Practical Skills

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The second way to prepare yourself for marriage and to be a godly wife is to get yourself ready for practical, everyday life. Although we’re not living in the 50s when a wife’s primary role was to cook, clean, and look after the kids, it’s good to have some practical skills under your belt. This can be anything from how to make a few good meals to how to communicate and work through conflict effectively. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a “wife of noble character.” She is strong, selfless, skilled in business and homemaking, and, most importantly, diligently works to be the best wife, mother, and woman for her family and community.

So, how do you grow in your practical skills?

Develop a Heart for Service

A godly wife embodies a servant's heart, aiming to serve her family and others around her with love and humility. Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This perspective of service is not about fulfilling outdated gender roles but about choosing to love and care for your family actively. Before you’re married, this could look like volunteering in your community, supporting your friends and family in times of need, or taking the time to listen and offer encouragement to those around you. It involves cultivating a lifestyle of generosity, kindness, and selflessness, where serving others becomes a natural extension of your character.

Cultivate Effective Communication

Communication is a fundamental skill in marriage, essential for resolving conflicts, building intimacy, and making decisions together. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to speak the truth in love, growing in every way more like Christ. This means learning to express your thoughts, feelings and needs openly and respectfully while also listening to other people’s perspectives. Cultivating effective communication involves patience, active listening, and the willingness to understand before being understood. It’s about creating a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard.

Strengthen Financial Stewardship

Managing finances wisely is a practical skill that significantly benefits married life. Proverbs 31:16-18 shows the wife of noble character considering a field and buying it; with her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. This passage highlights the importance of financial stewardship — planning, budgeting, saving, and investing wisely. Money issues can be one of the biggest sources of stress in a marriage. So, learning how to handle your money wisely now can help you set shared goals, make informed decisions, and sometimes make sacrifices for your family's financial health once you’re married.

Growing in these practical skills prepares you not just for the role of a wife but for a partnership in a marriage that reflects God’s love and wisdom. It’s about building a foundation that supports a healthy, joyful, and God-honoring relationship.