VI. She endeavours to _win_ her husband, does not try to _drive_. 1 Pet. iii. 1. 1 Cor. vii. 16.

Win to religion by displaying its beauty and brightness in your lives.

VII. She is a spiritual help to her husband. 1 Pet. iii. 7.

'Mutual help and comfort.' Marriage Service.

Not a hindrance. Luke, xiv. 20.

A wife has more opportunity than any one of seeing her husband's faults. Do not _talk_ about them, but _pray_ about them.

VI. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.

Prov. x.x.xi.

IN HER HOME.

I. She is diligent. Verses 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 27. So 1 Tim. v. 10.

Rom. xii. 8.

No gossiping; standing at doors; idling at neighbours.

Observe what is said of the diligent in the Book of Proverbs.

Maketh rich. Prov. x. 4.

Prospered (Prov. xii. 24, 27; xiii. 4; xxi. 5.) Sometimes worldly diligence leads to spiritual sloth. Let it not be so with you; but whilst you are 'not slothful in business,' be also 'fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' Rom. xii. 11.

II. She is prudent. Verses 13, 14, 15.

Looks well to her goings. Prov. xiv. 15. Looks forward. Prov. xxii.

3; xxvii. 12. Enjoys a special blessing. Prov. xix. 14.

III. Overlooks her household. Verses 15, 21, 27.

Children, servants, if she has any.

Your household, of whomsoever it may consist, should share your blessings and privileges. Gen. xviii. 19. Lev. xvi. 17. Acts, xvi.

15.

Important to impress this upon your girls going to service. A _good_ mistress _ought_, and _will_, look after them. No kindness in lax discipline. Look back to your own days of service. Who was the best mistress? 1 Tim. v. 14.

VII. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.

Prov. x.x.xi.

IN HER CONVERSATION.

I. 'She openeth her mouth with _wisdom_,' verse 26.

1. No foolish talking, or jesting. Job, xv. 3. Eph. v. 4.

2. No chattering or gossip, which tends to penury. Prov. xiv. 23.

Eccles. x. 11, 14.

3. No deception. Prov. xxiv. 28; xx. 17.

II. 'In her tongue is the law of _kindness_,' verse 26.

1. No tale-bearing or back-biting. Prov. xxv. 23; xxvi. 22. Ps. xv.

3.

How mischievous. Prov. xxiv. 2.

2. No flattering, like wicked woman. Prov. v. 3; vi. 24. Ps. v. 9.

III. How important to bridle the tongue. Jam. i. 26.

There is often much wisdom in silence. Ps. x.x.xiv. 13. Prov. xvii. 28; xxix. 11.

Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Philip, i. 27. Ps. lxxvii. 12. Prov. xv. 4. 1 Pet. iii. 1. 2 Pet. iii. 11.

Col. iii. 16.

Make this your prayer. Ps. xix. 14; cxli. 3.

Blessing promised. Ps. l. 23.

IV. Three good rules.

1. So speak to your husband and children, that should these be your _last_ words, you would not regret them.

2. Never say anything of your neighbours you would dislike them to overhear.

3. In all your conversation, remember that the Lord is nigh, and hears each word.

VIII. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.