The idea that a godly woman is supposed to be a blessing to her husband isn't a new idea. But have you ever considered when that blessing should start?

I think that the description of the virtuous woman found in Proverbs 31:10–31 is one of the richest passages in all of Scripture. Every time I read those verses I gain new insight into what kind of woman God wants me to be.

Just recently, a new kernel of truth jumped off the page at me as I read verses 11 and 12. Check it out:

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

The idea that a godly woman is supposed to be a blessing to her husband isn't new. We all know that, right? But I'd never considered when that blessing should start in the way that is described in verse 12:

"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

It doesn't say "all the days of their marriage" or "all the days of his life" or even "once she's met the right guy." This passage says that a virtuous woman is a blessing to her husband all the days of her life. Cool, huh?

Maybe I like this passage so much because it seems romantic. Loving your man before you ever meet him is the stuff fairy tales are made of. But I also think these verses have gobs of practical implications.

Here's what I mean:

• How would it change the dating choices you made now if your goal was to bring your future husband good, not harm?
• Would it impact the decisions you make about your future career if you kept blessing your husband in mind?
• What books could you read now to prepare you to do your husband good in the future?

I'm not saying that you should plan your entire life around meeting and marrying the right guy. That can get out of control in a hurry. But I do want you to consider God's call to bring your husband good, not harm, all the days of your life (including today).

So what can you do to be a blessing to your future husband today? How can you prepare your heart to be the kind of wife described in these verses?