A virtuous woman who can find
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10).
Today, the Anglican Church the world over is celebrating mothering Sunday. To God’s glory, it is a joyous occasion; especially in view of the roles mothers have been playing in the Church, society and in various families. It is, therefore, expected that their husbands and children will pray for them, as well as shower them with gifts in appreciation of their invaluable contributions over the years. The writer of the Book of Proverbs poses this question: “A Virtuous Woman Who Can Find?”
To be virtuous means, “having or showing virtue, especially moral excellence.” It can also mean “conforming to moral and ethical principles; uprightness.” Indeed, on the surface, one may think it is easy to come by one, but at a deeper reflection, one may discover that it may be a scarce commodity. Yes, though we have women all over the place, but only a few may fit into the picture the writer mentioned. He even said, if found, she was worth much more than rubies. Ordinarily, a ruby is “a precious stone consisting of corundum in colour varieties, which vary from deep crimson or purple to pale rose.” The implication is that when a ruby is sold in the modern valuation of money, its worth is several thousands of dollars, but the writer says here rubies, which means the worth is unquantifiable. Really, do we have such women or mothers in this mould?
Notice, the writer’s concern is not about physical appearance or attractiveness, but on the woman’s sense of industry, integrity and resourcefulness. Such a woman should serve as an inspiration to all our mothers, as they gather to celebrate this year’s mothering Sunday.
However, we are saddened that not too many of our mothers are living up to expectations. Some because of the difficulties of the times have thrown overboard moral rectitude. This we can easily decipher in some of their homes, where they are not paying serious attention to their husbands and children’s upbringing. Today, society is paying dearly for it with the collapse of family values. We are, indeed, in trouble and need of women and mothers that can help turn things around for good. It is important we point out that money or career or business should not be the overriding principle, but playing motherly roles in the home and for the common good.
It is based on this understanding that we call upon all our Christian mothers to emulate the ideals of a virtuous woman. She is a manufacturer, importer, manager, farmer, seamstress and a merchant. Remember, it is this type of wife that makes her husband to be proud, when he sits with other men in the village square, according the book of Proverbs. Therefore, it is our prayer and hope that mothers will live responsibly and help to raise a generation of God-fearing people to God’s glory.
Happy mothering Sunday to all our mothers!!!
Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
Www.Ibrucentre.Org
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1 Comments
Of a truth it is difficult to come across a virtuous woman, especially in this part of the world where the value system is abysmally low.
We will review and take appropriate action.