Each day they both look to God's word by doing their devotions and being still with Him.
2. By being more concerned with the well-being of others than their own.  My eldest has exemplified this in her actions toward someone who has hurt her deeply.  She prays each day that God will bless this person and make him the man God wants him to be, praying that no harm comes to him.
3. By being submissive to their dad, they are showing they can be submissive to their future husband.
4. Both my daughters do everything wholeheartedly and with diligence.
5. They are joyful people to be around.  Smiles abound in their presence.
6.  Both are able to laugh at themselves.
7. Both are learning to do those things that a wife will need to do...cooking, etc.
8. Both dress modestly and behave modestly.
9. Both my daughters stand strong in their convictions not leaning to those worldly ideas that may make them popular, but standing firm in their character that keeps them close to God.

The list continues, however, my point to all this is this:  No woman is born a Proverb 31 woman.  But I know my daughters are aspiring to such each morning they wake and turn their faces to God in prayer.
Now, a virtuous woman is not going to want just any man. She is going to want to find a virtuous man (a man of strength, courage and faithfulness) whose adventure in life is to be truly God fearing, to have a love for truth and a hatred of sin.  I pray each day for my daughters' future husbands that they will be virtuous and be the men God wants them to be. I pray they will be men after God's own heart!