she opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her happy;
her husband too, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”

There’s an adage that reminds us “You can’t please them all.” So, whose praise would be good? How about those who know us best?

In the Ode to a Virtuous Woman, she is praised by the members of her family.

Her children rise up and call her happy;
 her husband too, and he praises her:                                     
“Many women have done excellently,
 but you surpass them all.”

Some sincere praise uttered by those close to our hearts might feel better than any medal, trophy, or citation that the world could bestow.

Prayer

God, You have surrounded us with family and close friends. Help me to treat the ones who are close to me in such a Christ-like manner that they might find some reason to be thankful for our relationship. Amen.