Background
Proverbs 31 talks about a woman who has served as a role model. Back in the Old Testament days, it was part of the jewish culture that the women study this woman in Proverbs, memorize and recite it once a week to remind themselves of who they are. Proverbs 31 is for married women but the characteristics in it applies to every single woman. If we learn from her it will become clear guidelines for us on how to bring our lives in order and know what to prioritize.
Who is a Virtuous Woman
Before we talk about who a virtuous woman is lets first talk about who she is not. She is not a stereotypical stay at home mom who is consumed by her husband and children, neither an obsessed career woman who neglect her family. She is a woman of God and a wife, and knows hows to balance both roles. She is God fearing, hardworking, respectful to her spouse, cares for the needy and others, financially wise and responsible. She knows her earthly purpose and she pursues it. She is very industrious and possesses good character traits.
Proverbs 31
In Verse 10, the word virtuous used in "who can find a virtuous woman" means efficiency, strong, uprightness, nobility, valor; meaning a strong woman of good character. We develop character by practicing Christian virtues, keeping good company, and guarding our hearts with all diligence. She is far above rubies, meaning she is precious and valuable.
Verse 13-16 talks about her hard work and ingenuity. A creative and handy woman who properly manages herself and completes her tasks. She finds things that are necessary resources for the family (seeks wool and flux). She is also not proud, haughty and does not think that working with her hands is beneath her. She's a forward thinking woman who acquires property or make investments and uses the profits to take care for her family (she considers a field and buys it).
In verse 17-20, she girds herself with strength and uses her strength for productive purposes. She puts her energy into things that matters and her wisdom teaches her to buy oil for her lamp. She uses the tools and technology available to manage her home well. A woman of great compassion who cares for the and helps the poor and needy.
Verse 21-23 the virtuous woman has the wisdom, diligence, and preparation to be ready to support her husband through all kinds of challenges and adversity. Her house is well decorated and fully prepared for the cold with very fine and high quality wool cloth (scarlet) to provide warmth and comfort. She knows what to wear, how to wear it, and in her own colorful style. She is not a hindrance to her husband's advancement, and therefore he is able to do his job well because he has no concerns or anxieties coming from his marriage or home life. (Proverbs 31:21-23 - She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.)
Verse 26-31 touches on a woman whose deliberate speech and spontaneous words are marked by wisdom and kindness.In her house, diligence in business, and fervency of spirit, serving the Lord, go hand in hand. She is neither idle herself nor suffers any of her household to be idle, because she knows that idleness leads to vice. She is a woman of such noble character and her wisdom rightfully receives the blessings and praises of her family. She is deserving of praise and reward for all she does.
Credits:
Created with images by Valerie Sigamani - "Church woman pews, find more on lightstock" • Ashley Byrd - "untitled image" • Christina @ wocintechchat.com - "untitled image" • Tamar Waskey - "untitled image" • Prince Akachi - "Heading out after the mid-afternoon sun. I loved the way the sun touched my cousin chinemerem as i made her sit while taking this portrait"