Rise Up Virtuous Women!

The infamous Proverbs 31, this is absolutely one of my favorite passages in the bible. See for me, it fuels my motivation to be the best woman I can be for God. I understand that in this passage we see the resume and characteristics of a virtuous, capable, and good wife. However, I feel that these are also awesome traits to have as a woman before becoming a wife.

Let's first define virtuous. Virtuous is defined as "having or showing high moral standards". The woman described in this passage definitely lives up to the definition. Verse 10 begins by saying "a good woman is hard to find and worth far more than diamonds" (MSG). In other words, this woman is extremely rare. If we take a natural example of looking at a diamond or even a precious jewel, it's value is in its unique composure and rarity. Now we know how expensive really fine jewelry can be, but a virtuous woman is worth even more than that!

In verse 15, we see that this woman is up before dawn, she understands that the early bird gets the worm. She prepares breakfast for her family and organizes her day. In verse 17, once she is up she prepares for work and is "eager to get started" (MSG). "She senses the worth of her work [and] is in no hurry to call it quits for the day" (v. 18). This virtuous woman is confident, she realizes that she is a valuable asset and that worth lies within the work that she does. She's skilled in various crafts and she knows how to keep her home up (v.19). In verse 21, we see that she plans ahead, "she doesn't worry about her family when it snows, their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear" (MSG). She's mindful of how she clothes herself, "her clothes are well-made and elegant" (v. 25). This virtuous woman fears God and trust Him, and since she does she is able to "face tomorrow with a smile", after all she recognizes Who holds her tomorrow (v. 25). Lastly, here's a characteristic that should definitely be noted. "When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly" (v. 26). She gives thought to what she allows to come out of her mouth.

Now, that we know a little bit more about this virtuous woman let's take a look on how others perceive her. Verse 11, reveals that "her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it". This likely results from all that she brings to the table, but also because she is "never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long" (v. 13). Also, we see that her husband is known in the city gates because of her (v. 23). Her children "respect and bless her"; her husband "joins in the words of praise" (v. 28).

Verse 29, reveals that there have been numerous women that have done wonderful and notable things, but a virtuous woman "outclasses" them all! (MSG) Verse 30, shows us that this is type of woman that should be admired and praised because she lives her life in reverence to the most high God.

I don't know about you, but each time I read this passage I feel empowered to model these praiseworthy characteristics. I feel it's time for us as women of God to rise up and strive to be virtuous. Let's live lives that reflect high standards - God's standards. By implementing these standards, above all it results in becoming a woman that God is pleased with and to answer your call to be a wife, if that's your call.

Created about 2 years ago