A Virtuous Woman - Summary

When we look at the virtues of a virtuous woman it can be overwhelming, but if we look at each one by itself we can see the woman God intends for us to be and we can resolve to be a virtuous woman.


Proverbs 31:10 - The woman in this passage is virtuous.
Proverbs 31:11 - The woman in this passage is trustworthy.
Proverbs 31:12 - The woman in this passage will do her husband good.
Proverbs 31:13 - The woman in this passage willingly works with her hands.
Proverbs 31:14 - The woman in this passage is resourceful.
Proverbs 31:15 - The woman in this passage is an early riser.
Proverbs 31:16 - The woman in this passage is business savvy.
Proverbs 31:17 - The woman in this passage is a strong worker.
Proverbs 31:18 - The woman in this passage uses good time management skills.
Proverbs 31:19 - The woman in this passage is a seamstress.
Proverbs 31:20 - The woman in this passage is charitable.
Proverbs 31:21 - The woman in this passage is a provider.
Proverbs 31:22 - The woman in this passage is well dressed.
Proverbs 31:23 - The woman in this passage esteems her husband's reputation.
Proverbs 31:24 - The woman in this passage is a good business woman.
Proverbs 31:25 - The woman in this passage is inwardly decked with spiritual attire.
Proverbs 31:26 - The woman in this passage is a teacher.
Proverbs 31:27 - The woman in this passage is a virtuous watcher.
Proverbs 31:28 - The woman in this passage is praiseworthy.
Proverbs 31:29 - The woman in this passage excels.
Proverbs 31:30 - The woman in this passage fears the LORD.
Proverbs 31:31 - The woman in this passage receives public praise.


Resolve to be a virtuous woman!

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:31

Proverbs 31:31 - Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.


The woman in this passage receives praise from those around her - her character was clearly seen by those outside of her home. She receives public recognition in the gates for being a virtuous woman.


Indeed, a virtuous woman is rare and her worth is far beyond any earthly treasure. The Lord sees her work and her love for Him and her family and He does not forget to bless her for it. I love knowing that nothing goes unnoticed in our Father's eyes. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:30

Proverbs 31:30 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but  a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.


The woman in this passage is praised because she fears the LORD, not because of her favour or beauty. Favour can be misleading because it promises a lifetime of happiness but cannot deliver; and physical beauty is only temporary. But the fear of the LORD (Yahweh) is the indispensable care of a woman like this.


The woman who fears the LORD will have a God conscience. She will be aware of God's presence in her home at all times. She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy, and comfort. A virtuous woman loves the LORD and desires to please him. She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the LORD. When marriage difficulties arise, this woman remains unwavering in her faith and dedication to pleasing God. She does not respect and submit to her husband based on her husband's worthiness but out of her love and fear of the LORD. She knows when her husband is acting ugly that there is a God in heaven who loves her and so she presses through those difficult times remaining unwavering in her dedication to him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:29

Proverbs 31:29 - Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.


The woman in this passage excels them all. As her children grow and have their own children, they endeavor to raise them as they were raised by her. She is constantly before them. Her tender guidance, her wise counsel, her loving discipline, her godly example, her hard work, her unselfish giving, all of these things never cease to fill the memories of her children and so they begin to fill the lives of their children. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:28

Proverbs 31:28 - Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.


The woman in this passage is praised for her many excellent qualities by those who know her best - her children and her husband. The words "arise up" mean that the children are full grown. Often times, it's not until children gain a bit of perspective in life that they recognize how much their mother has sacrificed for them.


Arising and blessing their mother is not just about the "thank you" but about them arising and living honorable, noble, God-fearing lives. This fruit is evidence of a mother's hard work. This is a mother's true reward!


If you find all your praises come from sources outside your home - and inside your home is a train wreck, then you can be sure your priorities somehow have been derailed. A huge challenge lies before us today as we consider our parenting skills. Have you blown it? Apologize. Have you failed to pray? Start today. Give your children the best of you. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:27

Proverbs 31:27 - She looketh to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.


The woman in this passage is actively guarding, protecting, saving, and attending to her home and the people in it. As she watches over her household, she resists idleness.


There are many time robbers in our daily life and we should not eat the bread of idleness - procrastination, inadequate planning, failure to delegate, poor use of the telephone/television/computer - ask God to reveal your time robbers so you can become more alert, a more virtuous watcher over your home. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:26

Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness.


The woman in this passage is a teacher. She diligently teaches her children words of wisdom from God's law and she does it with kindness.


Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - And these words, which I command this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.


The fact that the Scripture verses are from the Old Testament does not lesson their force for today. God still requires us to provide a godly education, and this education is to be continual throughout the day.


A virtuous woman not only teaches her children; she also teaches the young women around her.


Titus 2:3-5 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


Scripture is clear, we are to teach our children and the younger women around us. We do this through words of wisdom from God's Word; but we also do this by the way we live, our lives should reflect Christ and point others to Him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:25

Proverbs 31: 25 - Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 25.


1. The woman in this passage is inwardly decked with spiritual attire. When people see her, they see honour, she is of high public esteem for her beliefs and her actions. When people see her, they see strength, a spiritual strength for she has hidden God's Word in her heart and is ready always to give an answer.


1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.


2. The woman in this passage smiles at the coming day. She does not fear the future. Why? Because she knows her life is right with God. She knows in whom she can trust. And therefore she can rejoice in what is ahead. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:24

Proverbs 31:24 - She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.


The woman in this passage is a good business woman. She has the time and the inclination and the talents and abilities to do things in the home that can benefit the family. She does not have a career at the expense of her family, at the expense of her children, at the expense of her husband and the home.


A virtuous woman doesn't just make linen - she makes fine linen. She applies her excellence to her work, offering quality work. As a result, her product was in demand by the merchants.


Consider your talents and abilities that can benefit your family. Seek God and your husband's wisdom in this decision-making process on how you can use your talents and abilities to add to your family's income - and do it with excellence. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:23

Proverbs 31:23 - Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.


The woman in this passage has a husband, and he is known in the gates, he is known as her husband, and his reputation is known far and wide. What happened was, inside the gates of ancient cities there would be a platform area where the elders of the city would gather every day and they would adjudicate the matters that came up in the city, disputes, it was like an open court where hearings were made with regard to the issues of the time in where business was carried out. And the elders of the city sat in that place and rendered judgment.


Her husband has a great reputation among the leaders of the city. It is a reputation basically built by his wife. She is so faithful to the duties of her love to him, he is free to be every bit the man he can be and so he develops a tremendous reputation. That reputation is undergirded by her because she is doing everything to make him everything he ought to be. And so he is known as a man of great nobility and great respect because of the contributions that she has made selflessly to him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:22

Proverbs 31:22 - She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.


The woman in this passage is well-dressed. She is clothed in silk and purple, which was always associated with elegance.


She appreciates the beauty that God has given her. She appreciates the fact that her husband rejoices in that beauty; and she knows how to take care of herself in a way that expresses her beauty and her loveliness to her husband. This woman understood how important that beauty was because her heart was right with God.


I Timothy 2:9-10 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.


A virtuous woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31:21 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.


The woman in this passage is a provider. She is prepared for the winter season and provides wool garments for her household. But not just wool garments, these garments are scarlet, she dyes them deep red. Why? Wool garments deep red in color would retain more heat. Dark garments retain heat and light garments reflect heat. This would be very important in the winter season.


These scarlet garments are significant because such garments were dignified, they were beautiful, and they were well made. They were functional but they were deep red so that her household are clothed with warmth and beauty.


Are you prepared for the winter season? Have you thought about what your family will need and the quality of what you will make or purchase? Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 - She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.


The woman in this passage is charitable. She demonstrates not only a special devotion to her home but compassion toward those not fortunate enough to be in her home. She demonstrates compassion to the poor and the unfortunate who have needs. When it says she stretcheth her hand to the poor, it means she gets involved in their life, she provides what they need - maybe it was food, maybe it was money, maybe it was a cloak. She reaches forth her hands to the needy. A virtuous woman doesn't just touch those who come close to her, she goes to those who have needs. She is an utterly selfless woman. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:19

Proverbs 31:19 - She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.


The woman in this passage is a seamstress. She has to purchase the bare product of wool and flax, and then she has to spin it into thread, and then she has to weave it on a loo. And then once it is woven into fabric, she has to cut it and make the garments with it. Remember, she used wool in the winter and flax in the summer.


The spindle served her family and she worked with her hands in delight. There is no complaint about this. It is not begrudging. She finds joy in this labor. Why? Because it is a labor of love.


You may not be a seamstress, maybe you go to the mall to purchase your clothing; either way, we must provide clothing for our family and this clothing should be fitted for the season. And as we manage our homes, we should take special care with our laundry. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:18

Proverbs 31:18 - She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.


The woman in this passage ensures that her dealings are well handled, even if it means staying up late. She works hard and long hours for the good of her family.


Because of the invention of the light bulb we might forget that her candle would have begun when the sun set and she would not rest till the dishes were done, laundry was put away, stories were read, and possibly cleaning if she was away during the day - her candle simply had to burn to get it all done.


A virtuous woman establishes priorities through good time management skills. The more you plan, the better you manage your time and the more you achieve. Use a planner and write everything down in it - writing things down relieves the stress of trying to remember everything. Unless you plan, you cannot manage your time. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:17

Proverbs 31:17 - She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.


The woman in this passage works vigorously and her arms are strong for the task. We must not shy away from hard work - it's good for us! Working hard will help us live with energy and it will benefit our family with a clean place to take refuge.


Look around your home - is there work to be done? Try using a cleaning checklist to vigorously clean your home. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:16

Proverbs 31:16 - She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.


The woman in this passage is business savvy. She is wise with her money and invests it well. We see three business tips a virtuous woman applies to her finances.

1. She considers a field. She sees a field and can imagine what it could become - she has a vision.
2. She buys the field. She wisely invests in something that will benefit her family.
3. She plants a vineyard. That's something that will give back to her and her family for years to come.

How well do you handle your finances? A virtuous woman is wise with her money and always uses it to benefit her family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:15

Proverbs 31:15 - She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 15.


1. The woman in this passage is up before dawn to prepare a meal for her family. Her household is above her own comforts, above her own rest. She's up long before her husband and children so that she can give food to her household.


2. The woman in this passage rises early to plan and prepare for the day's work. May I suggest that you create a daily planner, write out your to-do-list, and check things off as you complete each task. Rising early can change the entire course of your day and it will bless your family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:14

Proverbs 31:14 - She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.


The woman in this passage is compared to a merchant ship, in other words, she is resourceful. She is willing to go afar to provide and prepare healthy food for her family.


Are you like a merchant ship? Are you willing to go afar to find the most cost effective and healthy ingredients for your family? Are you more into convenience foods that are fast or are you willing to cook from scratch?


I know how much planning, time, and energy goes into shopping. If we are going to be like the virtuous woman we are going to have to be willing to turn mundane shopping into a labor of love for our family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:13

Proverbs 31:13 - She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 13.


1. The woman in this passage seeks for wool and flax. Why wool? Because of winter time. It was very cold in the winter. Why flax? Because of the summer time. It was very hot in the summer. Wool was used in the winter and flax was used in the summer.


2. The woman in this passage willingly works with her hands and she does her work with a good attitude. God doesn't want the work that stems from a bad attitude or a begrudging heart. He wants the self-sacrificial, I do this because I love you work.


How do we get this kind of willingness?

1. Pray and ask God to give you a willing attitude all day long.
2. Do your work as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
3. Change your perspective. Each mundane chore you complete for your family is a labor of love. As you cook dinner, fold the laundry, and clean the house - remember that these small tasks all added together equal a well nurtured home and family. Without one word, your willingness to work will speak volumes to your husband and children. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:12

 

 

Proverbs 31:12 - She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 

The woman in this passage will do her husband good. Where does this goodness come from? It comes from her walk with God - it is the fruit of the Spirit.

 

A virtuous woman does not talk about doing good to her husband - she DOES it! She willingly submits, respects, and praises her husband.

 

How long does the virtuous woman do her husband good? All the days of her life! She is devoted to the well-being of her husband - in good times, bad times, times of plenty, times of little, times of sadness, times of happiness, sick times, well times - her love is ever and always devoted to the success of her husband. Are these words heavy to your heart? Let me suggest you seek God's Word and go to Him in prayer, it will change you and the course of your marriage. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:11

Proverbs 31:11 - The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

The woman in this passage has a husband and he trust her. The Hebrew word translated "trust" means reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person. Can your husband trust you in these areas?

1. Home - Can he trust you to run an orderly home?
2. Children - Can he trust you to train your children wisely?
3. Money - Can he trust you to spend it wisely?
4. Reputation - Can he trust you to not speak poorly of him behind his back?
5. Choices - Can he trust you to make wise choices when urgent situations arise?

No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. I certainly have not always made the wisest choices; but I am striving to be a virtuous woman, and when I fail I repent and move on. Does your husband trust in you? If not, what areas can you change in your life so you can gain this virtue? Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The woman in this passage is probably no single historic individual. This seems clear from the fact that the writer describes her impersonally in verse 10 as a "virtuous woman". The woman seems to be a role model who epitomizes wisdom. Her qualities and characteristics provide a standard of godly wisdom for women.

The Hebrew word translated "virtuous" means noble, excellent, and fine. It denotes strength, wealth, ability, valor, and dependability.

A virtuous woman is rare and extraordinary - just like a ruby. And when she is found - her value is priceless!

In order to become a virtuous woman, we must humble ourselves and see our flaws. We must be willing to change our attitudes, out thought patterns, our work ethic, our words, and what we spend our time on. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.