The last part of Proverbs 31 is an "ode to a capable wife." The words are reflective of a time when women were less educated and their role was primarily limited to the home. If you want to read the original words, go to your Bible or Bible app; but for today's meditation, I am paraphrasing to get to the intent of the passage and to adapt it to both male and female. 

A capable spouse who can find? He or she is far more precious than jewels. The heart of a spouse trusts in the other, and together they will have no lack of gain. They do one another good, and not harm, all the days of their life. They work together with willing hands. They provide for their household . . .  together they are strong .. and profitable....  They open their hands to the poor, and reach out their hands to the needy... Strength and dignity are their clothing, and they laugh together at the time to come. They open their mouths with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on their tongues.... Their children rise up and call them happy; they praise one another. They lift one another up, saying “Many other men and women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a man or woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  (Paraphrase of Prov. 31:10-30)

Meditation: Just by coincidence, we are ending Proverbs just before Mother's Day. Mother's Day is one of those days that is either celebrated or hated. For those who have children or have a close mother-child relationship it is a day of celebration. For those who have been unable to have children, have suffered the loss of a child or their mother, or don't have a good mother-child relationship, the day can bring pain. These words from Prov. 31 can have a similar effect depending on our life circumstances. At the same time, they can be a reminder to all of us that no matter our individual circumstances, we are loved by God - and God has a plan for our lives now but, more importantly, has promised us a future when the pains of this life will no longer effect us. Have you found words of challenge and words of hope in Proverbs? I hope so. 

Remember these words from Prov. 3: Trust in the Lord with your whole heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path.