Proverbs 31:18

Proverbs 31:18

She perceives that her merchandise is good,

And her lamp does not go out by night.

The virtuous woman being described works very hard.  She toils and crafts and puts a huge amount of effort into producing merchandise that is good and profitable for her family.  I don't really create merchandise to sell.  A lot of women in this day and age don't.  But I do have a job and this can easily relate to the working woman of today.  Of course our first priority is to our family, but we can make sure our merchandise is good by doing a good job while we are at work.  I mean, that is a trade of sorts.  I'm trading my time and skills as a nurse to the hospital for a paycheck.  I want my boss to think that I am a good employee and an asset to the unit.  That way I stay employed (and in this economy, that's a good thing!).  In that way my 'nursing merchandise' is profitable to my family.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men

Colossians 3:23

At the hospital I work the night shift so I often feel like my lamp does not go out by night! 

 I think this is more about time management though.  It's about getting done what needs to be done and then when you finally get some free time, use it so that when it is time for bed you think, 'man, what a productive day'.  Every moment we are blessed with is because of God.  We should make sure that we make the most of those moments.  I'm not saying that every second that I am awake I should be toiling and working hard.  I'm just saying that every moment should be well spent.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  

Ephesians 5:15-17