The Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:10-31

The book of Proverbs addresses the issues of everyday life. The purpose of the book is to impart practical wisdom in a memorable way. The book is especially important to the young who are facing decisions that will effect the course of their lives. One of the most important decisions a young person faces is choosing a mate. What should a young man look for in a wife? A man by the name of Lemuel was given some great instructions concerning this matter in the final chapter of the book of Proverbs. In the words of his mother we have a marvelous tribute to godly wives and mothers of all ages. In this article we will consider four characteristics of the virtuous wife which make her so valuable to her husband.

Trustworthy

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her..." Trust is of utmost importance in any relationship. No man should have to fear that his wife is not trustworthy. No husband can carry on his business and work while wondering in his mind what his wife is doing behind his back. The virtuous wife is trusted by her husband because she never gives him cause for mistrust. Because of her godly example the family feels safe and is prosperous. No one can feel safe, nor prosper when those of his own house are not worthy to be trusted.

Industrious

"She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands." This woman is not content to let her husband bear all of the burden of supporting the family. For this reason she is unashamed to do physical work. What a noble example this leaves for her children, who see the value of diligent labor. So many in our age are ashamed to work for what they have, simply expecting someone else to hand it to them. This is not right, for work was ordained by God in the beginning (Gen. 2:15), and "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat," (2 Thess. 3:10). It is important, however not to take this idea to extremes. Many today are sacrificing too much precious time with their children for the sake of material gain. Children need more than nice clothes and good food, they need time and love. "Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!" (Pr. 23:4). The virtuous woman was not guilty of this folly (Pr. 31:27,28).

Benevolent

"She extends her hand to the poor, Yes she reaches out her hands to the needy." She does not consider the poor to be deserving of their condition, nor does she think herself better than them because of how God had blessed her. She realized what we all should, that riches are given to us by God to use for His cause. It is God's will that we should help those in need. Consider the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:30-37), the description of the final judgment (Mt. 25:31-46), and the example of the church (Acts 2:44,45). While the woman is doing good, she does not neglect her own family. So many people are out trying to "save the world" as their families sit at home lacking. One has rightly said that charity begins in the home. Yet it does not end there.

Wise

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness." Her wisdom is spoken as well as demonstrated in her life. This is true religion. Many of us do not consider ourselves to be wise, yet we are wise when we speak the wisdom of God. When a mother sits down and tells her child a Bible story, she is speaking the wisdom that is so much higher than the wisdom of men. This wisdom comes from God (Pr. 2:6) and is given when we ask for it and when we seek it (James 1:5). The virtuous woman takes the time to "watch over the ways of her household..." She doe not consider herself too busy to take the time to raise her children. We need more of her kind in our world today.

The Bible has much to say about the roles of godly women. There is much honor to be found for women who keep their God given roles. A woman has the power to change the future and influence the present, without ever stepping out of her place. May God bless all of the mothers who are quietly and diligently striving to help their kids get to heaven.