Proverbs 31 describes the excellent character of a godly woman in the Hebrew culture of 1000 BC. Our goal is to apply each of her qualities in a biblical and practical way to our culture.

Transition

Last week, we studied the first ten qualities. This evening we will study the last nine qualities.

She prepares in advance (v.21)

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”

  1. She plans for the future
    1. The virtuous woman is not a procrastinator. She does not put things off that need to be done. She does not wait until the last minute to do things. She is prompt.
    2. She thinks ahead of what she needs to do. She sets goals and reminders. She follows a schedule. She goes to bed on time and gets up on time. She starts early so she will not be late.
  2. Being prepared she does not panic.
    1. She prepares her family’s clothing for the next season.
    2. When cold weather comes, she is not afraid because she has already prepared. By buying out of season, she is able to stay within her budget and yet buy quality.

Ladies, if you struggle to be on time, you need to ask God to help you develop this virtue.

She finds good deals on nice clothing (v.22)

“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

  1. This may continue the thought in verse 21.
    1. By planning ahead and getting good deals, she is able to buy quality at a reasonable price.
    2. This is not suggesting that she is to focus on being showy or keeping up with the latest fads. Note that she is making her clothing herself. The focus is on her skilfully getting good deals on quality clothing.
  2. She keeps herself looking nice
    1. There is no virtue in looking sloppy or ragged.
    2. Even when the budget is limited, she will keep herself looking clean, tidy, and as nice as possible.

Her character is a credit to her husband (v.23)

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”

  1. She is her husband’s teammate.
    1. As a man of influence, her husband was well known in the city. He is a respected leader. They also knew his wife. Her reputation complemented his.
    2. Couples form a team – for better or for worse.
  2. A virtuous wife will complete her husband.
    1. She keeps him dressed nicely and fed properly.
    2. She keeps herself trim and dresses nicely so that he is proud of her.
    3. Her prudence, hard work, godly tongue, and loving harmony add to his respect in the community.

(Proverbs 12:4) “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”

She uses her skills to aid the family (v.24)

“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”

  1. This woman had a sewing skill
    1. She made fine linen cloths and cloth belts.
    2. She then sold them to make a bit of extra money for the family. The context does not suggest that she and her husband had “his money” and “her money”. They worked as a team. Solid marriages thrive on teamwork. Godly couples share the income as well as the bills.
  2. A virtuous woman’s skills may vary
    1. You may not be a seamstress, but you may have another talent that can add to the benefit of your home.
    2. You may be a gardener, a home schoolteacher, a prudent shopper, or have some other talent that adds to the economy of your home. Just ask God to give you some skill that will be a blessing to your family.

(Proverbs 19:14) “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

She displays strong character and honour (v.25)

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”

  1. Like clothing, people see your character
    1. When people look at you, they do not see just your clothing they see your character.
    2. The virtuous woman will keep herself dressed nicely, but she realizes that more important than fancy clothing is godly character. Nice clothing will fade and wear out, but strong, honourable, godly character continues to increase in value.
  2. She will rejoice in time to come.
    1. Living a life of strong character and honour does not lead to shame and regret.
    2. Not only will men praise such character, but one day God will as well.

She speaks with wisdom and kindness (v.26)

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

  1. Her words are always wise
    1. Whether she is advising her children or discussing with her husband, her words are always full of wisdom.
    2. Because true wisdom is a God-given ability, her words reflect her relationship with God. She knows the Bible so well that it guides her thinking and words (Pr 2:1-9).
  2. Her instructions are always kind
    1. When she gives directions or instructions, she does it with kindness.
    2. Her words are not harsh, but tender and loving.

She is a diligent housewife (v.27)

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

  1. She supervises of her household
    1. She watches over her children. She keeps them in line and biblically disciplines them. She guides and guards them. She trains them in character and godliness. She keeps them from going astray.
    2. She delegates duties. She teaches her children to work. She mentors them. She inspects what she expects.
  2. She is not a lazy mother.
    1. She does not sit around and let others do the work.
    2. She keeps busy. She does not waste time with undue socializing. She uses precious opportunities thoughtfully.

She is praiseworthy (v.28-29)

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”

  1. Her children bless her
    1. Her children stand up and bless her because they love her dearly. They are not ashamed of their mother.
    2. She has earned their respect. They admire her character.
  2. Her husband praises her
    1. He praises her for being a godly helpmeet. He has no complaints of her. She is like a crown on his head (12:4).
    2. He publicly boasts of her at every opportunity. He brags of her as the most virtuous wife in the whole world.

Her greatest quality is her fear of the LORD (v.30)

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”

  1. Her focus is not mainly on her appearance.
    1. She knows charm can change and beauty does not last.
    2. She keeps herself attractive, but that is not her focus.
  2. She gives the LORD first place in her life
    1. Bible study and prayer are priorities in her daily schedule.
    2. She knows the holy expectations of the LORD. She fearfully respects and trembles before the LORD and this governs her attitudes, dress, speech, and character.

Conclusion

ladies, God ended the list of qualities with the secret to the virtuous woman’s excellence – she feared the LORD. Any Christian woman who will humbly fear the Lord can become a virtuous woman. These qualities of excellence are beyond your human ability, but within God’s mighty ability.

I urge you to note any quality you lack and begin passionately asking the Lord to develop it in your life. You have nothing worthwhile to lose and everything worthwhile to gain.

Song: I Surrender All – 394

Wise Men & Virtuous Women4

25 January 2015 pm – Proverbs 31:21-31 – Wise/Virtuous – Scott Childs