I think it is great that a passage written about the ideal wife is constructed in such a complex but creative way.

Proverbs 31:1-31

Reference:  v.10  A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  From verse 10 onwards this final chapter of Proverbs is actually written as an acrostic where each verse begins with a successive letter from the Hebrew alphabet.  We don't pick that up when it is translated into English but the original was written in this poetic way.  While translations have helped people of many nations to know more of the wisdom and majesty of our God, we can miss some of the beauty and play-on-words that were written in to the original text.

Application:  I think it is great that a passage written about the ideal wife is constructed in such a complex but creative way.  It's like the very structure of the writing also resembles the character of a wife.  Women span the whole spectrum of diversity but we are all made to bring honour to God. 
The whole book of Proverbs teaches us how to live wisely and fully.  It sets ideals that we know are good but that could overwhelm us as they seem difficult to fulfill everyday.  Don't let this high standard make you give up, but as you live each day may Proverbs give you the guidance and instruction to honour God in all you do.

Prayer:  Lord, we can always find someone else that is better than us.  Help us not to focus on them but just to strive to honour You.  Amen.

Do you find you are striving to live up to someone else's expectations?  Who is it that God is calling you to be?