Introduction
Proverbs 31:10-31 (AMPC) is a poetic passage often referred to as the "Description of a Worthy Woman" or "The Virtuous Woman". It is an acrostic poem, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This passage has been celebrated and studied by many as an example of the ideal attributes of a woman. It is the true description of a Woman of God. Here’s my question to the women who read this, are you a Proverbs 31 woman? Additionally, do you desire to be?
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Verse 10: "A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls."
This verse introduces the topic and sets the tone for the poem. It speaks to the rarity and value of a virtuous woman, comparing her to precious jewels. It suggests that finding such a woman is a difficult task, highlighting the exceptional nature of the qualities described in the following verses.
Verse 11: "The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil."
Here the focus is on the trust and confidence that a virtuous woman instills in her husband. Her integrity and reliability ensure that he can depend on her, and that their household will thrive through honest means.
Verse 12: "She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her."
This verse talks about the nurturing and supportive nature of the virtuous woman. She is a source of comfort and encouragement for her husband and constantly seeks to do good.
Verse 13: "She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]."
This verse begins to highlight the diligent and industrious nature of the virtuous woman. She actively seeks materials like wool and flax and puts effort into crafting them, suggesting she is resourceful and contributes to the household.
Verse 14: "She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household’s food from a far [country]."
Here the metaphor of a merchant ship is used to describe her ability to provide for her family. She is resourceful and takes initiatives to ensure her family’s needs are met, even if it means going to great lengths.
Verse 15: "She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks."
This verse illustrates her dedication and responsibility. She wakes up early, indicating her commitment and work ethic. Also, it suggests she is organized and able to delegate tasks to others, a mark of good leadership.
Verse 16: "She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard."
In this verse, the woman’s wisdom in financial and practical matters is highlighted. She carefully considers new opportunities and is prudent in her decisions. She knows how to invest wisely, both financially and in terms of time and energy.
Verse 17: "She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm."
Here, the focus is on her inner strength. She prepares herself for the tasks ahead, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. She recognizes the importance of being well-rounded and grounded.
Verse 18: "She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]."
This verse speaks to the satisfaction and fulfillment she derives from her work, and her perseverance. Even in times of trouble or sorrow, she remains steadfast and her “lamp” – symbolizing her spirit, wisdom, and perhaps her family's well-being – does not falter.
Verse 19: "She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
This verse returns to the motif of her diligence and industrious nature. The spindle and distaff are tools used in spinning thread, and this demonstrates her skill and willingness to work with her hands to contribute to her household.
Verse 20: "She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]."
This verse emphasizes her compassion and generosity. A virtuous woman is not just hardworking and wise, but also kind and giving, showing concern for those less fortunate.
Verse 21: "She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet."
Here, the virtuous woman’s foresight and care for her family are highlighted. She has prepared for hard times (symbolized by snow) by ensuring that her family is well provided for and protected.
Verse 22: "She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made]."
This verse shows that the woman takes pride in her home and herself by creating and wearing quality garments. Her choice of fabrics also suggests that she is honored and respected, akin to the high regard for priests.
Verse 23: "Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land."
This verse implies that her husband’s reputation is enhanced because of her. Her virtue and ability reflect well on him, and he is respected and honored among the community.
Verse 24: "She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service]."
The virtuous woman is entrepreneurial and engages in trade. Her skills are so advanced that she not only makes garments for her family but sells them to others, contributing economically to her household.
Verse 25: "Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!"
Here, strength and dignity are metaphorically described as her clothing. She is secure in her position and looks towards the future with joy and confidence, knowing that her efforts have prepared her and her family for what's to come.
Verse 26: "She opens her mouth with skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]."
The virtuous woman speaks wisely and kindly. Her words are not only intelligent but guided by a sense of morality and compassion.
Verse 27: "She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat."
This verse shows her attentiveness to her household affairs. She doesn't engage in idleness or negativity but focuses on productivity and positivity.
Verse 28: "Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],"
The woman's virtues are recognized and appreciated by her family. Her children and husband hold her in high esteem, acknowledging her positive impact on their lives. The term “blessed” indicates that they consider her to be a source of good fortune and happiness in their lives.
Verse 29: "Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all."
This verse is a continuation of her husband's praise for her. He acknowledges that while there are many women who have done well, she surpasses them all in virtue and nobility. This is an expression of utmost admiration and respect.
Verse 30: "Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!"
This verse teaches an important lesson about the transient nature of physical attributes like charm and beauty. It emphasizes that what is truly praiseworthy is a woman's reverence for God. This spiritual quality is held up as the most commendable attribute. It says to me that we should teach our daughters not to emulate the pop culture phenoms of today, but to walk in the standards that God has laid out for them, to be True Queens.
Verse 31: "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!"
The final verse is a call to action, urging society to recognize and reward the virtuous woman for her deeds. It speaks to the principle of reaping what one sows and suggests that her good works should be acknowledged and celebrated within the community.
In summary, Proverbs 31:10-3 (AMPC) portrays an idealized virtuous woman who is diligent, wise, kind, resourceful, and God-fearing. These verses serve as guiding principles, not only for women but for everyone seeking to lead a virtuous life. It is also a reminder for society to value and honor such attributes.
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