Proverbs 31 is often quoted as the verse that women who love the Lord strive to be, the highest of levels of excellence to obtain in a godly woman’s walk. This virtuous woman that has a price far above rubies seems unattainable at times, yet it is a good representation of what we long to be like.
Proverbs 31:10
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
She is a rare find.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Her husbands’ heart is safe in her care, she will not trample upon it, or belittle and disrespect it.
She will do him good, and not evil all the days of her life.
This one is easy to understand, but harder to do. To do him good, to treat him honourably.
She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is willing to work with her hands. She looks for ways to be a benefit.
She is like the merchants ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She is a capable and wise shopper.
“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She isn’t lazy and self centered. Willing to work while others still sleep. Serves others.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She make wise decisions, considering the end thereof. Looking towards the future, the fruits of the harvest.Works with her own hands.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She does hard work, strengthening her body.
She percieveth that her merchandise is good, her candle goeth not out by night.
She looks at her work, and sees it is good. Not slothful. She is willing to work long days.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She is willing to do repetitive work, not shunning monotony.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Her heart is soft towards the poor and needy, she helps as much as she can.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Her wise management of the household means the ones under her care are well cared for.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
She takes care of herself, not to bring her husband to shame. She is a skilled person, capable of sewing.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Her honorable conduct brings honor to her husband.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchants.
She makes, sells, and delivers quality work.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She is known for the honourable woman that she is, and will reap the benefits.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She guards her tongue and speaks only with wisdom and kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
She is a good overseer of her household, and is not lazy.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
She will be appreciated by her children and husband.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
She has obtained the highest level of excellence.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
She knows that beauty is not important, but the woman who obeys the Lord, will be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
She will reap what she has sown, and it will be good fruit. Her own ventures will show what manner of woman she is.
Related: Advice for the Newlywed Wife