The Virtuous Woman


This passage of the virtuous woman is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, Proverbs 31:10-31. The Scriptures used is from ‘The Message’ Bible, a paraphrase, written in modern day language in beautiful phrasing.

{10} "A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

{11} Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.

{12} Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

{13} She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

{14} She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

{15} She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day:

{16} She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

{17} First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

{18} She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

{19} She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

{20} She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.

{21} She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

{22} She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

{23} Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.

{24} She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

{25} Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

{26} When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

{27} She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

{28} Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:

{29}'"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"

{30} Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear of God.

{31} Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises.'

Now let’s look at some virtues of this virtuous woman.

1, Verse 11, Marriage. She is a faithful bride. A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. But first and foremost she is the bride of Christ. You do not need an earthly husband to be a virtuous woman! (Proverbs 31:11-12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis 2: 18).

2, Verse 15, Time. She spends her time on that which is good. A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31:13, Proverbs 31:19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 ).

3, Verse 15, Health. She takes care of her physical, mental, and spiritual health. A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11).

4. Verse 15, Homemaking. She is a good manager of her home. A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31:15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31:27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2).

5 Verse 16, Stewardship. She is a wise steward of the gifts God has given her. A Virtuous Woman spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31 18, 1 Timothy 6:10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26).

6, Verse 17, Industry. She is industrious and works with willing hands. A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31:16, Proverbs 31:24, Proverbs 31:31, Philippians 2: 14).

7, Verse 20, Service. She serves others with love and kindness. A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31:12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13:13).

8, Verse 22, Beauty. She is creative and embraces beauty and godliness. A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:21 – 22, Proverbs 31:24 -25, Isaiah 61:10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6).

9, Verse 28, Mothering. She is a loving mother and her children call her blessed. A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18:16).

10, Verse 30, Faith. She loves Jesus with all of her heart. A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31:26, Proverbs 31:29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15).

Question: Do you see in this passage where the virtuous woman has the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit? Of love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, patience and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23).

Ladies are you beginning to see how you can apply these verses in your life?


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