Laura Ingalls' Tribute to Her Mother and the Proverbs 31 Woman

B”H

Dedicated to My wife My Eishet Chayil

Introduction

This essay is based off of the Episode Country Girl on Little House on the Prairie...

Essay

My sister Mary is going to tell you how Pa brought us West, and how hard he worked. And I don't mean to take anything from him by telling you, Ma worked plenty hard herself. Still does. She cooks, and sews, and cleans.

She takes care of the lot of us. Pa included. I remember once when I was little, coming down with the fever. Ma sat up next to me, all night long. I slept some. But she, never. Any time I'd open my eyes, she'd be there smiling, holding a cold cloth to my head. Now with me and Mary, 'sprouting up', which is what Ma calls it. If there's the least littlest noise in the night, Ma would come climbing up the ladder into the loft, to make sure we're all right. I reckon there's times she gets bone tired, but you'd never know it. Her smile is the last thing I see before I close my eyes at night.

And the first thing I want to see in the morning. She's been selling eggs to the Mercantile, and saved enough to buy yard goods to make herself a new dress. This morning, Mary and me found out she made dresses for the two of us instead. That's because she loves us. That's the kind of mother Ma is. And that's why we love her so much.

Mishlei/ Proverbs 31:10-31

A woman of valor, who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value. Her husband's heart trusts in her and he shall lack no fortune

She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly

She is like a merchant's ships; from afar she brings her sustenance She rises while it is still nighttime, and gives food to her household and a ration to her maids

She considers a field and buys it; from the fruit of her handiwork she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with might and strengthens her arms

She senses that her enterprise is good, so her lamp is not extinguished at night. She puts her hand to the distaff, and her palms support the spindle

She spreads out her palm to the poor and extends her hands to the destitute. She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool

Bedspreads she makes herself; linen and purple wool are her clothing. Well-known at the gates is her husband as he sits with the elders of the land

Garments she makes and sells, and she delivers a belt to the peddler. Strength and splendor are her clothing, and smilingly she awaits her last day

She opens her mouth with Wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She anticipates the needs of her household, and the bread of idleness, she does not eat

Her children rise and celebrate her; and her husband, he praises her: "Many daughters have attained valor, but you have surpassed them all."

False is grace, and vain is beauty; a G d-fearing woman, she should be praised.

Give her the fruit of her hands, and she will be praised at the gates by her very own deeds.

Motherhood, in its purest form, is an embodiment of selflessness, strength, and unwavering love. Throughout history, literature and religious texts have sought to capture the essence of what it means to be a woman of valor—a woman who nurtures, provides, sacrifices, and leads her family with wisdom and kindness. One of the most celebrated descriptions of such a woman comes from the biblical passage Proverbs 31:10-31, commonly known as Eishet Chayil, or "A Woman of Valor." This passage details the virtues of a righteous woman whose dedication to her household makes her worthy of praise.

The values found in Eishet Chayil are not only evident in ancient texts but also resonate deeply within classic literary works, including the television adaptation of Little House on the Prairie. In the episode Country Girls, Laura Ingalls delivers a heartfelt speech about her mother, Caroline Ingalls, capturing the very qualities extolled in Proverbs 31. Her speech, while simple in structure, echoes themes of selflessness, industry, love, and moral strength—hallmarks of the Eishet Chayil.

This essay explores how Laura’s speech about her mother parallels the qualities described in Proverbs 31, demonstrating how Caroline Ingalls serves as a modern representation of the biblical woman of valor.

1. The Hardworking Provider

Laura begins her speech by acknowledging both of her parents, saying, "My sister Mary is going to tell you how Pa brought us West, and how hard he worked. And I don't mean to take anything from him by telling you, Ma worked plenty hard herself. Still does; she cooks, and sews, and cleans." This sets the stage for her testimony about her mother’s endless labor and devotion to her family.

This mirrors Proverbs 31:13-15, 27, which states: "She seeks wool and flax and works willingly with her hands… She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household… She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

Caroline Ingalls, like the Eishet Chayil, is portrayed as a woman whose work is never done. She is not only a caregiver but also a provider, ensuring that her family’s needs are met through hard work and tireless dedication. Just as the Proverbs 31 woman "works willingly with her hands," Caroline is frequently shown cooking, sewing, cleaning, and engaging in various household chores, all of which are acts of love and provision for her family.

2. A Mother’s Love and Care

Laura’s speech continues with a touching memory: "I remember once when I was little, coming down with the fever. Ma sat up next to me, all night long. I slept some. But she, never. Any time I'd open my eyes, she'd be there smiling, holding a cold cloth to my head."

This account captures the essence of Proverbs 31:20: "She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches forth her hands to the needy." While this verse primarily refers to acts of charity, it also reflects a woman’s boundless capacity for nurturing and caring for those who are vulnerable. In this case, Caroline’s child is the one in need, and she gives of herself freely and unconditionally.

A mother’s love, particularly the kind that sacrifices sleep and comfort for the well-being of her children, is one of the strongest parallels between Laura’s speech and the biblical ideal. Caroline’s presence by her daughter’s side, through sickness and distress, epitomizes the unwavering devotion of a mother who places her children’s needs before her own.

3. Strength and Sacrifice

One of the most powerful lines in Laura’s speech is: "I reckon there's times she gets bone tired, but you'd never know it."

This sentiment aligns closely with Proverbs 31:17, which states: "She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms."

The Eishet Chayil is characterized by an inner resilience that allows her to persist even in the face of exhaustion. Likewise, Caroline’s ability to press on despite the demands of frontier life—without complaint or self-pity—embodies this characteristic of quiet strength. Her work is not only physical but emotional and spiritual as well. She sustains her family through love, guidance, and perseverance, ensuring that her home remains a place of warmth and stability.

4. Selflessness and Generosity

Laura’s speech reaches a particularly moving moment when she reveals her mother’s selflessness: "She’s been selling eggs to the Mercantile and saved enough to buy yard goods to make herself a new dress. This morning, Mary and me found out she made dresses for the two of us instead."

This act of sacrifice resonates deeply with Proverbs 31:21-22, which states: "She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is fine linen and purple."

The Eishet Chayil is not only concerned with dressing herself but ensures that her household is well-clothed and taken care of. Caroline’s decision to forgo her own needs in favor of her children’s is a direct reflection of this virtue. Her selflessness is not born of obligation but of love—choosing to provide for her daughters before considering her own desires.

5. A Woman Who Is Praised

Laura concludes her speech with a powerful affirmation: "That’s the kind of mother Ma is. And that’s why we love her so much."

This corresponds directly with Proverbs 31:28, which states: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

One of the hallmarks of a true woman of valor is the way she is honored by her family. Caroline’s actions inspire gratitude and admiration in her children, just as the Proverbs 31 woman is recognized and praised by her loved ones.

Conclusion: A Timeless Parallel

The values upheld in Proverbs 31 are not confined to ancient times; they are timeless virtues that transcend generations. Caroline Ingalls, as described by Laura, embodies the very characteristics of the Eishet Chayil—hardworking, nurturing, resilient, selfless, and deeply devoted to her family. Her sacrifices and quiet strength make her the heart of the Ingalls home, just as the Proverbs 31 woman is the foundation of hers.

In modern times, the concept of a woman of valor remains as relevant as ever. Women today continue to balance family, work, and personal growth while striving to provide love, care, and stability to those around them. Whether in the 19th-century frontier or in the contemporary world, the essence of the Eishet Chayil is alive in every woman who gives selflessly, loves unconditionally, and strengthens those within her home and community.

Through Laura’s words, we are reminded that the greatest tributes to mothers are not grand gestures but simple expressions of gratitude—acknowledging their sacrifices, their love, and the quiet ways in which they shape our lives. Like the Eishet Chayil, Caroline Ingalls stands as a testament to the power of motherhood, proving that love and virtue never fade but instead echo through generations.