Many of us have read Proverbs 31, which expounds on the characteristics of a godly woman. However, after reading this chapter, many women are left pondering the thought of how, as Christian women, can we be like her. Oftentimes we find ourselves asking the question, What makes me a Proverbs 31 woman? How can I apply it to my daily life? Although many have defined the Proverbs 31 woman by what she does and the titles she holds, it is imperative to take a deeper look into the character of who she is as a woman.
Unbeknownst to some, the woman described in Proverbs 31 probably does not describe an actual person. Some scholars believe chapter 31 serves as a letter written to Solomon from his mother, Bathsheba. She was simply explaining to him the kind of woman he should find. More specifically, she explained to her son the right qualities of a God-fearing, virtuous woman.
V. 10 Worth More Than Rubies
Aside from a diamond, rubies are not only more expensive but are an extremely rare and invaluable pearl—rare and precious. The Book of Proverbs further conveys that a godly woman is rare, virtuous, and a woman of valor. This woman carries no price-tag and is only available at Heaven’s estimate: rare, valuable, precious, and priceless. Therefore, as Christian women, let’s not try so hard to be perfect, but instead, love ourselves. Not only is she worthy of praise, but she knows her value. As Apostolic Christian women, it’s important for us to know our worth and the value we add to our home, community, and world.
V.11–12 Husband Has Full Confidence
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
We’ve often envisioned a healthy marriage as wife and husband working together since Genesis notes God made Adam “an help meet for him,” often translated as a partner comparable to him (Genesis 2:18). Such a partnership is portrayed in Proverbs 31 as the wife contributes to the family’s estate. He knows that she will aim to be a vessel of God in all that she does. Therefore, the important decisions that she makes as she helps to build a family and serve the community will also be those that lead to life and blessing.
V.13, 17 Works with Eager Hands
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (verse 17).
As a proverbial woman, she understands that this is what God called her to do as a woman, wife, and mother—to serve her Jesus first, husband, and family.
Colossians 3:23 says,
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
A proverbial woman knows she is not only serving her family and guests but her God and, therefore, she has a willing, delightful heart.
V.14–15 & 18–19 Stability and Stewarding of Time
“She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. . . . Her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
So let’s think for a moment as to how we are using our time for the Lord. Are we being wise or foolish? Are we working diligently to complete our tasks? As Christian women, we must make sure that we do not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. We must be good stewards of our time and complete the things God has called us to do.
Obviously, for many, it is hard to stay balanced between home and work, as well as between family, friends, and leisure. However, by God’s grace, the Proverbs 31 woman excels at living a balanced life. So ask yourself: am I living a balanced life with God, family, friends, work, and leisure? Sadly, many neglect God and family for work and entertainment. It is important to not neglect the most important for the less important. We must be balanced.
V. 16–20 Be a Good Financial Steward
She is wise. By having God as her guiding source, she has clarity on the decisions she makes. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. Scripture tells us that she “considers a field and buys it,” implying her willingness to patiently make the best decisions. Anything good is not only worth the hard work, but it’s also worth waiting for.
V. 25–26 A Woman Who Fears the Lord and Teaches
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (verse 25) because she is encouraged in the truth that God has ordered her steps. Because she trusts God with tomorrow, she can have peace for today.
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (verse 26). No doubt, she instructs her children, counsels her husband, and teaches her servants, young women, and all who will listen. She is a teacher, and we can be sure much of her teaching comes from God’s Word.
Lastly, as we close out this chapter, we read verse thirty, which states, “charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” She’s praised because she is first devoted to God. All of her virtuous qualities are founded on her devotion to the Lord. Therefore, as we consider being a Proverbs 31 woman, be sure to have your focus centered on fearing and worshiping Jesus Christ. Be a woman on a mission: ready, willing, and able to face each task and trial. She knows God is on her side. Nonetheless, be a virtuous woman who fears and honors the Lord.
Additional Reading:
The Radiant Woman by Joy Haney: https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products/the-radiant-woman
Wisdom Is a Lady: Using Godly Wisdom to Build a Life of Purpose by Lori Wagner: https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products/wisdom-is-a-lady-using-godly-wisdom-to-build-a-life-of-purpose
Listen to the Quiet: Women’s Devotional Prayer Journal by Shauna Hord: https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products/listen-to-the-quiet-womens-devotional-prayer-journal