A Decade Together
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.
Proverbs 31:10-31, NIV
In November of 2008, I read these words out loud before proposing to the most amazing woman I know.
Today, we celebrate ten years of marriage, and she has proven to embody the qualities of a wife that are described here.
Truly, she proves:
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22, ESV
Neither of us are perfect, and it has not always been easy, but we trust in our perfect God, and I pray for a continued “honeymoon period” (we still have people asking how recently the wedding was!) of love and joy, which is only possible due to trusting in the Lord, and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
I pray we continue to seek the Lord and His righteousness firstly in all things (Matthew 6:33).
I pray we put each other before our own needs and God before all. (Basically, Ephesians 5, as well as Philippians 2.)
I love you, Mrs. Klem!
Here is to another decade!
