The Proverbs 31 Woman

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"10 A wife of noble character who can find?

   She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

   and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

   all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

   and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

   bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

   she provides food for her family

   and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

   her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

   and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

   and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

   and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

   she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

   and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

   her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

   but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."


What does it mean to be all of these things? Times have changed since this Proverb was written. Obviously, there's traits that stay the same throughout time...eagerness to work, sympathy for the poor, strength and dignity. These are important. But there's things that have changed in the modern world. If I don't sew clothes for my family, am I not a noble wife in the sight of God? I love sewing, but there's many women who don't. I don't feel as though that's sinful! If I don't make linen garments and sell them, if my 'trading' is not profitable...is that wrong?


I'm going to pick apart this passage and re-word it in more modern terms. I believe that there's more of an attitude that is being presented here. After all, to just do these actions without any feeling would be legalistic. So I wanted to give my opinion on what attitudes and good duties are stressed here.


10-Who can find a noble wife? She is rare. She is worth so much more than precious gems. 11-Her husband is fully confident that she is good, and his values are good. 12-As long as she lives, his wife helps him, and doesn't harm him. 13-She picks up useful things and eagerly works with them. 14-Like a merchant ship, she brings in food from all over the place. 15-She gets up very early to make sure there is food for her family. 16-With her money, she assesses the things she is thinking of buying and makes use of those things. 17-Her arms are strong as she vigorously works. 18-She makes sure she is spending money on useful things, and she doesn't just drop into bed as soon as it gets dark. 19-She works with useful things to provide for her family. 20-She cares about the poor and gives to those in need. 21-When the weather turns bad, she isn't worried because she has provided proper clothing for her family. 22-She takes care of her house and looks very presentable. 23-Her husband has a good job and is respected by all. 24-She does what she can to provide for her family. 25-She is strong and has dignity, and she isn't worried about the future. 26-She is wise and she faithfully instructs. 27-She takes care of her house and isn't lazy or negligent. 28-She children love and respect her, and so does her husband. 29-He tells her that he's glad that she is his wife. 30-Outward appearance is deceptive and it won't last. A woman who loves and fears the Lord is to be honored. 31-Let everyone honor all she has done.


So, I don't think I need to hold the distaff or sell linen at the city gates to be a God-honoring woman. I need to be strong and eager to do the work in my home. I need to provide food and clothing for my family so they won't be cold or hungry. I need to present myself respectably, but not be too absorbed in how I look because that's shallow. I need to lovingly correct my kids. I need to make sure I've married a good husband who loves the Lord and helps provide for his family. I need to use money wisely. I need to not be lazy, or worry about how I will provide for my family in the future.


And of course, above all, I need to do all these things in His name and glorify Him as long as I live!!