Wisdom's Praise for the Virtuous, Wise Woman
Book of Proverbs Chapter 31 verses 10-31
Many things have been said throughout the Book of Proverbs about women of folly, foolish women, and wrong women, but the Holy Spirit would not finish this great book without telling us about the virtuous woman.
No matter who we are, as men, we all have a desire for a virtuous woman.
Virtuous means morally good, acting in conformity to moral law, practicing moral duties, and abstaining from vice.
Conforming to Divine Law.
How did a woman come about? Gen 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Only one man can join with one woman and be One Flesh, and this by marriage.
The Lord Jesus said: Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
This is the definition of marriage, as defined by Almighty God.
These are the only two humans that God has created!
What does the Holy Spirit say about this virtuous woman?
*****Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The most important decision we will ever make is what we will do with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Are we going to believe Him and the Gospel, or are we going to ignore Him?
The Bible says we are to submit to Him in complete obedience.
We already know that submitting is far greater than just complying.
Once we have accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the truth of God, then the Holy Spirit will come to live in our hearts, and we can know what it is to "Fear the Lord".
For most of us, the next great decision we will make is the choice of our spouse.
Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
We can understand from this question in verse ten that it may not be easy to find a virtuous woman.
What we see in this passage is the qualifications of an excellent wife.
What we see in this passage is the embodiment of all the wisdom instructions contained in the previous thirty chapters.
We have a portrait in words of an exceptionally wise woman who has the "Fear of the Lord".
If we are a Christian male and fear the Lord, then if we are seeking a wife, we should seek a Christian female who also has the fear of the Lord.
We must understand that because family relationships are the most important relationships in life, the character of the wife and mother is of great importance.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
We may read these words as describing a perfect wife and a perfect marriage, and we know that none of us is perfect, so for the husband to find such a godly wife, then that husband must be a God-fearing man living as close as he can to the Word of God.
A virtuous woman is a woman who is noticed by many of God's people because she has an excellent character, no matter where she is or what she is doing.
Rth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
A virtuous woman is a rare and precious treasure!
We may think that such a woman does not exist, but she does.
It is a fact that there may not be many of them.
Women would say the same thing about us men.
One thing is true to that man who has found a virtuous woman is richer than any king.
This woman of wisdom is certainly a gift from the Lord.
Pro 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
*****Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
One of the greatest qualities of this godly wife is the fact that her husband can trust her.
He knows that this woman is devoted first to the Lord, next to him, and then to the family.
He will not question her motives, and he will not question her words.
He understands that such a woman will draw the attention of other men, but he knows she will never betray him.
His heart is secure in her faithfulness!
She has enriched his life and meets his needs, and he has hers.
The one thing the Old Testament is good at is showing us examples.
It spends a lot of time on godly men and things that God will punish us for.
This passage is an example for godly women.
Here we see faithfulness and purity, and these are things God expects from all His children.
A good wife will commit that she will never act in a way that could cause her to lose the trust of her husband, and the husband must make this same commitment to the Lord.
The world we live in today is so full of immorality that any signal from a woman or a man can be seen as saying they are available.
The commandments of God do not even exist in modern society.
Wedding vows are not sacred.
Adultery is glorified and seen as normal behavior.
God's Word is still the truth: 1Jn_2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Our commitments to our spouses must be important, and they must be real!
In marriage, both spouses must be attentive to each other's needs.
The primary need of women is still love and affection!
The primary need of the husband is reverence and respect.
We are to put the needs of our spouses before our own needs.
The husband-and-wife relationship must be a picture of our relationship with Jesus Christ!
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
To gain His bride, the Lord Jesus gave up everything to become a man, so that he could give His life to purchase His bride.
We have no greater example of this for our own marriages!
He gave Himself for us!
Friendship with the world is committing Spiritual adultery.
We are completely secure in the love of our Savior!
Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
*****Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
This is a woman of good works: 1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
This home is founded on the commitment of a husband and wife and the love they share with their children.
Her first concern is for her family to be well-clothed.
She does not buy the clothes, nor does she buy the fabrics to make those clothes.
She gets the raw materials, wool and flax to make the fabrics herself, and takes the time to get the best materials she can find.
She works with her own hands.
Wool comes from sheep and keeps the body warm when it's cold.
Flax comes from the land and is used to make linen, which is for warmer days.
In typology, the wool would indicate that the Church is to be a place of warm, loving interest in each member.
Linen would represent righteous deeds of the members: Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
She also provides food for her family, and she seeks out the best foods for them; she even brings it from afar.
She is compared to ships and not a single ship.
She eats the same food she prepares for all who live in her house.
In typology, this is Spiritual food, and it comes from afar because it comes from Heaven, where our Lord Jesus Christ is today.
It is the Lord Jesus who provides for the Church: Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
This is the food she prepares and puts upon the table.
For breakfast, she gets up before all others so the food will be ready when they awaken.
She does not call upon her maidens; she does these things herself.
She makes sure all those in her home start the day with a good breakfast.
She then plans the day's work for her maidens.
In typology, the Church is to be full of believers who serve each other the food of the Word of God.
Each member has a purpose, and they are to do that task as well as they are able, but they need the nourishment of God's Word, that Heavenly Manna from on high.
Each member receives their portion that is needed to perform the service God has given him or her.
After taking care of the needs of her family, she is free to do things that will increase the family budget.
She is also a good businesswoman who invests wisely.
She buys the things she needs without going into debt.
After she buys this field, she immediately plants a vineyard.
In typology, that field is an area outside the Church where we can do the work of God.
A vineyard speaks of joy in that work.
That field can represent the family of God because the Church is to be made up of families.
Every family in the Church that lives for God is a great joy to our Heavenly Father.
A strong Church is a blessing in the place where it is located.
*****Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Laziness is one of those things that God hates, but the virtuous woman is never lazy.
We see her work begins before daylight and continues after all others are in bed.
She is a symbol of strength, and in typology, she represents the Church, which is also to be a symbol of strength.
Most of the churches in America are failing in this issue today, and attacks against the Church have increased because the Church appears to be so weak, and it is a shame.
The Word of God is being twisted and turned till the truth has been removed, and this is another reason God will first judge the Church, and He will accept no excuses!
The strength of the Church is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is no longer relevant in much of the Church of today.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
The Lord Jesus says: Rev_3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
We see this wise woman is always evaluating the work she has done, and it must be the same for the Church.
There is only one way that will work for the Church!
Jer_6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Much of the Church will no longer walk in the ways that work and have teamed up with the world in ways that are destroying much of the Church.
We see the candle of this wise woman does not go out at night, and her house is spared from the disasters of the wicked.
The Church must always be alert to the wickedness of the world and the wiles of the Devil.
This wise woman sees that her clothes are in demand from others, and she sells some of them along with her produce that she grows.
It is the same for the Church; the Gospel message is still in high demand from those who have never heard it, and the same Gospel that worked in the days of the Apostles will still work today.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Just as this wise woman will be blessed the Bride of Christ will be blessed if it remains diligent in the work the Lord has given us to do.
The Lord Jesus promises a reward for our labors!
We will all stand before the Lord and give an account for what we have done, good or bad.
1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
*****Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
We have seen that this wise woman cares much for her family, but she does not forget those who are poor and needy.
She is compassionate and caring.
We must understand that the Church must never be seen as standoffish and must share with the less fortunate.
There are far too many people in our area who are spiritually poor and needy.
The Church should extend its hand and help with spiritual blessings.
There all always people who are in need, and there may be some inside the Church that we just have not noticed, but we should.
It is not just the poor but also those members who have become too old to get out and those who, through sickness, can no longer get out.
If we truly love the Lord, we will be compassionate and help others when we are able, and this includes the Church.
In fact, this should be a ministry of the Church.
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
*****Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not just think of today, but she prepares for the future.
This cold, dead world does not bother her because she shows the warmth of love in her home.
No matter what is going on outside, she has prepared her family for it.
That word scarlet describes the quality of the things this wise woman has prepared for those times of uncertainty.
The Church, full of love and warmth, will attract those who are seeking a place of rest.
The Church must be prepared to face this cold and worsening world.
The Bible tells us that this world will never improve, but there will always be souls that need saving.
Life is far shorter than we realize, and we cannot predict the future except for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Psalms 22, which refers to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, He says: Psa 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
That worm refers to a crimson worm that had to die to produce a dye used for the color scarlet.
*****Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
This noble wife takes great pride in her appearance and in being attractive and appealing to her husband.
She could buy anything she needed, but she prefers to make them herself.
She uses the skills God has given to her, and she lives according to the Word of God.
The Lord Jesus clothes His bride in the very best: Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The Bride of Christ is clothed in fine linen: Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
As husbands, we should provide nice things for our wives if we are to be like Jesus Christ.
*****Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
This husband was known in the community, and part of the reason was that his wife was so diligent and supportive of Him.
A noble wife will help her husband, and many wives contribute to their husbands’ success.
It is the same for the Bride of Christ.
A diligent, hardworking Church will brag on the Lord Jesus.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
The Church has a high calling: Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
He sits among the elders: Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
*****Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
This wise woman provides for her family.
She cares for the poor.
She encourages her husband and his position as head of the family.
Now we see she wants to serve her family with her abilities but charges a price for her services.
What she delivers is quality!
We see there is nothing in Scripture that says a woman cannot work to help provide for her family.
We know that her priority is for her family, and everything else is secondary to this first thing.
1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Tit 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
We know that there is a price to be paid to be a Christian.
We are to be Born Again into a godly life as much like Jesus Christ as we are able.
The truth must be bought: Pro 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Truth is not some doctrine, but it consists of wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
These things are more valuable in life than any material riches and are necessary to make life on earth have any value.
This value is eternal and is connected to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The purchase price is the time we invest in the Word of God.
Learning the truth of God takes time and effort, and the Holy Spirit.
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
We know that a sinner cannot pay anything to be saved.
We can be saved only by grace: Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
*****Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
We have already seen where this wise woman is adorned in elegance and modesty, but her true beauty is inside her.
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
She possesses strength, honor, and dignity.
She is esteemed and honored by others as a woman with a strong character.
This is a product of the wisdom of God, our Heavenly Father.
She is ready for her future and does not fear the unexpected.
She stands upon a firm foundation.
She has sown righteousness in her life and in her family, and God promises she will reap the same.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Living in the fear of the Lord brings great benefits.
Psa_103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
The Church owes all strength and dignity to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Strength and dignity are the attributes of our Heavenly Father, and the Church should exhibit them.
The Church must always be the Lamb's wife who has made herself ready, dressed in fine linen for the Bridegroom.
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
She offers helpful and reliable counsel.
When she opens her mouth, only wisdom comes from it.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
She is always watchful for anything or anyone who would harm her family and never passive in this area.
Nothing escapes her attention!
Her children want the world to know how precious their mother is to them.
Today, not many children honor their parents, but they should know that there is nothing more precious than loving parents.
Her husband praises her and expresses great appreciation for the support she has always given him.
Her husband knows he could not have chosen a better spouse for himself and his family.
Her driving force has always been the "fear of the Lord".
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
It is no different for the Church!
Only through the reverence of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is it able to express itself in a way that will reap the praise of God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
*****Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
This last passage should strike a note with us because the Lord Jesus said deceit is the main ingredient in these last days.
Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
This wise woman does not focus on deception.
She knows that personality and popularity do not always reveal a person's true character.
People are not always genuine.
Many people today are masters at deceit, trying to get what they want from others, and the world is full of them at this time.
She can stand her ground because of her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is our fear of the Lord who will lead us in the right direction.
She has given her life to raising her family and being a good wife to her husband.
No reward in this world can be given for the work she has done, for there is no work more important than the work she has done every day.
It is the same for the Church that remains the Bride of Christ.
There is no more important work than that of the Church that remains with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
It is the "fear of the Lord" that is the secret to a successful, satisfying, and blessed life here and then the great rewards of our Heavenly Home.
The Church has one job, and it is to remain close to Jesus Christ and do the work He has given us to do.
There is no greater work than this!
Amen
