She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
The verse defines the true sphere and right of woman as competent, diligent management of her household. It means that as daughter, wife, and mother she is to be trained in every department of domestic labor, so that she can preside in her own domain, guide and instruct her children, direct servants, and when need arises meet the wants of her household with her own hands. That her merchandise is good means practical skill in cutting, making, and mending clothing, in preparing food in a wholesome and palatable manner, and in washing, sweeping, dusting, and working in kitchen and garden. It also means understanding the mechanism of the human body and the principles of hygiene, diet, dress, labor and recreation, together with the best methods of treating disease, so that she can care for her children in sickness. This diligence begins in childhood, with girls of nine or ten taking a regular, responsible share in household duties. In doing so they learn the art of improving time, in preparation to become wives and mothers, heads of families, and useful members of society.
The verse defines the true sphere and right of woman as competent, diligent management of her household. It means that as daughter, wife, and mother she is to be trained in every department of domestic labor, so that she can preside in her own domain, guide and instruct her children, direct servants, and when need arises meet the wants of her household with her own hands. That her merchandise is good means practical skill in cutting, making, and mending clothing, in preparing food in a wholesome and palatable manner, and in washing, sweeping, dusting, and working in kitchen and garden. It also means understanding the mechanism of the human body and the principles of hygiene, diet, dress, labor and recreation, together with the best methods of treating disease, so that she can care for her children in sickness. This diligence begins in childhood, with girls of nine or ten taking a regular, responsible share in household duties. In doing so they learn the art of improving time, in preparation to become wives and mothers, heads of families, and useful members of society.