by Annette Sepe
Hot Springs, AR
If I am going to strive to become a virtuous woman, I need to understand what she is and how she got there. Having said that, I began to wonder why the virtuous woman was compared to a ruby; why not a sapphire, or an emerald, or even a diamond? Being a normal woman, I love the sparkle and brilliance of all varieties of beautiful gems, but I have always believed that “a diamond was a girl’s best friend.” I’ve never owned a ruby, and I wanted to understand why a ruby was used as our example. So I did a little research and discovered the following facts.
A RUBY IS EXTREMELY RARE AND PRECIOUS. Rare does not mean non-existent; rare is possible, and when discovered, it is precious. The understanding is that God has not failed in anything that He has created. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14)
A RUBY IS KNOWN FOR BEING HARD; ONLY A DIAMOND IS HARDER. On a scale of 1 to 10, the ruby is a “9.” The word virtuous means “to have strength of moral character; to have a firm foundation on which to build.” The ruby does not use its own strength, but the strength given by its Creator. In doing so, the ruby has been chosen worthy to be God’s example. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1)
THE COLOR OF A RUBY IS DERIVED FROM PARTICULAR ELEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN FORCED INTO THE CRYSTAL. It is interesting that chrome is the main ingredient that gives the ruby its red coloring; however, chrome is also the main element responsible for breaking rubies apart! Chrome keeps the ruby small, usually less than three carats. God allows adversity into the ruby’s life that brings about humility, which results in beauty.“A gracious woman retaineth honour.…” (Proverbs 11:16)
THE WARM, FIERY RED OF THE RUBY IS INCOMPARABLE. Two magical components are associated with the symbolism of this color: fire (warmth) and blood (life). The red coloring of the ruby is absolutely undiluted, hot, passionate, and powerful. The ruby personifies the emotion of being overwhelmed, entranced, or stunned.“Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.” (Proverbs 5:19)
WHEN HEAT IS APPLIED TO THE RUBY, THE CORE TURNS TO A DEEP RED. The deeper the red core, the more valuable the ruby. The brilliance of the red color is the most important aspect of a ruby. Being a precious gem, the ruby is beautiful both on the outside and on the inside. It is the heat applied to the outside that gives the inside its beauty. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)
THE RAREST RUBY IS A STAR RUBY. The star ruby has taken in more elements than most other rubies. It is cut in a specific manner that shows the brilliance of the six-spoke star and showcases the star in the very center of the stone. This ruby not only has survived the outside elements of forced hardships but has also allowed a specific cut by the master’s hand. Only a perfect cut will underline its true beauty.“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22:16)
INCLUSIONS DO NOT DECREASE, BUT INCREASE THE VALUE OF THE RUBY. Transparency is the second most important aspect of the ruby. Through that transparency the imperfections are emphasized. It is those very flaws that give the ruby its fingerprint and make each one individually special. “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:29)
I think I now love the ruby and understand some of its purpose in defining the life of the virtuous woman. I now know that being a virtuous woman is possible. Her strength comes from the Lord. She is humble while also passionate. She welcomes the heat of trials and surrenders all to the Master’s plan. She is not trying to hide her imperfections or wish she were a diamond, an emerald, or a sapphire. She is who she is, which brings honor to the One Who created her. Who can find a virtuous woman? Maybe those who are looking at you!
