I enjoy reading daily devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Eventually the question arises: What exactly is a Proverbs 31 woman? I've read Proverbs 31 a few times in the past, but never fully understood or remembered all of the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman. This past week I spent time reading, studying, and reflecting on Proverbs 31:10-31.
I began by printing out Proverbs 31 to give me adequate space needed for notes. I used a study Bible and online commentaries to help improve my understanding on unclear verses.
There are a lot of qualities that make up a Proverbs 31 woman! In order to make things clearer, I categorized the qualities into an organized list.
Work Ethic
Hardworking- vs 17
Eager to work- vs 13
Has an income- vs 16
Not lazy or idle- vs 27
Morning person- vs 15
Uses technology and tools available- vs 19
Business mindset (sells homemade items)- vs 24
Character
Noble (outstanding qualities and high morals)- vs 10
God fearing- vs 30
Compassionate and caring- vs 20
Strength (physically fit)- vs 17, 25
Dignity (worth honor and respect)- vs 25
No worry or stress- vs 25
Content- vs 25
Speaks words of wisdom and instruction- vs 26
Has the wisdom to make decisions- vs 16
Personally helps those in need- vs 20
Dresses nicely- vs 22
More than outward appearances which fail and fade- vs 25, 30
Crafty- vs 22, 24
Gardens- vs 16
Financial Decisions
Shopping- vs 13
Large purchases and investments- vs 16
Makes good buying decisions: reasonably priced and quality items- vs 18
Household Duties
Provides (buys and cooks) food for family and others (such as servants, guests, pets)- vs 14, 15
Prepares for weather changes (ex: seasonal clothing)- vs 21
Keeps house looking nicely- vs 22
Oversees household- vs 27
Marriage
Wife is a blessing to husband; improves his life- vs 12
Wife never harms husband (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc)- vs 12
Marriage doesn’t cause husband to lack anything- vs 11
Husband trusts and has confidence in wife- vs 11
Husband is respected and honored by community- vs 23
Response
Praised and seen as a blessing by husband and children- vs 28
Seen as best wife and mother because she goes above and beyond- vs 29
Also praised because she fears the Lord- vs 30
Honored and praised for her hard work- vs 31
Wow! God has high expectations for a Proverbs 31 woman. That's why a Proverbs 31 woman is hard to find and has high value and worth (vs 10).
While it is obvious Proverbs 31 qualities were primarily intended for a wife, the majority can also be met by single women. For example, all women can fear the Lord and be hard workers regardless of marital status.
Studying Proverbs 31 leads to a reflection on your own life. Am I a Proverbs 31 women?
I think all of us can recognize some of the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman in our life. On the other hand, there are still other skills that need to be improved upon or are a work in process. This is especially true for young adults.
Lord, Thank you for teaching me about the good qualities women should have in Proverbs 31.
Thank you for helping me see some of those qualities in my own life. Help me to cultivate and improve upon the qualities I have yet to develop. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments