More Than Rubies, More Than Rules

Proverbs 31:10An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.Proverbs Daily is reader and listener-supported. Every post is free, but if you'd like to help spread the message and make the sacred positively contagious, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Just look for the word 'Upgrade' and click it! Thanks in advance.Let’s talk about one of the most beautiful openings in all of ancient wisdom literature:“An excellent wife who can find?” “She is far more precious than jewels.”Proverbs 31:10 opens one of the oldest and most exquisite poems in all of Scripture. But it’s not just a love song. It’s a carefully designed masterpiece.From verse 10 to 31, the poem forms an acrostic—each line starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, from Aleph to Tav. That structure doesn’t just show poetic skill—it’s really suggesting a completeness. A Wholeness. As if to say: Every part of this person is worthy of my praise. From A to Z! (Right?!?!)Here’s a cool fact: acrostics in ancient Hebrew poetry helped with memorization. This wasn’t meant to just be read from a book—it was meant to be recited by heart, and passed down through generations.And get this: In Orthodox Jewish homes, this poem is still recited by husbands to their wives every Friday night before Shabbat. It’s called the “Eshet Chayil”—the Woman of Valor.But in Jewish mysticism, it goes further.The Shekinah—God’s tangible, indwelling presence—is often represented through the feminine.So on Shabbat, the wife is honored not just as a partner…but as a reflection of God’s beauty and nearness in the home. Ahh that’s beautiful.That’s why this poem was never meant to be a checklist of impossible expectations. It’s designed to be a song of praise that you can keep in step with as you recognize the reflection of the divine in your partner. It’s more of a guiding star—than a measuring stick.Now, back to the opening line:“Who can find her?” That’s no shade being thrown—it’s a rhetorical setup. A declaration that someone like this is rare and priceless.“She is far more precious than jewels.” Jewels like rubies, and diamonds, and pearls are scarce. Symbolic of wealth and status. That’s a poetic way of saying: “They’re irreplaceable.”That takes me to The Spinners’ 1972 classic: “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got.” Ohh a love anthem. Soulful, smooth, timeless right?! Except for that one line:“And My words, my very words she’ll obey! Ooooohhh.”That lyric might’ve worked in the '70s—but try that line today and… let’s just say it won’t chart well in 2025. That song hasn’t aged like Proverbs 31.Here’s the irony: A love song from the 1970s now sounds outdated. A love poem from 2,500 years ago still speaks. Why? Because it’s built on honor, not control. On esteem, not ego.It’s not just for women either. This is a song for anyone who wants to love and cherish their spouse. Husbands need to hear it. Wives need to feel it. And anyone in a relationship should live it.Dr. John Gottman, one of the most respected relationship psychologists today, teaches that the foundation of lasting love is this:Always keep the posture that you’re lucky to have them in your life. That’s what Proverbs 31 does. It says: “You are my rare find. My jewel. My crown.”💡 So Remember This:Proverbs 31 isn’t pressure—it’s praise. A love supreme for every home. Stay in step to the tempo of that kind of love and you’ll be alright.🙏🏽 PrayerThank you God for love, a priceless, cherished gift. Amen💡 Today’s Challenge:Think of one rare jewel in your spouse—And if you’re single–think of one rare jewel you see in yourself Something that reflects God’s presence. Now, say it. Tell them…or tell yourself. Let today be your Proverbs 31 moment.About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app  or just click that Subscribe button right now!Be Wise and Be Well...peace.Thanks for reading Proverbs Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Hey Fred Lynch! at heyfredlynch.substack.com/subscribe