C Knapp

HER PROVIDENCE — her care for her own. “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet (or double garments, margin). She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles to the merchant Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come”. A man who provides not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he is worse than an infidel, Scripture assures us (1 Tim. 5:8). The lauded housewife here does not come under the condemnation of this passage. She has made ample provision for the future of those dependent on her. Not only is she prepared for the days of storm and snow, but “she shall rejoice in time to come”, the delineator of her virtues says. “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life”, is the apostolic admonition concerning those that are rich in this world (1 Tim. 6:19). This, in measure, all may do, even if poor in this world’s goods. To lay up for themselves treasure in heaven is the privilege even of those most indigent in the church.