The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 8

The Proverbs 31 woman is WISE.

v. 24 says

She makes linen garments and sells them,

And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

This woman knows business, as well as her craft.  She would probably be a great person to go garage-sale-ing with.  She does not make decisions foolishly.

I wish I was more like her.  The best financial decision I ever made was to not fuss when my husband decided to do the finances when we were first married.  I had more time, but he definitely had more money smarts.  When I was single, I was "Sears Best Customer."  I earned that title by paying for the same couch 3 times over (making minimum payments each month).  I admit it:  I bounced checks. 

Now, my husband has me running on a pretty much cash-only basis.  The cash I have is what I have.  I do much better keeping a handle on the groceries and my personal wants on the allowance I am given. 

Oh!  And I am a terrible negotiator.  If I have a garage sale, you'll get it for a quarter or free probably!  I once made $20 on a 4-hour garage sale.  That's less than minimum wage!  After that, I just choose to donate stuff instead.

All that said, I do my best to live within my husband's means.  I don't beg for things that cost a lot.  I don't go shopping to "fix" a problem or a feeling (anymore). 

The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 4

The Proverbs 31 woman is CAREFUL.

v. 16 says
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Have you ever looked for a house or apartment, bought a house or found one to rent? If you haven’t yet, you probably will someday. My husband and I chose our house as a “forever house.” We don’t intend on moving, ever. [Although when the weather “feels like 100” like it has the last few days, I do dream of cooler climes! And, of course, if the Lord wants us to move -- we will!]

We made our list carefully because of that goal. We needed to get this right the first time and God blessed our list. We wanted a big yard, a big bathtub, and a fireplace. We found the exact house we wanted within our budget. It was the first house we looked at! A few years later, we re-financed so that we would not spend all of our lives paying the interest on a mortgage. Our house is paid off, so there may be money someday to do other things -- like pay for our children’s education –- or other things that “grow” (like a vineyard).

In a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman was frugal and wise. She considered her purchases and she worked and saved for what she wanted. I don’t picture her running to Macy’s with her husband’s paycheck. She made sure there was enough; she worked and made a profit. I do picture her clipping coupons and making wise purchases, for things that will last.