Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman?
The Proverbs 31 woman is a popular concept in Christianity. She’s considered a model of godly womanhood, and she comes to us from the Bible in Proverbs 31:10-31.
But what does she really represent? How are we supposed to understand her? Some see her as the ideal woman that all women should strive to be, while others believe she’s a celebration of the wonderful qualities that women already possess. It’s important to remember that the Proverbs 31 woman is an example, not a prescription. She’s hypothetical, not necessarily literal.
In this article, we’ll explore the defining qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman and what they mean for women today. This isn’t about achieving some kind of impossible perfection, but about growth, godliness, and becoming the best version of yourself.
The context and intent of Proverbs 31
The famous passage describing the “Proverbs 31 woman” has been interpreted in countless ways. But to understand the passage as it was intended, it’s important to consider the culture and time in which it was written.
Historical and cultural context
The poem was written in ancient Israelite society, so the roles and expectations of women at that time are key to understanding the passage accurately. Also, the poem is an acrostic, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary technique suggests that the writer intended to give a complete picture of virtue.
Interpreting the intent: celebration, not condemnation
It’s important to note that Proverbs 31 is meant to celebrate women and the many ways they give to their families and communities. It’s not meant as an impossible list of standards or as a source of guilt or shame.
Author Lysa TerKeurst has said, “These aren’t words meant to tell a woman she is supposed to be more. They are a celebration of who she is.”
The passage aims to honor women for their unique expressions of virtue, not to hold them to an unachievable ideal.
Faith and character: The core qualities
While the Proverbs 31 woman is known for her industry and skill, the most important qualities highlighted in the passage are her faith and character.
Fearing the Lord: The basis of virtue
Verse 30 states that “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This “fear” isn’t terror or dread, but instead a deep reverence, respect, and obedience to God and his word.
A relationship with God is seen as the foundation for embodying all the other positive traits mentioned in the passage. Faith provides the motivation and guidance for living a virtuous life.
Noble character and integrity
The Proverbs 31 woman is described as having a “noble character.” This includes qualities like honesty, integrity, and moral strength, and is reflected in the trust her husband places in her.
Her husband “has full confidence in her,” and she brings him “good, not harm, all the days of her life.” She’s trustworthy, reliable, and a source of strength to her family.
Purity of heart
The Proverbs 31 woman acts with sincerity, compassion, and pure motives. Her actions are driven by a desire to serve God and bless others, rather than by selfish ambition or personal gain.
Qualities related to home and family
The woman described in Proverbs 31 excels in her home and family life. Here are some of the qualities the passage emphasizes.
Diligence and hard work
The Proverbs 31 woman is synonymous with diligence and hard work. She “selects wool and flax and works with eager hands” (verse 13).
She doesn’t shy away from hard work and is always willing to put in the effort to provide for her family.
Managing the household and providing for her family
She “watches over the affairs of her household” (verse 27). She takes responsibility for managing her household and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Providing for her family is a key part of her role. She makes wise business decisions and invests in her family’s future. She isn’t lazy and “does not eat the bread of idleness” (verse 27).
Loving and supportive wife and mother
She’s a loving and supportive wife and mother. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (verse 28).
She supports her husband and helps him succeed. She’s a godly mother who raises her children to honor God.
Qualities related to business and community
The woman described in Proverbs 31 is not only a capable homemaker, but also a savvy businesswoman and pillar of her community.
Wise business decisions and financial acumen
The Bible says, “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good,” indicating that this woman is a capable businesswoman. She knows how to make wise investments and manage her finances well. She’s not afraid to take risks and works hard to achieve her goals, whether in the marketplace or at home.
Generosity and charity
This woman doesn’t hoard her wealth but rather shares it. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy,” the Bible says. She’s generous with her time and resources, always willing to lend a hand to those in need within her community.
Strength and honor
“Strength and honour are her clothing,” the scripture says, suggesting that she carries herself with dignity and earns the respect of those around her. Because of her good character, her husband is respected in the community, too. She embodies the traits of integrity, resilience, and grace, making her a role model for others.
Wisdom, kindness, and self-care
As if managing a business and running a household weren’t enough, the Proverbs 31 woman finds time to speak wisely, teach with kindness, look ahead, and take care of herself.
Speaking with wisdom and teaching with kindness
Verse 26 tells us that “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (ESV).
Her words are carefully chosen to encourage and uplift others.
Planning and preparation
The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t get caught off guard by unexpected events because she plans ahead to make sure her family is taken care of.
Self-care and confidence
It’s easy to think that self-care is a modern concept, but verse 22 tells us that the Proverbs 31 woman “makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple” (NIV).
She values herself and takes pride in her appearance. She’s confident in her abilities and knows her worth. She understands that taking care of herself is part of taking care of her family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Proverbs 31 say about a good woman?
Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a woman who is diligent, hardworking, virtuous, and wise. She manages her household well, cares for her family, engages in business, and is respected by her community. She is strong, capable, and fears the Lord.
What are the 7 virtues of Proverbs woman?
While there isn’t a defined list of seven virtues, some commonly identified virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman include: trustworthiness, diligence, wisdom, compassion, strength, financial acumen, and a fear of the Lord (piety).
What are the 6 characteristics of a wise woman in the Proverbs 31 Homemaker?
The Proverbs 31 woman demonstrates many characteristics, but regarding her role as a homemaker, she is often described as: resourceful in managing household affairs, skilled in various crafts, generous in providing for her family and those in need, diligent in her work ethic, wise in her decision-making, and a loving caretaker of her family’s needs.
What does the Bible say about the qualities of a woman?
The Bible highlights various qualities for both men and women, including love, kindness, humility, wisdom, and faithfulness. In addition to Proverbs 31, other passages emphasize the importance of inner beauty, gentleness, and a spirit of service as valuable qualities in a woman. Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes the importance of character and faith above all else.
In Closing
The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t a rigid standard of perfection that you should try to achieve overnight. Instead, she’s a compelling model of how to live a virtuous, meaningful life. She challenges us to apply these principles in a practical, realistic way, in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
As you consider these qualities, remember that developing them is a gradual process. With faith in God and a willingness to learn, you can take one step at a time on a lifelong journey of growth.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to fear the Lord and serve him with all your heart. As Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”