The following article is actually from an email sent to me by a friend.  I want to share this because I find this very encouraging and uplifting.  Certainly, if there was any model for us to strive after, it would be The Excellent Wife of Proverbs 31.

I really do not know the original source of this article or who wrote it.  Do let me know if you know.

Proverbs 31:10-11  (NASB)
 
An excellent wife who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

COMMENTARY:
These are the opening verses of the passages describing the famed "Proverbs 31 woman."  In context, this is the description of an excellent wife.  The characteristics of an excellent wife include the following:

• she is committed to her husband's success (v12,23),
• she is cheerful in her work (v13),
• she considers her household's needs as her first priority (v14-15,21,27),
• she is thoughtful (v16),
• she takes care of herself physically (v17),
• she has a mind for business (v18,24),
• she is optimistic (v25),
• she is dignified (v25),
• she is hard-working and well-organized (v27),
• she is wise and kind (v26),
• she has a heart for the needy (v20), and
• she fears the Lord (v30).

Such a woman cannot be found like a material possession, "for a prudent wife is from the Lord."  (Proverbs 19:14).  It is interesting to note that the pattern in Scripture always has God bringing the woman to the man, and not the other way around.  Eve was brought to Adam (Genesis 2:22); Rebekah was brought to Isaac (Genesis 24:15,63); Rachel was brought to Jacob (Genesis 29:9), and even the bride of Christ - the church - is brought to the bridegroom - Jesus - one member at a time by the Father (John 6:44).
 
When a man totally trusts (also rendered "relies on") the wife God has given him, he will have no lack of gain.  The NIV says he will lack nothing of value.  The KJV says he will have no need of spoil, in other words he will have everything he needs, he will have his full portion (Proverbs 30:8).