Growing up, I had a few goals; to be a loving sister, a loving daughter, a loving wife, a loving mother and a successful citizen and teacher. All of these goals used to seem a lot, but in reading Proverbs 31: 10-31, I realized that they weren’t not achievable. I could accomplish these goals, I just had to work hard, be faithful and love. From now on, I will aim to be a Proverbs 31 (P31) Woman, and here’s 11 reasons why:
1. She has worth.
“Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels. Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value. She will bring good to him—never evil, every day of her life.” (10-12)
The Proverbs 31 Woman has worth, and not just worth from others. She also finds herself worthy. Worth should not only be attributed to your outer appearance, but your inner beauty as well. God has made each and every one of us in His own image for a reason. He believes you are the “finest jewels” and sees you as more than valuable. Aiming to be a P31 Woman means to realize you’re not only worthy of love and companionship, but to be inherently good as well, bringing good to your partner and the people around you.
2. Her Husband (or Future Husband) treasures her.
“Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.” (11)
The P31 Woman has a husband who truly believes in her, and because of it, he believes he has everything in the world. In a loving, healthy partnership, two people need to work as one, supporting each other and encouraging each other along the way. Two people that have this relationship are truly blessed. When there is a supporting love established, it seems as if nothing can get in the way. You two have it all with each other, and that is definitely something to aim for.
3. She is a hard worker and is successful because of it.
“She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands. She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.” (13-15)
The P31 Woman is always working and doing what she can for the people around her, whether they are her family or the people she graciously leads. God wants us to be givers above all else, and she is just that. Her eager work brings her success, and provides for her family. Why wouldn’t you aim to be a hard worker?
4. She is a forward thinker.
“She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard. She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength. She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.” (16-18)
Aiming to be a P31 Woman means aiming to be a forward thinker; she evaluates, she plants, she shows great fortitude, and she is confident that her profits to her family are good enough. She goes above and beyond, working into the hours of the night, and always making herself available. She follows God’s guidance and plan for her life, and that leads her to more and more success. She uses that plan to build a future for herself and her family, and that is very important.
5. She is giving.
“She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.” (20)
As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” We also hear in Matthew 25:40, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” As a P31 Woman, we must always aim to be a giving servant of God. Not only does it open up your heart and the hearts of others’, it opens up His to know that you’re helping everyone you can.
6. Her family is well provided for.
“She is unafraid of winter’s effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.” (21)
When the winter comes, she knows not to be worried for her family’s safety. She not only trusts God to keep them safe, but she also trusts herself and knows that she has done everything she can to keep them safe, warm and fed. Every woman wants the absolute best for her family, and the P31 Woman is no different. Aiming to be a P31 Woman means aiming to care for your family, even in the face of trials and adversity.
7. She is unafraid and courageous.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (25)
One of the better known verses from this passage, Proverbs 31:25 shows us that to be a P31 Woman is to be courageous and dignified. She is carefree and strong, even knowing that bad things could happen in the future. She knows that she is strong enough to handle what comes at her, and this is one of the best things to look up to as a woman. Moving forward in my life, I always hope to face adversity head on, but with dignity and respect. This also includes letting go of future anxieties. I couldn’t think of a better woman for young women to model themselves after. 8. She is wise.
“She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.” (26)
As a young woman, I’ve always looked up to the advice of my mother and her mother before that. Any time I ever had a problem, whether it was a big question or something as little as how long I should put something in the microwave for, my mother and grandmother were always there to answer these questions with not only a wise voice, but with a loving understanding. No matter what mistakes I’ve made, they’ve always stood by my side with an unwavering, gracious love. Aiming to be a P31 Woman to me means aiming to be like my mother and grandmother with my children and grandchildren; always being someone to come to that will always offer counsel and unwavering love.
9. She is loving and, therefore, is loved by her family.
“Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her: “Many women have done wonderful things,” he says, “but you surpass all of them!” (28-29)
A P31 Woman is loved by both her children and by her husband. She has lived her life for them, and they will in turn live their lives honoring her. Aiming to be a P31 Woman means aiming to have a healthy relationship with your children and a supportive marriage with your spouse; raising your kids to know and love their mother and encouraging and being encouraged by your husband.
10. She loves her Lord.
“Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.” (31)
A P31 Woman honors the Lord every day of her life. For her, charm and beauty are vain and they don’t remain constant, but the Lord always will. Even when the Earth fades into dust, God still remains and will remain forever in His heavenly kingdom. Aiming to be a P31 Woman means aiming to love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul and being.
11. Her hard work shall be rewarded.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (31)
Lastly, her work will bring her praise. A P31 Woman has worked hard her entire life to praise God through her thoughts and actions, whether that be her relationship with her husband, children or the needy that she has helped. God sees all of this and rejoices knowing the good deeds that this woman has done. He will reward her at heaven’s gates for the rest of eternity. Aiming to be a P31 Woman means aiming to give your life to God, knowing that you will live with him forever in his Kingdom, and that will be all you’ll ever need.
