The Virtuous Woman
Described
Proverbs 31, known as the virtuous
woman chapter, is the story of Bathsheba telling her son Solomon,
here called Lemuel, the type of wife he should desire. She should be
a woman who fears the Lord (vs 30). A virtuous woman is wisdom
personified; she is worth far more than rubies (vs 10) and whomever
finds her receives favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).
A Model Wife
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of
value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."
(Proverbs 31:11-12) That is self-explanatory. A virtuous woman is
all that her good husband needs. She is custom-made and designed for
him.
The relationship between a husband
and his wife is special, even God-given. There is so much love,
gentleness, kindness, consideration, self-sacrifice, faith, sharing,
oneness, . . , between the two. "For this reason a man will
leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will
become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
A Model Mother
Growing up at my grandmothers, she was always the first one awake
and the last one to go to sleep. I used to watch her while
wondering, "I know that she's tired. She needs to go back and get in
the bed." But the bible says "she gets up while it is still
dark; she provides food for her family." (Proverbs 31:15) A
virtuous woman is a model mother who takes care of her family,
raising them up in the way of the Lord. In turn, "her children
arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28) Her actions speak
volumes more than do her words as they teach her children how they
ought to be; to love one another, to fear God, and to always put him
first.
A Model Worker
The virtuous woman awakes early to plan, prepare, and organize her
work for the day. She works willingly and does not eat the bread
of idleness." (Genesis 31:27)
A Healthy Woman
The only way to be healthy is to eat the right foods, exercise, and
get rest. "Her arms are strong for her tasks." (Proverbs
31:17) The virtuous woman is not out all night at the club or doing
other worthless things. She respects herself and her temple as well
(1 Corinthians 6:19). This also means that she avoids smoking and
excessive alcohol.
An Attractive Woman
"Her clothing is silk and purple." (Poverbs 31:22)
Understand that a virtuous woman knows that her beauty is not in her
clothes or jewelry. True beauty does not come from what you have on
you, but what you have in you. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty
is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give
her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at
the city gate." (Proverbs 31:30-31)
A Considerate Person
Consideration (kindness) and being able to watch her tongue are
distinguishing characteristics of the virtuous woman. She does not
involve herself with idle gossip nor respond to harsh language. The
virtuous woman is patient and tender, treating others how she wants
to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
A Fearful Christian
The underlying base amongst all the traits of a virtuous woman is a
genuine fear of the Lord God above anything else. Every
characteristic trait within her springs from a desire to know and
perform God's will. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for
this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) |