(Edited June 16 to modify or clarify some thoughts.)
This is another chapter where the principle of "keep the good and spit out the seeds" is really needed for the reader.
This chapter is about the concept of being Good as listed in Titus 2:4,5 in the list of things the older women are to teach the younger women to be. Mrs Pearl spends some time on Proverbs 12:4 (which uses a synonym for good - virtuous) "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness to his bones." She gives some examples where a man may not be all that he should, but if the woman does what is right (like spending money wisely, training the children to be good and obedient, and having the right attitude toward him) he will be honored. It will also improve things for her as she encourages his love for her by blessing him, and as she does her best to create a comfortable home.
She contrasts the virtuous woman with the "ball-and-chain" woman who does not care for her children or her home, and is unwise with her husband's money. Even if he is a good man, her wrong actions cause him to be ashamed.
Now, I'm not so sure about the conclusion to the Ball and Chain section, where Mrs Pearl states "Although a good woman can lift up a poor husband, a good man cannot make up for the deficits of a poor wife and create a family with a good reputation." I can see how it is
likely, I just don't see it as cut-and-dried as is stated here.
Mrs Pearl includes a small section on "Ridin'-the-Line" ladies who don't do all they can do for the good of their families, but excuse themselves for not being as bad as others!
In the section "A Good Woman is Prudent" encourages women to be learners and doers and not wait around for the husband to do all the household repairs. I feel she comes on a little too strong in this, and doesn't realize that different families have different dynamics and situations or people have differing limitations (for instance, I don't drive here, and don't have a car in the daytime, so going out to hardware stores and buying repair stuff isn't all that easy - other women may have other situations) but she is absolutely right in that we women ought to do what we can do, which may take some learning, instead of moaning about our husband's lack of motivation and accomplishments. Many of us can get at least some of the yard work done, sometimes (I know it is not always possible to do even that on some days or in some seasons of life) , and if it is possible to do anything, it is wiser to get something accomplished than to gripe. I think the idea is to be willing to learn and to try - not sit around and wait for hubby to do it all, and complain when he doesn't.
Another plus to doing some home repairs is that you can teach your children practical skills at the same time.
Most of the chapter is devoted to more discussion of the value of being a learner, and being a doer instead of being idle. There are some good comments in the part about the Proverbs 31 woman. I really agree with her advice to spend time learning things (how to do things, or about health, that sort of thing) instead of intertaining oneself with fiction. Not that I think fiction is bad - I enjoy some - but instead of spending all one's reading time in fiction, a prudent, virtuous wife should be acquiring knowledge that will help her do her job.
The next chapter is about being subject to one's own husband. I think there is some good stuff there although my original caveat applies - take what's good and spit out the seeds! I'll leave chapter 22 for tomorrow or later though, so I may be a good wife myself and do some things I need to do here at home!
Posted at 08:18 am by Rosesandtea
