A Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31 is an example of a godly woman. We all aspire to be like her some day. So what exactly is a Proverbs 31 woman? What does she do? How can we be more like her? Look for the answers to these questions today as we study this group of scripture.

 

10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Our worth comes from God, it is not determined by the things we accomplish in a day. The worth of your soul never changes, you are worth more than rubies.

That said, the value you provide to the people around you can change. A Proverbs 31 woman creates great value and is very helpful to her people.

How can you create greater value?

 

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

She is dependable and timely. 

Our husbands need to be able to trust us with the big things as well as the little ones. Calls, parenting, having dinner on the table, etc. Being trustworthy for our husbands takes stress off their shoulders which allows them to be better men for God.

How can you support your husband? How can you be more dependable?

 

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

She treats others with respect, compassion, and charity.

When we treat our husbands with contempt or rudeness we break them down. A marriage is a place to build each other up, not tear each other down. 

What are you doing to respect your husband and build up his self-confidence?

 

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

A Proverbs 31 woman isn’t afraid to get into the work, she gets her hands dirty.

Cleaning, cooking, mending, gardening, caring for children. These things all take lots of work and are often dirty and unglamorous. But by accomplishing these things we become more like God.

What work needs to be done in your home right now?

 

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She is mindful of the food she brings into her home, only the best will do.

Get the best quality you can afford. Learn how to feed your family a balanced diet. Produce some of the food yourself if you can.

What is your monthly food budget like?

 

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

She prepares herself and her household for the coming day. I don’t think you need to wake up before the sun, but you do need to be prepared for the day. Whether you do that the night before or have a quick 5 minutes routine after you wake up.

How do you prepare for the day?

 

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

A Proverbs 31 woman works hard to provide the best for her family. 

Keeping a garden is a great way to have the very best produce. Also, keeping a garden is just good for your soul! But if you can’t have a garden or if your thumb is black instead of green, find the best places to buy your food. 

What does quality food mean to you?

 

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She exercises! Housekeeping and raising children takes a lot of work and strength. 

A Proverbs 31 woman will do what she can to build up her strength and endurance. Exercise, rest, and caring for our health help us be able to fill our roles as a woman.

How do you take care of yourself?

 

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

She produces quality and works consistently.

Shortcuts will not help you. Do things right the first time.

How can you do more quality work?

 

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She can create and mend clothes. Helps to reduce waste.

While sewing and mending aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, creativity is for everybody. Whether you paint or cook or draw or dance. Being creative is a necessary part of the Proverbs 31 woman.

How are you creative?

 

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

She is charitable. She is caring and not hardened by the world. She does what she can to help.

You don’t need to give food to the homeless, though that is a great thing, just help and serve the people around you. Poor financially, poor in spirit, poor in health. Each person needs to be served in some way.

How do you serve your neighbors?

 

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

She has prepared her household for difficult situations. She has a plan for everything.

Women have a unique ability to know when something is needed. Use your divinely given intuition and keep your home in good order, so you can prepare your family for anything. You can also do this by gathering basic emergency supplies and creating plans of what to do in an emergency with your family. 

Does your family have a fire escape plan?

 

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

She is intentional with her clothing choices and looks dignified and put together.

God values your beauty. Your husband values your beauty. People treat others better when they are well groomed and dressed nicely. You don’t have to have a face full of makeup or wear a dress or have your hair perfectly coiffed, but do keep clean and don’t forget to wear your deodorant.

How can I enhance my natural beauty with hygiene? 

 

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

Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

She is respected.

Wives can be the difference between a successful man and an unsuccessful man. It is our responsibility to support our husband in every way possible. It is our responsibility to make our husbands proud of us.

What can you do to make your husband proud of you?

 

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

She finds a way to provide income for her family. 

Selling unused items can be a big help sometimes. Having a blog, a part time job, or teach people how to make bread can all be great options for bringing some income into the home. A Proverbs 31 woman is not just a consumer, she is a producer.

How can you be a producer in your family?

 

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

She is joyful. She is dignified. She is self-confident.

A Proverbs 31 woman knows where her value lies; In God. With that knowledge she is able to have confidence in herself. Her actions and demeanor make her dignified.

Do you know that your value is great in God’s eyes?

 

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She is conscious of her words and how they might affect the people around her. 

She is kind and true in her speech. She uses words that others can relate to. She is dignified in her speech and doesn’t try to offend.

How does your speech need to change?

 

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

She knows what her household needs and provides it in a timely manner. 

Keeping track of toiletries and medicines and other house staples you use frequently and buy replacements just before they run out. 

What needs to be replaced in your home soon?

 

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

She is a good mother and wife. 

She parents with love and wisdom. She cares for, respects, and supports her husband.

How can you be a better wife and mother?

 

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to do your best.

God gives grace but He also expects us to act. Do your best, but be forgiving of yourself if you fall short.

Do you need to work harder or give yourself grace?

 

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

A Proverbs 31 woman knows that God comes first. 

Even if you do all of the above, it is useless unless you put God first. 

How can you make God a part of your  day?

 

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

She has a lot to show for the work she’s done. 

All of your work and effort will pay off eventually. Be glad and enjoy it.

How can you enjoy your accomplishments today?

Becoming a Proverbs 31 woman seems impossible. I certainly feel that way sometimes. But then I stop and I think, “What do I need to be doing right now to help my family?” And then I always think of something and I do it. Focus on 1 thing at a time. Let your growth go slowly. Don’t just hope for the end, rejoice in the process of becoming.