Proverbs 31: 18
... Her lamp does not go out at night.
Most of this chapter of Proverbs lays out all the reasons why a "virtuous woman" is a good wife. This one detail is what I'd like to focus on right now.
It says that, her lamp does not go out at night. I don't think this means that she works all night after working all day. Especially because it also says that, she rises also while it is still night (v. 15), she gets up before the sun rises. She needed to sleep, or she wouldn't have the energy and stamina to do all that she does.
It was the custom for compassionate people to welcome strangers into their homes as they traveled through the towns. If a traveler happened into their town at night needing a place to sleep, it could be dangerous to sleep in the street, so they would look for a house with a light in the window. This woman made sure that the light in her window had enough oil to stay lit all night, to welcome any traveler who needed lodging. This showed her compassion on strangers. She also is concerned for the poor and needy (v. 20).
May I be one who can display the qualities of a "virtuous woman" in my living every day, doing what I do, sharing with whoever needs what I have to give.
Father, open my eyes to see the needs around me, that You have enabled me to meet, on behalf of any whose path crosses mine.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
