To be noble is rare.
Proverbs 31:10
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV)
To be noble is to be free. The Bible says a noble man makes noble plans. A free man makes plans that are virtuous. They plan to do good things for those around them. They set out each day to be a blessing not wondering suspiciously who will bless them. But virtue goes so much deeper.
The depth of this word noble also translated virtuous that is used to describe an illusive wife has much depth. Not only is it a desire to do good, but the word insinuates a willingness to writhe in pain to do good for others. It is not unusual to find someone who will do a good thing, but only when it is easy. It is rare to find a man or woman ready to suffer within to do good for the others in life.
When we realize the pain inflicted upon this person more often than not is coming from those they are trying to do good for. It is a strange world that we are so quick to decline what is good and those who wish to give it for that which will run us into the ground. There is a way that seems good to us and we go after it, but it ends in destruction. A virtuous person is willingly to keep giving even as they are rejected for the hope that one day those they love will accept the gifts they bring.
This is to be like Christ. He came in absolute goodness, but we esteemed Him not. Yet, He did not return to Heaven defeated but poured out His life for us anyway in the hope that one day we might accept His gift. No wonder this proverb warns us that this type of person is hard to find.
This is who we should aspire to be. The proverb draws out the beauty of this person in the context of marriage. Marriage is a place where few are willing to suffer for the good of their spouse. Retaliation and condemnation are common. Holding our tongue, going the extra mile, writhing in pain to let them know we love them at their worst is uncommon.
What kind of spouse do you want to be?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a spouse worth more than rubies. Give me a love willing to suffer when necessary to open their heart to mine. Amen.
