This hymn, suitable for use on Mother's Day, takes its theme from Proverbs 18:22: "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." It takes its imagery from Proverbs 31:10-31, the well-known description of the virtuous wife.
The rhyming scheme lends itself to antiphonal singing. One side of the sanctuary may sing the first couplet ("Oh, who can find a godly wife? A precious gem to hold..."); then the other side sings the second couplet in response ("A fruitful vine within her house, A husband's crown of gold...). The entire congregation would then join in singing the final lines together ("A good thing, a good thing," etc.).
Click here to hear the melody. Click here to view the musical score.
1. Oh, who can find a godly wife?
A precious gem to hold;
A fruitful vine within her house,
A husband's crown of gold. (Prov 31:10; Ps 128:3; Prov 12:4)
A good thing, a good thing,
A godly wife, a help for life;
A good thing, a good thing,
A blessing from the Lord. (Prov 18:22)
2. While yet the night is on the earth,
She rises from her bed;
She scorns the bread of idleness
And labors long instead. (Prov 31:15,17,27)
A good thing, a good thing,
This ready hand, this willing heart,
A good thing, a good thing,
A blessing from the Lord.
3. The winter snow that chills the earth
Will bring her house no harm;
Her children, dressed in scarlet robes,
Will prosper, safe and warm. (Prov 31:21)
A good thing, a good thing,
Her children wear her tender care;
A good thing, a good thing,
A blessing from the Lord.
4. She reaches out her loving hand
To help the poor in need;
The word of kindness from her lips
Will comfort, soothe, and lead. (Prov 31:20,26)
A good thing, a good thing,
This caring hand, this sharing heart;
A good thing, a good thing,
A blessing from the Lord.
5. Her husband and her children rise
As witnesses to tell
How blest is she who fears the Lord,
Indeed, she has done well! (Prov 31:28-30)
A good thing, a good thing,
Her children bless her faithfulness;
A good thing, a good thing,
A blessing from the Lord.
