The Proverbs 31 Woman

The 31st chapter in the Book of Proverbs is widely recognized among Christian women for its portrayal of a virtuous and capable mother and wife. It describes a woman of strength, integrity and diligence, someone who can be trusted to manage her household, nurture her children and engage wisely in business affairs. She embodies qualities many aspire to cultivate in their own lives.

But what exactly makes this woman so virtuous and how in the world does she do it all? Let’s read:

“She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plans the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buy it, with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy…she makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise… She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her… Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised…”

The Proverbs 31 Woman Is Industrious

The Proverbs 31 woman is clearly depicted as industrious. She is resourceful woman, actively engaged in securing financial stability for her household. She is proactive, seeking out the best for her household even if it must be obtained from a far. In Biblical times, merchant ships symbolized prosperity and successful enterprise; thus the comparison suggests that her efforts make a substantial contribution to her family’s well being.

Beyond providing for her own household, she extends her hand to the poor and needy in her town. This woman is far from idle. Her character and faithfulness to her God ordained role of mother causes her family to notice and her husband and children rise up and call her blessed.

The Proverbs 31 Woman Has Stepped Out of The World

Scripture teaches that we must “lose” our life, that is, we must let go of the world as we know it and the self centered patterns that shape it. In doing so, we step into a new way of living, one taught and guided by the Lord. It is a call to transformation: we exchange our old mindset for His truth and our old ways for His will.

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”(Matt 16:25)

In this verse, Jesus teaches that true life is found through self sacrifice and a servants heart. He calls us to follow Him so that He can bless us. When we cling to our ideas or elevate other pursuits above God, those things can quietly become idols, drawing our focus away from following Him- our true provider of every promised blessing.

Jesus’ invitation to serve is, in reality, an invitation to protection and purpose. By laying down our self centered ambitions and committing our lives to follow Him, we learn some very profound things.

We learn that we can only find the abundant life- a life of well being- only when soak in His wisdom like a sponge.

The Proverbs 31 Women Are Saved In Childbearing

“Women are saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety…” (1 Timothy 2:15)

God, in His wisdom, has given women the distinct and beautiful role of childrearing as part of our service. If you ask me, this is one of the kindest assignments He could have given. We naturally love our children, and serving those we love is joyful, even when it’s challenging.

Motherhood gives us a front row seat to the fruit of faithful servanthood. We get to witness daily, the eternal impact of love poured into our own homes. And if we follow God’s design, staying rooted in the home more than out of the home chasing income, He will give us ideas and talents so we can contribute to the household within the confines of our primary role of caring for the family.

During the hours our children are at school, we can wisely “consider a field and buy it” (Prov 31:16). But our primary role remains unchanged: to be the steady foundation in our homes, encouraging, supporting and loving our families. That’s not a lowly position, as the “power professionals” of the world may think. It mirrors the very character of Jesus, who Himself said, He came not to be served but to serve.

Wives and Mothers Are Helpers

As wives and mothers, we are helpers according to the Bible. This means we are the wind beneath the wings of our family. This is not a menial term, the Holy Spirit is called “the Helper”. In times when the house is quiet we can take part in the most impactful and lifechanging activity in the world- study of the Word of God.

When we study the Bible, and not simply read it- we can put it into practice and do what it says.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

As we read and put into practice what the Bible teaches we are effectively following Jesus. And this is the most protected, peaceful and profitable place to be. The Proverbs 31 woman followed her Savior, and when we do so, we will be like merchant ships as well!

We must always remember that the Lord is not only our Savior for eternity, but our provider for today. The only way we can learn what He has for us, both our promised blessings and our “calling” we must sit with His Words and then follow through on doing them.

Food For Thought,

Lisa