“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:10-11,15, ESV)
Oh no! Not that Proverbs 31 woman!
I know you ladies feel like you never measure up, but take a breath. And guys, this the a description of a wise man as well. It was describing a wise woman so nobody felt like they had a right to be a sluggard.
This woman was to mirror her husband in that they were both worthwhile to each other, to the family, and to society. Whatever their respective rolls in their family, and whatever the stage in life, diligence is a virtue. One of her habits was to get up and get the day started early. Whether your responsibilities involve an outside job or not, caring for little children or not, what time do you start your day? If you do not get up early, why not? Did you stay up late? Doing what?
No! Stop right here and answer the question. Not a lame excuse and not a one time unusual occurrence. What is your excuse for routinely staying up late?
When we get up and get the day started in a timely manner we are less rushed so we are less stressed. We also get more useful things done in the same 24 hour period with the same amount of sleep than when we start late and stay up late. Argue with me if you want to but that’s the truth the world over.
So, what are you valuing more than being diligent and productive for your family? What do you do most evenings that is more important than being calm and productive in the early mornings?
Was the exchange worth the price?
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Like vinegar to the taste (sets my teeth on edge) and smoke to the eyes (extremely irritating) so is the sluggard (man or woman, parent or child, husband or wife) to those who send him.(and to those who are counting on him) (Proverbs 10:4,26, ESV)