In case you have never read it before there is a passage of scripture that talks about "The Wife of Noble Character." It comes from Proverbs 31:10-31 and is most commonly known as "The Proverbs Woman." While it is a great role model and guideline for us to try and live by, it can be difficult to see how it applies to modern day life. Well, here are 11 characteristics of the Proverbs woman that we can apply to our lives:
1. Knows her Worth
A Proverbs woman knows that she is a daughter of the Lord. She is kind, wise, and seeks Him in everything that she does. She brings the light of God into the lives of those around her. She knows that her worth stems from the Lord and stands firm in Him through trials of the world. "She is worth far more than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10)
2. Loyalty in Marriage
A Proverbs woman is one that her husband can trust his heart with. She is loyal to him, respects him, and has his best interest at heart. "She will do him good and not harm all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:10-12)
3. She makes health a priority
A Proverbs woman not only takes care of her family's health by preparing healthy foods for them, but she takes care of hers as well. She takes care of her body physically, emotionally, and spiritually because she knows that it is a temple for the Lord. "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants."(Proverbs 31:14-15)
4. She makes wise financial decisions
A Proverbs woman takes the time to think about a purchase before making one. She consults with her husband and considers what her family needs instead of just making whimsical investments. "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."(Proverbs 31:16)
5. Hardworking
A Proverbs woman isn't afraid to do hard work. She strives for greatness and will do the necessary work to be successful. "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." (Proverbs 31:17)
6. Uses Time Wisely
A Proverbs woman uses her time wisely to get all the tasks that she has ahead of her completed. She doesn't waste time by procrastinating or doing things that wouldn't benefit her or her family. She is a woman after God's own heart and seeks Him in everything that she does. The Bible talks about in several different verses of scripture how we are to use our time wisely to accomplish the work that God has given us to do (John 17:4, Colossians 4:5), so this is a highly favored trait to master. "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." (Proverbs 31:19)
7. Service
A Proverbs woman is willing to help those in need. She has a servant's heart and is selfless. I know that this can be a very hard thing to master, but we are called to be servants like Jesus, so this is an incredible trait to have (practice makes perfect). "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31:20)
8. Providing for her household
A Proverbs woman makes sure that she is providing the best for her family; whether it be by providing the best food, education, protection, or love for her family, she does whatever it takes to make sure her family is taken care of. She raises her children up in the ways of the Lord. She's also motherly and welcoming to all who enter her home. "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." (Proverbs 31:20-21)
9. She Doesn't Worry
A Proverbs woman lives a life with such a firm foundation in the Lord that she doesn't have to worry about the trails and tribulations of the world. She has prepared for them by putting on the full armor of God and knows where her strength comes from. She knows that God works good things for the good of His people and that He is in control. She trusts that He knows what He is doing and that His plan is greater, even when she can't see it at the time. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)
10. Wisdom
A Proverbs woman has the wisdom and kindness to take the time to think before she speaks. She doesn't talk badly about others or complain when things don't go her way. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26)
11. She fears the Lord
A Proverbs woman fears the Lord and seeks His will for her life. Now fearing the Lord may sound like a negative thing, but really it is a valuable trait to obtain. When we fear the Lord, it prevents us from pursuing the desires of our sinful nature; instead, we listen and obey Him. In other words, fearing the Lord doesn't necessarily mean that we fear Him, but that we fear displeasing Him. With this kind of attitude, it becomes easier to do what He calls us to do. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)
These are just a few characteristics of the Proverbs woman that we can practice in our every day lives. By doing so, we are not only allowing God to work in us, but through us to help meet the needs of those around us.
