Let me start this off by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form perfect. And even less so am I a Bible scholar. I am however just a twenty something college student who is trying to pursue the Father as hard as I can. Naturally, this starts with me trying to define and implement what God says I should be, and then surrounding myself with women who are doing the same. Proverbs 31:10-31 is a pretty swell, but not comprehensive, guide. Lets jump right in, working from the CSB.
Proverbs 31:10
She is full of virtue
Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels
Proverbs 31:11
She is trustworthy and edifies her husband. She is faithful.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
Proverbs 31:12
She not only deserves his trust, but she rewards him with the beautiful things in life, trusting that he will do the same. It also speaks to being reverent of his place in the household under the appointment of Christ. This could truly apply to all of our relationships, not just marriage.
She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:13
She is hardworking and capable. This verse highlights the importance of working with ones hands and being willing to put in time for the betterment of the household. Emphasis on "willing" hands. She is good.
She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.
Proverbs 31:14
She is diligent and reliable. She provides sustenance.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.
Proverbs 31:15
This one is a harder pill to swallow. This talks about being willing to provide and serve. A good woman is prepared and ready to make sacrifices like waking while the home is asleep and preparing for the day ahead. She serves her home with a joyous heart.
She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants.
Proverbs 31:16
She is industrious, wise, and savvy. This is probably my favorite verse of the selection because it speaks to being business minded and thinking of the future. Often times, Christian women are painted as these subordinate, meek, and timid women who are in the background, but here we are encouraged to be bold and make decisions for the growth of our home.
She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
Proverbs 31:17
She is strong and exercises that strength. It also references how we are not to be idle.
She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.
Proverbs 31:18
She endures and prepares for the future.
She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
Proverbs 31:19
She is rounded in her abilities.
She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Proverbs 31:20
She is charitable.
Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:21
She is a provider
She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.
Proverbs 31:22
She is well dressed. This probably means that she is well covered, modest, and fashionable. Also could mean she is resourceful.
She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31:23
She married a respectful man who is an equal to her status and is respected among the elders of the city.
Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
Proverbs 31:24
She is crafty and business minded.
She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.
Proverbs 31:25
She is strong, dignified, and prepared for the future.
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
Proverbs 31:26
She is wise and kind.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:27
She is mindful of the activities in her household.
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Proverbs 31:28-29
She is a good mother. Can also mean that she is adored by those younger than her.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her. "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"
Proverbs 31:30
She fears the Lord and reveres His power.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
Proverbs 31:31
Do these things and you will be honored for your work.
Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
