Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman?
The “virtuous woman” described in Proverbs 31 has been studied and admired for generations. She embodies principles that remain relevant for women across all walks of life.
However, many view the Proverbs 31 woman as an impossible ideal, leading to feelings of inadequacy. It’s important to remember that she represents a collection of virtues, not a rigid standard to be perfectly duplicated.
Let’s take a look at the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman in a way that honors the original text while remaining relevant to modern life. We’ll examine these qualities, consider how they might be applied today, and encourage a balanced approach to personal growth.
Core characteristics: Faith and integrity
If you read through the verses in Proverbs 31, you’ll see that the woman being described has two key traits: faith and integrity. These traits set the stage for all the other good qualities this woman possesses.
Fearing the Lord
The verse “A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30) gives us a clue that the most important aspect of her life is her faith.
But what does it mean to “fear the Lord?” In this context, it means to have reverence and respect for God, as well as a commitment to living according to God’s will.
In modern terms, this translates to prioritizing your relationship with God through prayer, studying scripture, and being of service to others. When you make faith the foundation for your life, you’ll find guidance, strength, and perspective that will help you navigate life’s challenges.
Trustworthiness and integrity
Proverbs 31:11 says, “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.” In other words, this woman is reliable and won’t let her husband down. She’s also trustworthy beyond her marriage, in all aspects of her life.
Living with integrity means you’re honest, you keep your promises, and you act in an ethical way. When you’re known as a person of your word, you’ll find that you build stronger relationships and are more successful in your career.
Devotion to family: Love, kindness, and service
The Proverbs 31 woman is deeply devoted to her family, expressing love, kindness, and service in all she does.
Loving and kind
A key element of her devotion is her commitment to nurturing relationships. The verse “She does him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12) speaks to her unwavering loyalty and support for her husband.
She “openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26), meaning she speaks with intention and grace.
In today’s world, this translates to expressing love through both words and actions, making quality time a priority, and showing empathy to strengthen family bonds. Practicing kindness in everyday interactions creates a positive and supportive home environment.
Diligent household management
The Proverbs 31 woman is a skilled and diligent manager of her household. She “looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27), meaning she’s proactive and hardworking in caring for her family.
She provides food for her family and portions for her female servants, showing her responsibility for their well-being.
In modern terms, this means responsibly managing household finances, maintaining a clean and organized home, and ensuring the well-being of all family members. This might involve delegating tasks, using resources efficiently, and creating systems that help your household run smoothly.
Godly motherhood
The Proverbs 31 woman is also a loving and godly mother. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28), meaning her children recognize and appreciate her dedication.
As a modern-day mom, this can translate into providing guidance, love, and discipline to your children and teaching them about God, modeling faith in your daily life.
Diligence and Industry: Work Ethic and Financial Responsibility
The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t just sitting around waiting to be taken care of. She’s a powerhouse of productivity, managing her household and finances with skill and a strong work ethic.
Hard Work and Resourcefulness
The poem depicts her as having “eager hands” that “seek wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands” (Proverbs 31:13). She “sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (Proverbs 31:17).
In today’s world, this translates to embracing a strong work ethic, taking initiative, and striving for excellence in everything you do. That might mean excelling in your career, pouring your heart into creative projects, or giving your time to volunteer work.
Wise Business Decisions
This woman isn’t afraid to make smart financial decisions. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). She’s also an entrepreneur: “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes” (Proverbs 31:24).
For us, that means developing financial literacy, making informed investment choices, and managing our resources wisely. It’s about budgeting, saving, and looking for opportunities to grow our financial resources.
Providing for the Needy
The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t just focused on her own success; she also looks out for others. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20).
In modern terms, this means showing compassion and generosity to those in need through charitable giving, volunteer work, or simply offering acts of kindness. It’s about recognizing our social responsibility and contributing to the well-being of our community.
The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t just a homemaker; she’s a businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a force to be reckoned with. She’s a role model for women who want to be both successful and compassionate.
STRENGTH AND DIGNITY: SELF-CARE, CONFIDENCE, AND WISDOM
Beyond her industriousness and business acumen, the Proverbs 31 woman embodies strength and dignity, nurtured by self-care, confidence, and wisdom.
Self-Care and Preparedness
The verse “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple” (Proverbs 31:22) speaks to her attention to detail and care for her home. In modern terms, this translates to:
- Prioritizing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through healthy habits, rest, and reflection.
- Taking time for personal interests and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Confidence and Dignity
Proverbs 31:25 states, “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come,” and “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This suggests:
- Cultivating self-assurance, embracing one’s unique strengths, and approaching challenges with courage and grace.
- Developing a positive self-image and maintaining a sense of perspective, even when things get tough.
Wisdom and Kindness in Speech
The verse “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26) highlights the importance of thoughtful communication. This means:
- Communicating thoughtfully, choosing words that uplift and encourage, and practicing active listening.
- Offering wise counsel, providing constructive feedback, and fostering positive relationships through effective communication.
The Proverbs 31 woman understands that true strength comes not just from her actions but also from her inner well-being, confidence, and the wisdom she shares with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman?
While the passage doesn’t explicitly list “7 virtues,” it showcases several admirable qualities. Some interpret these to include diligence, trustworthiness, wisdom, kindness, strength, generosity, and fear of the Lord. It’s more about a holistic approach to life than a checklist, though.
What does a modern-day Proverbs 31 woman look like?
A modern Proverbs 31 woman isn’t stuck in the past. She’s adaptable! She balances faith, family, and personal growth with the realities of today’s world. She might be a CEO, a stay-at-home mom, an artist, or anything in between, but she strives for excellence in all areas of her life.
What are the qualities of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?
The Proverbs 31 woman is described as trustworthy, hard-working, compassionate, and skilled in managing her household and finances. She’s respected by her family and community, and she uses her gifts to bless others. She’s also praised for her wisdom and inner strength.
What are the 6 characteristics of a wise woman in the Proverbs 31 Homemaker?
The idea of 6 characteristics isn’t directly stated, but we can infer several key traits. These include being a careful planner, a skilled manager of resources, a loving caregiver, a diligent worker, a wise investor, and someone who values her family. These characteristics contribute to her success as a homemaker and beyond.
To Conclude
The woman described in Proverbs 31 isn’t just one thing. She’s a complex, multi-faceted person who combines faith, integrity, love, diligence, and wisdom in her daily life. Striving for those qualities in a balanced, intentional way is the path to a fulfilling, impactful life.
How those virtues play out in your life will depend on your unique circumstances, talents, and callings. The most important thing is to align yourself with God’s will and seek His guidance in everything you do.
So, embrace the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman. Cultivate faith, integrity, love, diligence, and wisdom in your own life. Strive to make a positive difference in the world around you. And remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.