PROVERBS 31 WIFE
In the beginning when God looked at Adam's life He knew that the man needed a "helpmeet" to give him
= love, = warmth = and encouragement. He needed someone to share his life with, one he could give his love
to. So woman was made to fill that void and help make man complete.
The woman was designed to be a reflection of the man, but at the same time to expand her usefulness as
Christ says He wants His bride to do. She should be ever improving and growing in all areas and always alert
to ways she can uplift, serve and honor her husband anD man kind.
Many women in the world have a narrow view of their God ordained role. They tend to think of
womanhood only as cooking, mending, washing, bearing babies, etc. But there is more to it. Christ wants His
bride to be glorious, without spot or blemish. This is how every woman should be!
The role of true Christian womanhood encompasses a far greater dimension. It involves the development
of the total self, of inner charm and beauty, having the temperament and the glory of God. If these qualities are
present, she is going to have a tremendous influence on those around her!
Being a true total woman doesn't mean narrowing down goals. Rather, it means expanding goals! By
thinking bigger! Trying to become just like Christ! Just as He wants His church to become.
A woman who is fully mature, emotionally balanced and who has developed holy, righteous character,
by enlarging their horizons, by thinking big. They think unselfish, sacrifice and service to others ! By this they
become glorious before God, in humility and submission, just as Christ wishes for His church!
Our instruction book the Bible gives us an example of the "virtuous woman" in Proverbs chapter 31. We
will be inquiring into those verses. We will begin by asking “Who is this virtuous woman? How does God in His word describe her? Does she pray faithfully each day? Is she used by the gifts of
the Holy Spirit? Does she consistently do daily Bible study? Is she a true help-meet to her husband and family?
These are all excellent and valuable attributes for a virtuous woman, as well as for a righteous man. So all of
us need to think and meditate on these verses in Proverbs 31:10- 31. Theses verses should be part of all lives God
has called.
When we look at Proverbs 31, we see the kind of woman Christ wants His bride to become. Let's look
at these verses in Proverbs 31, so we can all learn from them.
The Proverbs has been preserved in the Bible for 3,000 years and is inspired of God to help the woman
of today grasp and understand the type of life she as well as mankind should be living.
Beginning in verse 10, it serves as an introduction! Its here God calls attention to the tremendous value
of the "virtuous" woman. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above Rubies” (Prov 31:10).
Thanks to God. I found my Proverbs 31, lady in 1953. I would describe my wife of 61 and a half years
as "Priceless" and far above any price of jewelry. And today I consider her to be a woman of God, after God's own
heart.
I would readily nominate her as an illustration of the admirable traits that God lists in all the following
verses. Vs.11, shows how she buoys up, strengthens and encourages her husband. “The heart of her husband
doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
The husband of a biblical, virtuous woman "lacks nothing of value." That is illustrated by some of her
remarkable traits in the succeeding verses. So we see a virtuous woman inspires absolute confidence in her
husband. He can safely trust in her! She is not hot headed, scatterbrained, or unpredictable, rather, she can be
trusted. Meaning, her husband can be confident in her. She will never deliber ately let him down. “She will do
him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Prov. 31:12). The Proverbs' virtuous woman "brings him [her
husband] good" She is not a "liberated" woman, as defined by modern feminists.
She is God-fearing (verse 31), will brings that to our attention later. A virtuous woman of God, is very
much husband- and family-oriented. These are seen throughout this chapter as positive traits. Proverbs 12: verse
4, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” An excellent wife brings joy and gladness to her husband. There does seem to be Biblical wisdom in the
modern day axiom, we have all heard the saying that "behind every good man stands a good woman." She is
an asset to her husband. and she will never intentionally bring harm his way.
Another trait found in vs. 13, “She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.” This
commendable woman is skilled and capable in working with fabric. The modern counterpart would be skilled
in things like making clothing by sewing. Notice it said, "She works." there is no hint of laziness in this woman
who is praised by God. She "works willingly with her hands." She is "willing to get her hands dirty." As the old
saying goes, she is no “no prima donna!”
A woman of God is not "above" manual work. “She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from
afar.” Meaning she shops for bargains, traveling from store to store shopping prices, sometimes having to
go across town for bargains. She understands that the duties of a wife and mother include ensuring that her family
is well clothed and fed.
Have a label virtuous, biblical woman, will excel in these areas. She will not only go about to learn the
necessary cooking skills, but she will study sound nutrition and will ensure that her family is fed nutritiously, not
with a high proportion of out-of-the-box junk food.
In many areas wholesome foods are not readily available and these must be sought out and ordered from
many different sources. Vs.14, this praiseworthy woman of God, is not given to "sleeping in, in the mornings.
No! Rather, she is up before dawn to make sure that her household is well fed and ready for that days activities.
“She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family” and portions for her servant girls” (vs.15)
I cannot recall a single instance during our child-raising years, when my wife left me and our three
children to fend for ourselves at breakfast. She was always up early enough to send us off with having breakfast
and a prepared lunch to take with us, be it school or to work! I have always been a brown bagger for lunch!
"She considers a field and buys it: with the earnings of her hands she plants a vineyard (plants a garden)" (Vs.16).
This Proverbs 31 woman is no wimp! She has the intelligence and business sense to evaluate a piece of
property and to buy it. She has her own "Earnings” with which she buys the field and raises a garden. Its
obvious, this kind of woman has developed experience and proficiency in the business world. She has good sense
and judgment, and can perceive a good bargain. She raises food stuff for her family, she cans and lays some in
store for winter. She is a thinking person, penny-wise, but not selfish.
In our personal family life, we have three children, two boys and a girl. When our youngest boy was about
to graduate from high school, my wife began to study for a California Real Estate licence. After having it, and
selling property, she began to manage rental property as well as our own rental property.
I helped to do some of the minor and some major maintenance work! She became proficient in the
business world she was very generous in freely helping people in the church with real-estate advise with buying,
selling and problems. Verses 17 - 22, continues along with verse 16, showing that a godly woman will also be
hard-working and industrious. Prov 31:17 - 22, (reading from New International Version), “She sets about her
work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
When a renter would move out of our rental units, my wife and I would go in and fix what ever was broke
or needed repairing. We would have to scrub the floors and repaint the walls sometimes the ceilings. Being a
rental landlords has never been a easy task! Most renters don’t care what they tare up or break, because its not
theirs!
Verse 18, “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”
Like the virtuous woman of the Bible, many women today have their own home-based businesses. The woman
in Proverbs 31, seems to have been a seamstress who sold garments and sashes. Verses 19, 24, spells that out
for us. She apparently did her business well, working late into the evening, because "her trading [was] profitable.
“In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
This virtuous women of God learned domestic skills, making clothing that were essential to keeping her
family well clothed. Verse 20 we find, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Here
we read of her home-based skills, have earned her a profitable income, so she is ever willing to share this blessing
with the poor and needy.
I am reminded of stories told about America's great depression of the early 20th century, when millions
were jobless, hungry and sometimes homeless. Godly women by the thousands, were known for their unflinching
generosity, would say: "I will never turn a hungry person away from my door!"
Verse 21 conveys, “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in
scarlet.” This godly woman is fully aware of the priority of her family in her life over other things that might
sidetrack her from her domestic responsibilities. She help younger women learn to serve in their family
responsibilities. Verse 22, “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”
Not only do the skills of this honorable woman of God earn her an income from the merchants, she also
makes sure that her own home's needs are well cared for. The bed coverings referred to keeping her family warm.
Also this Proverbs 31 woman does not neglect her own appearance. She uses her skills to provide attractive
clothing for herself.
Notice what is said about her husband. “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat
among the elders of the land” (Prov. 31:23) .
When first called into God’s truth in 1966, I noticed the ministers wives were consistently women of
noteworthy character. A lot has changed sense then! The admirable traits of a good wife can secure respect for
her husband .
Have you noticed the God-approved division of responsibilities. She was at home, caring for the home
and family, while her husband was working in a place of respect conducting his business affairs there.
Verse 24–25, in the New King James Bible, we read, “She makes linen garments and sells them, and
supplies the merchants with sashes. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
Already mentioned earlier, this virtuous woman of God seems to have had a home based business. She
has a sense of dignity and she is not frivolous or embarrassing in her conduct. The surrounding verses make it
clear, even the husband will benefit from all her endeavors, because they will spark ideas in her mind which will
help him in his job or outside activities!
It’s clear she looks to the future and makes sure that her household is well supplied, and taken care of.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Pro.31:26). These verses give
weight to the magnificent purpose for which she was created and, it indicates that she should continue to grow
and develop her character and personality in the process!
The Apostle Paul also refers to the fundamental duties in Titus 2:3-5, this is where he discusses how older
women can impart wisdom to younger ones. “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as become
holiness teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love
their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God
be not blasphemed."
A women should be able to cook meals, wash dishes, keep the house looking neat, clean and attractive as
well as looking after the children. But she should also go beyond these primary things in rounding out and
completing her life. In fact, God wants her to.
True Christian womanhood is a position of great honor! A woman has been designed by God to be her
husband’s help mate, to fill out a part of man's life that he doesn't have both physically, emotionally and
mentally! She is a complement to him! Together man and woman make a complete whole - "one flesh" as the
Bible speaks of. This virtuous woman in God’s eyes offers faithful instruction.
The context of Proverbs 31, places the location of this instruction in her home. My wife faithfully
instructed our three children in character issues, domestic responsibilities, social graces, and much, much more.
I was an involved father, but only after coming home after work and on the weekends. But, I have to sincerely
attribute to my wife the credit for the majority of the training that our children received. She was a at-home
"Mom," and she made the home a place of both love and learning. Proverbs 31 verse 27, “She looks well to the
ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.”
The Bible defines the husband as the head of the home in (1Timothy 3: 4-5; and 1 Corinthians 11: 3).
However, his daytime responsibilities are outside the home, and verse 23), Said,the wife-and-mother is at home,
as this chapter clearly indicates, so it is her daily responsibility (not his) to "watch over the affairs of her
household" (Prov.31:27) is consistent with the Apostle Paul's counsel to the younger widows to "marry, and to
have children, along with managing their homes. 1 Timothy 5:14 express what we just read. “I will therefore that
the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak
reproachfully.”
The virtuous woman does not eat the bread of idleness. To this day I marvel at my wife's energy and drive
to maintain a nice, orderly home. Idleness" is a word that isnot alien to her! Verse 28 we read, “Her children arise
up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” I cannot adequately communicate in words, how
thankful I am for my wife of over 61 years. She has been an extraordinary mother to our children and a matchless
wife to me.
Verse 29, comes from my heart! “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” That is the
sentiment that a biblical Proverbs 31 woman as described in this chapter, will evoke in her husband's heart– “You
are the best!”
In verse 30 we read, Charm is deceptive. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who
fears the Lord is to be praised.” God is reminding us that beauty and charm are fleeting, temporal things, but that
which earns genuine praise for a woman is that she is a God-fearing woman.
I have mentioned a number of commendable traits in the virtuous woman that I happen to be married to.
But the thing which surpasses them all is that she loves and serves the Lord with all her heart. She continues to
inspire me with that dedication and faith. In my opinion, she is an outstanding example of a woman after God's
own heart, and her spiritual fervor has been an ever visible example for me and our three children.
A virtuous women or bride will have a great reward coming from the Lord in eternity, along with the great
fulfillment they will experience in this life for a “job well done.”
And the Proverbs 31 woman's virtues will not only be known and blessed by her husband and children but
also her reputation will precede her in other circles. Any Godly woman, whose life is patterned after Proverbs
31:10 - 31, will be well known and highly respected in her community of communications.
Is Proverbs 31 the only place in the Bible that describes the desirable characteristics of a virtuous woman
of God ? No, there are other scriptures that speak of women of prayer, women manifesting spiritual gifts, women
sharing life’s experiences and much more.
Let's now consider another question which puts the capstone on the entire subject: Why should a woman
want to improve her life? Is it to upgrade her personality and character? Is it to compete with men? Is it to prove
to others she can succeed? Is it to gain personal esteem and recognition? Or to make the best use of this physical
life? Or is there a greater, transcendent reason?
In I Corinthians 7:16, the Apostle Paul made a profound statement concerning what the woman's influence
can accomplish when rightly channeled: “For what know you, O wife, whether you shalt save your husband?”
Again the Apostle states in verse 14, "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified else were your children unclean;
but now are they holy"
Notice now I Peter 3:1-2, what is states there: “Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own
husbands; That, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the
wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” The powerful implication of these
scriptures is that the conduct, example, love and true concern expressed of a called by God woman, can have
an impact on how another person responds to the truth of God, just as is true in the case of a man. This is a
concept of a far- reaching importance.
A Christian woman should not cultivate all the traits and qualities, here to fore described just for herself.
She must realize that through her God-fearing example, and the development of righteous, feminine character,
she can influence the salvation of others, like members of her own family, her husband, as well as others with
whom she has contact in society.
Think of what she can accomplish with her life if she fulfills her role the way God has ordered for her, with
the living God living in her she can radiate “His” qualities out to others. This is why in its spiritual application
to the modern Christ like woman the Bible can say: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excellent them
all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised! Give her of
the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Prov. 31 :29-31).
Because of her example of love, kindness, thoughtfulness and self-sacrificeing, Verse 28 in Proverbs
31 says, “Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her!” What a compliment!
How dynamic the power of example can be! Think of it! Just as the woman has the capacity to bring physical
children into the world, she also (as the man) has the potential through her righteous example, conduct and
outflowing of God's Spirit, to help bring spiritual sons into His Kingdom.
Please notice that nothing is said about preaching the gospel or trying to convert others to the truth through
verbal persuasion. The emphasis is on the outpouring of inner qualities of character and personality a mature and
Godly submissiveness that attracts the right kind of attention inspiring others to want to follow. This then, among
other things mentioned is one of her highest goals! What a truly great and awesome role to play!
A word to the single and unmarried! Not every woman will become a wife and mother! Some may
choose to remain single for whatever reasons. Yet, the spirit and essence of every principle given in God’s
instruction book – the Bible applies!
With the concept of true womanhood understood, it should be applied in all human relationships, whether
on the job, at school, in the community or in any kind of social setting. The woman's role is indeed glorious in
God's eyes and she should always strive to upgrade and preserve the qualities that make her unique and beautiful!
1 Cor. 6:20, speaks both to men as well as to women “For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify
God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" ☜
James Russell