Who can find a capable wife? The same could be said of husbands! The rather unequal views of the marital relationship and male/female roles in this proverb reflect the ancient culture in which it was written. Rather than focusing on the particular duties described in the passage, we might look at the human qualities: kindness, even temperament, diligence, concern for the well-being of the family, and concern for the poor. These are indeed admirable qualities for a wife or a husband. It is another way of describing love. The family is like a school of love where we learn and practice all of the virtues we strive to develop.

Life goes by so quickly and can end at any moment. And our lives can change in an instant. Both Paul and Matthew urge us not to waste the present moment. We can be complacent and content only to find out that we have missed important opportunities for loving and learning. The parable of the talents reminds us that we can be paralyzed by fear and refuse to be bold or take risks. God does not expect us to be timid and self-protective, but to trust Him and live life to its fullest. Some people die without ever having lived while others live and never die. Let us live in gratitude to God and openness to life at every moment.