Proverbs 31 Women [Explained]

You can read Proverbs 31 here:

 "An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls." v.10

I think most women deem the Proverbs 31 Woman as an unattainable goal. I know I did until The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop looking at these verses literally and begin to find the deeper meaning, and it's my prayer that when we're through today you'll find her secret is one that's open and attainable to each of us.  

Let's begin in verse 29, "Many daughters have done virtuously and well, but you excel them all." WoW! That's quite a statement when you consider Miriam, who led the Israelite nation's women to praise God (Ex. 15:20-21), or Ruth, the epitome of faithfulness (Ruth 1:16), or Hannah, the ideal mother (1 Sam. 1:20) .... Imagine for a moment that you, yes you, possess the ability to out shine all the women mentioned in the Bible! 

You absolutely can if you possess her secret.  

BUT, before I let you in on her secret to outshining all women, let's look at all her qualities, or virtues that together make her so special. 

_ She's a Faithful Bride

1"The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life." - Proverbs 31:11-12

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her... Proverbs 31:28

(For those of you who are single, remember you are first and foremost Jesus' bride.)

_ She is  Faithful to Use the Gifts God has Given Her Wisely

"She looks for wool and flax
And works with willing hands in delight." - Proverbs 31:13

She is made out to be a wealthy woman and could afford to hire others I believe, but she chooses to work diligently applying the gifts God has given her and not leaving her tasks to others.

"She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];
She brings her [household’s] food from far away." - Pr. 31:14

She is like the merchant ships in that she goes beyond her own immediate neighborhood, and bring her food from afar, buying in the best markets and finding the best deals. She is on the lookout for God's BEST.

"She considers a field before she buys or accepts it ;
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard." - Pr. 31:15

We may not all be in the market to purchase fields, but what if the writer was using a metaphor very similar to what Jesus did when He was teaching? What if the "field" was a new ministry? And she was careful to consider all aspects of this new ministry before she accepted the challenge? She sought God's wisdom and will in order for it to become profitable. 

_ She is Faithful to Rise Early to Find and Share "Spiritual Food" for Those Under her Authority.

"She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and assigns tasks to her maids." -Pr. 31:16

Call me crazy, but I believe here is another metaphor in this chapter. I believe this verse is speaking about rising early and spending time with Jesus before the rest of the household wakes to find spiritual food from The Bread of Life to share with all those under her authority along with skillful guidance.  

_She Takes Care of her Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health

"She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong." -Pr. 31:17

She takes care of herself. I know that seems pretty simple, but often much easier said than done, however we all would do well to make time in our day to keep physically, mentally and spiritually fit. 

_ She is Busy About Her Father's Business

"She sees that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]." -Pr. 31:18

19 Many think this pour woman never sleeps, but Jesus told His followers that they were the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). She keep close accounts with her Lord and her light (her witness) burns brightly in the darkness and she ready for what is to come. 

"She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]." Pr. 31:19

2"She does not fear the snow for her household,
For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]." Pr. 31:21

Here again, we need to look beyond what is written to see the true meaning, for snow and wool are: pure, bright white. White represents purity. When Isaiah says that the Lord can change our sins from scarlet to snow or wool, he is saying that the Lord can do something that is impossible for us to do on our own.

Therefore, what verses 19 and 21 are speaking of is that she does not fear for the future of her household (both the physical and spiritual condition of those in her authority), for she's worked to clothe them in God's finest.   

22 "She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]." - Pr. 31:22

Purple we know to be the color of royalty and pure fine linen is what the saints in heaven will be dressed in according to Revelations.  Her household is heaven bound. 

"She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness." Pr. 31:27

_She Gives to Those in Need

"She opens and extends her hand to the poor,
And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy." Pr. 31:20

_ She is Strong and Confident Standing on Her Rock

"Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]." -Pr. 31:25

She not wishy-washy or wringing her hands. She is strong, confident and free from doubts, not in her own abilities, but in her Lord's!
26 
"She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]." -Pr. 31:26

And she leads other to do the same!

_ And She is Praised by Those Who Know Hew Best
27 

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
29 “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.” -Pr. 31:28-29

Her Secret is found in verse 30, Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

Did you catch it? The "reverent worshipful fear of the Lord", which is the beginning of all Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) is the key to a life which is valued by God, her husband and those who come after her. That life is far more valuable than rubies or pearls (Pr. 31:10) AND it's ours if we choose to take hold of it! 

Blessings, 

sue

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Thank you for joining us on this journey this fall, studying the lives of some of the most popular Old Testament women! I pray you have lots to take with you and meditate on. Have a wonderful Holiday season celebrating our Savior this year!!