The Proverbs 31 Woman

The [Proverbs 31] writer… described in detail this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman. She is Wonder Woman and Mother Teresa wrapped up in a single package. She rises a good while before day every morning. She manages the entire household and assumes fiscal responsibility for it. She nurtures her children. She does her husband good and not evil. She operates a successful business. She stays up late making clothes for the family. She finds time for civic duties, being a blessing to the poor and those in need. And every Mother’s Day pastors parade her out in their sermons, so that most of the moms are genuinely depressed long before they get to the Sunday noon meal.

Yet, there are some things about the Proverbs 31 woman, listed here for all posterity. You will know you have discovered her when you see three important attributes.

The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Virtuous Woman Leads a Blessed Life

The first thing to note about the Proverbs 31 woman is her faith:

A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. — Proverbs 31:30

This fear of God — her reverential awe of the Lord — is the real secret of her blessed life. She was a woman of faith, which she firmly planted in the Person and finished work of Jesus Christ. Her faithfulness is also of note. The writer says that “strength and honor are her clothing” (Proverbs 31:25). He says that “she does [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12). Here was a woman whose very life was characterized by faithfulness: she was faithful to her Lord, to her husband, to her family, and to her friends.

The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Virtuous Woman Leaves a Beautiful Legacy

This woman was not only characterized by her faith and faithfulness, but she also left a legacy for her friends:

She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. — Proverbs 31:20

Here we find a woman who was known for her compassion and generosity to others. Her actions say much about who and what she really was. She has left a legacy for her friends that should be a challenge to us all today. She not only left a legacy for her friends but for her family as well. The Bible records that

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. — Proverbs 31:28

She was devoted to her family and loved them with an uncompromising and unconditional love. She left a legacy. She taught them — and is still teaching and challenging us, so many centuries afterward — how to live and how to love.

The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Virtuous Woman Loves a Benevolent Lord

When we think of what this woman leaves, we not only think of her faith, faithfulness, friends, and family. we also think of her attitude toward the future:

She shall rejoice in time to come. — Proverbs 31:25

I love the translation that says, “She smiles at the future” (NASB). The motivating principle of her life is her deep faith in and love for God that enables her to trust her future into His care. She rests in the fact that every aspect of her life is in His hands. Yes, “she smiles at the future.” And the Proverbs 31 woman — like you and me — has every reason to smile: Heaven is a wonderful and beautiful place.

God loves beauty, or He would not have made things on our earth, so cursed with sin, so beautiful.

The apostle John got a brief glimpse of Heaven one day as he sat in exile on the lonely island of Patmos. Consider a few of the details he provided:

The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. — Revelation 21:18–19

It is no wonder that earlier the inspired apostle Paul had said,

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. — 1 Corinthians 2:9

Yes, the woman of Proverbs 31 smiled at the future — and what a future awaits all of us who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Excerpted with permission from The Jesus Code by O. S. Hawkins, copyright O. S. Hawkins. Published by Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

The Proverbs 31 woman has always been somewhat intimidating to me, sometimes even discouraging. Who can be all of those amazing things at once?! When does she sleep? But, this beautiful example for us women of Jesus isn’t supposed to stress us out. I love this about her — “She smiles at the future” (Proverbs 31:25). She trusts God wholeheartedly even in the middle of all her work, managing, planning, family life, and friendships. She trusts Him and she exudes hope and a strength that strengthens others. What do you love and want to be like about the Proverbs 31 woman? Come share with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full