Proverbs 31 Woman
When I first came upon this passage early in my freshman year of college, I didn't really think much of the message it could be sending to the reader. Then I read it this past summer in Captivating, and the point that was sent in the Eldredges' book was that it was an impecable standard for women, saying that the woman wasn't shown to be at rest or with female companionship. Rereading it this past week has made me seen that I should read between the lines.

31:12-13
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She does not awaken each day to roll out of bed, grumbling (although she might need a cup of coffee first) and she doesn't work because she has to, but because she wants to. The Lord worked up until the moment He began His ministry- it is good and honorable to work, to form your own living.

31:14-16
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She will go to great lenghts to be assured of the fact that her family does not go without food, even if that means she must sacrifice her sleep or her own meals. Everything that is done by her hands is productive, she is not idle (not in terms of relaxation, but laziness).

31:17-19
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheth her arms. She percieveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Dependapility. Just as we light a candle in the window to show that we are waiting for one's return, she embodies dependability and hope. She is steady, like a rock, for when spinning wool or flax if your hands are not steady, the strands will not be the same girth nor will it unspool in an orderly fashion.

31:20-22
She strectcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
She is a willing provider to the poor and it is not done in a boastful manner. Yet, in her care for the poor and needy, her family is not without. She ensures that the family is well clothed and that even in times of suffering, she does not look the part.

31:23-26
Her husband is know in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and deliereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdome; and her tongue is the law of kindness.
She does no dishonour to her husband nor to the household name, for otherwises the merchants would not do business with her willingly and repeatedly. Her husband is not preoccupied with matters of the household or her public conduct and therefore is able to meet with the elders without shame, and he is known in the land. She is patient, not jumping into premature joy or celebration. In discernment she speaks, and with love. In order to make fine linen, one has to be patient, willing to rework the warped threads, especially if a pattern is woven into it - she does not work in haste, but with care and promptness where appropriate.

31:27-29
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daugthers have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
She does not delay or linger when there is work to be done. Shes is valued in her household, without a person to lay a harsh word against her honour, deeds, and name.

31:30-31
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.