Solomon continues by comparing the virtuous woman to a merchant’s ship.  WOW!!!  So, let’s follow his comparison by referring to the merchant’s ship in the female gender.  A merchant’s ship brings food, provisions and goods from distant lands.  Everyone awaits her arrival, and rejoices when they see her, because her journey may have taken several months.   She may have weathered storms, attacks by pirates, and the weariness of her crew.  She may have visited many lands in search of the finest foods, spices, fragrances, linens, silks, livestock, and seeds.  She would have traded her products for other goods and raw materials that would benefit her whole region.  All of the people would have anticipated her arrival day by day, and they would have rejoiced when they saw her coming into port.  It was always great news whenever a merchant’s ship returned from her journey. 

When you were a little child, can you remember how happy you were to see your mother, father, or other adults return from the grocery store with fresh food and other goods?  You ran to greet them, because you wanted to know if they brought your favorite cereal and some milk.  Maybe they brought some peanut butter or some cookies.   Possibly they even stopped by a department store and got you some new clothes or a pair of gym shoes.  That’s how everyone anticipates the virtuous woman.  They eagerly await her arrival because they know she will bring wonderful provisions.  Just like the merchant, she is skillful in bartering and trading for necessities and specialties to meet a demand. 

GEM FOR TODAY:  (Women say) Father, You've made me a precious GEM far above rubies. I am like a merchant’s ship after a long journey, full of good fruit and good food.   People anticipate my arrival with gladness everywhere I go.   (Men say) I AM A MAN OF VALOR, AND I VALUE GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN!!! (Women say) I AM GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN!!! In Jesus' Name, Amen