“A woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 ASV
Captain Marvel, Hermione Granger, and Mulan, they all have one thing in common. They are heroes. Our world’s view of a hero is someone who saves the day or does an admirable act. The Bible has a lot to say about different heroes according to our world’s standards, but today I want to focus on one hero in particular. A hero we as women should all strive to be like. The worthy woman. Proverbs 31 tells us about a virtuous wife. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “virtuous” as “having or showing high moral standards”. I don’t know about you, but that definition is a characteristic I want people to see in my life. Though the scriptures tell us about a wife, I believe any woman should strive to have these qualities.
1. Be Trustworthy
“The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no lack of gain.”
Proverbs 31:11 ASV
We want those around us to be able to trust in what we say and in what we do. Prove yourself to others. Show them that when there’s a job that needs to be done, you can handle it.
2. Be Willing to Work
“She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”
Proverbs 31:13 ASV
“…Her lamp goeth not out by night.”
Proverbs 31:18 ASV
The virtuous woman is not lazy. She helps provide for her family and stays up late doing so. I have no doubt that she would also provide for the family of God. I can see her right now being busy teaching others about the good news!
3. Be Hospitable
“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20 ASV
It can be very easy to make excuses such as, “I’m too tired” or “I just don’t want to today.” Jesus was tired but He was still hospitable toward others. Matthew 14 talks about how Jesus withdrew Himself from the crowds to be alone. When the people found out though, they followed Him. Even though He didn’t feel like being around all those people, the Bible tells us He healed their sick and fed them too! Doesn’t that sound like hospitality to you?
4. She is Brave
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”
Proverbs 31:21 ASV
The worthy woman makes sure that her family has what they need in times of cold, hot, sickness, and in health. She doesn’t have to be afraid because she knows they have what they need and that they are taken care of.
5. She Does Good and Speaks Kindly
“She doeth him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:12 ASV
“…And the law of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 ASV
What we say and do has a great impact on those around us. We must be careful to do and say things that will build each other up, not tear one another down. The tongue is one of the most powerful weapons a person has. Use it wisely.
Many words of advice are given in this chapter of Proverbs. I encourage you to go read the whole chapter so you can see the full picture. The virtuous woman is one who puts God first and places her family and others next. She knows the importance of work, hospitality, and kindness. She sees and reaps the benefits. The chapter ends with some encouraging words regarding this special lady…
“Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying: Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excellest them all. Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:28-31 ASV
I want to be this hero. She’s courageous, kind, and faithful. She humbles herself by putting others’ needs and wants before hers and she will be praised and rewarded for her good works. I want my future husband and children to look at me and see all of these admirable qualities. What a great example and encouragement this woman is to us!
