the Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31, known as the virtuous woman chapter, is the story of Bathsheba telling her son Solomon, here called Lemuel, the type of wife he should desire. She should be a woman who fears the Lord (vs 30). A virtuous woman is wisdom personified; she is worth far more than rubies (vs 10) and whomever finds her receives favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).

A Model Wife
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:11-12) That is self-explanatory. A virtuous woman is all that her good husband needs. She is custom-made and designed for him.

The relationship between a husband and his wife is special, even God-given. There is so much love, gentleness, kindness, consideration, self-sacrifice, faith, sharing, oneness, . . , between the two. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)

A Model Mother
Growing up at my grandmothers, she was always the first one awake and the last one to go to sleep. I used to watch her while wondering, "I know that she's tired. She needs to go back and get in the bed." But the bible says "she gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family." (Proverbs 31:15) A virtuous woman is a model mother who takes care of her family, raising them up in the way of the Lord. In turn, "her children arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28) Her actions speak volumes more than do her words as they teach her children how they ought to be; to love one another, to fear God, and to always put him first.

A Model Worker
The virtuous woman awakes early to plan, prepare, and organize her work for the day. She works willingly and does not eat the bread of idleness." (Genesis 31:27)

A Healthy Woman
The only way to be healthy is to eat the right foods, exercise, and get rest. "Her arms are strong for her tasks." (Proverbs 31:17) The virtuous woman is not out all night at the club or doing other worthless things. She respects herself and her temple as well (1 Corinthians 6:19). This also means that she avoids smoking and excessive alcohol.

An Attractive Woman
"Her clothing is silk and purple." (Poverbs 31:22) Understand that a virtuous woman knows that her beauty is not in her clothes or jewelry. True beauty does not come from what you have on you, but what you have in you. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:30-31)

A Considerate Person
Consideration (kindness) and being able to watch her tongue are distinguishing characteristics of the virtuous woman. She does not involve herself with idle gossip nor respond to harsh language. The virtuous woman is patient and tender, treating others how she wants to be treated (Matthew 7:12).

A Fearful Christian
The underlying base amongst all the traits of a virtuous woman is a genuine fear of the Lord God above anything else. Every characteristic trait within her springs from a desire to know and perform God's will. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)