PROVERBS
The Proverbs 31 Woman
PROVERBS 31:10—31 THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN
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Proverbs 31:10–31
Setting the Scene
Solomon was the son and successor of King David, so he was king after David. When he became king, God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wished. Solomon asked for wisdom. He is widely considered the wisest man to ever live, and was also extremely wealthy and powerful. People came from all of the ancient world to hear his words.
Proverbs 31 is the last section of Proverbs. It says it contains the words of "King Lemuel". There is no record of a "Lemuel" in the Bible, but the name itself means "belonging to God" so many believe that this was a nickname for Solomon that his mother gave him, however there is nothing definitive to prove that.
Walk Through the Passage
Vs 11 - The heart of her husband safely trusts her.
She is trustworthy in every area of life. There is no question in her husband’s mind of her faithfulness and reliability.
Vs 12 - She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She encourages, helps, and lifts up her husband. Just as important is what she does NOT do. She does not do evil to him – slander, gossip, talk down to or about, etc.
Vs 13:a - She seeks wool and flax
She seeks the root ingredients to work with and make something useful.
Vs 13:b - (She) willingly works with her hands.
“Willingly” – not grudgingly, or angrily – she willingly works with her own hands to get things done.
Vs 14: - She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
In order to “bring food from afar” it must be preserved.
Vs 15:a - She arises while it is yet night
She is not lazy. She doesn’t lay around in bed all day or spend all day scrolling on her phone. She manages her time and gives of it to provide for her family instead of indulging selfish desires.
Vs 15:b - (She) provides food for her household,
She cooks, bakes, and ensures there is food for her household.
Vs 15:c - (She provides) a portion for her maidservants.
She makes sure that those working for her or dependent upon her, regardless of whether or not they are family, are provided for and cared for.
Vs 16:a - She considers a field and buys it;
Considers – researches and thinks it through. She doesn’t just spend money without fully researching what it is she is investing in. She is a good steward of the money God has entrusted to her.
Vs 16:b - From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She has “profits.” Money is not bad, and God is not mad at us if we make a profit. He actually praises it!
Vs 17: - She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.
She is not a victim. Life doesn’t just happen to her; she meets life head on and makes the best of whatever life brings.
Vs 18:a - She perceives that her merchandise is good,
‘Merchandise’ indicates another side hustle! She is already investing, has a profitable vineyard, and now she is also providing merchandise to sell.
Vs 18:b - Her lamp does not go out by night.
She is always working, even when she is resting. Our grandmothers would sit down in the evening and pick up the sewing basket, knitting, or crochet. Something she could do with her hands while still resting her mind and body.
Vs 19: - She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
She takes raw ingredients (wool) and turns it into something useful (yarn).
Vs 20: - She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She works hard to care for her family and to earn money, and she does not forget to give to the poor and needy. She tithes from what she earns.
Vs 21: - She is not afraid of snow, for her household is clothed with scarlet.
She doesn’t fear the storms of life. Her household is ready and prepared.
Vs 22:a - She makes a tapestry for herself;
She doesn’t forget to make beautiful things for herself. A tapestry or quilt is useful and also brings joy.
Vs 22:b - Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Fine linen and purple indicate leadership or royalty. She is a recognized leader in her community.
Vs 24:a - She makes linen garments and sells them,
She sews and has yet another side hustle! She sells the things she makes.
Vs 24:b - (She) supplies sashes for the merchants.
More merchandise to sell on the side.
Vs 25:a - Strength and honor are her clothing;
She is strong, trustworthy, and honorable. She is wrapped in integrity.
Vs 25:b - She will rejoice in time to come.
“In time to come” means when she gets to heaven - She leads others to God, teaches them to walk in His ways and will rejoice in heaven with them.
Vs 26: - She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She is wise and kind. Others in the community will always turn to these kinds of women for support, strength, and encouragement.
Vs 27:a - She watches over the ways of her household
“Watches over” – she observes and leans forward to ensure she doesn’t miss a thing.
Vs 27:b - (She) does not eat the bread of idleness.
She doesn’t have time to be idle! This isn’t a comment about rest – we all need that. Idleness means neglecting the things that need to be done in favor of wasting time on unimportant things.
Look Deeper
Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
The way my mind works, I read this and think “Wait. Why ‘rubies’ instead of ‘diamonds’? Aren’t diamonds the most valuable gemstone?“ It turns out when you study rubies, rubies perfectly describe the work that God does in us when we give our lives to Christ.
· High quality rubies are extremely rare so are more valuable per weight than diamonds.
We are “beloved of God’… precious in his sight and worth dying for.
Matthew 7:14 “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
· Rubies are second only to diamonds on the hardness scale, so they are exceptionally durable.
We can only walk through this life in His strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
· Trace chromium elements give the ruby its red color. The same rocks without chromium are sapphires.
The Holy Spirit inside of us changes us.
Ephesians 4:23 “and be renewed (changed) in the spirit of your mind.”
· Chromium has a high corrosion resistance, is able to be highly polished and reflects 70% of visible light.
We reflect His light to the world.
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
· Rubies fluoresce under UV light. UV is part of the sun’s light. It degrades pollutants and inactivates microorganisms.
His light cleanses us and removes our imperfections.
Ephesians 5:26 “that He might sanctify and cleanse (His church) with the washing of the water by the word.”
· Rubies can display a star effect depending on how they are cut. Proper cutting produces magnificent star rubies.
He shapes us so we will shine like the stars.
James 1:1-3 “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Biblical Wisdom
The Proverbs 31 woman gives us a practical list of things we can learn and areas of growth that will also refine us so that we reflect His light in our daily lives.
Reflect
Do you feel like any of these statements could apply to you today?
Do any of these statements appeal to you as something you want to be praised for?
Which areas do you feel will be your strongest? Weakest?
Apply
Becoming a Virtuous Woman is our goal: strong, capable, efficient, wise and trust-worthy. It is a lifelong goal; something we will continually strive for throughout our lives. It is not something that will be attained and checked off a list somewhere. And it may look a little different for each of us depending on our abilities and the responsibilities God has given us. That's totally fine as long as we are living in the Spirit, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit and striving to grow more like Christ each day.
Further Reading
Read 1 Kings 3-4 for background on Solomon.