THE WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER
PROVERBS 31:10-31
10aA wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.12She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life.13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.16Sheconsiders a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.17She sets about her work vigorously;her arms are strong for her tasks.18She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night. 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed;she is clothed in fine linen and purple.23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. she makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.28Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: 29“ Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised, 31Honor her for all that her hands have done,and let her works bring her praises at the city gate.
31: 10-31 The book of Proverbs says a lot about women. How fitting that the book ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, personal strength, many skills, and great compassion. Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile, and entirely domestic. Not so! This woman is an excellent wife and mother. She is also a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant. Her strength and dignity do not come from her amazing achievements, however. They are a result of her reverence for God. We in our society— where physical appearance counts for so much— may also be surprised to realize that this woman’s appearance is never mentioned. Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character and actions. The woman described in this chapter has outstanding abilities, and her family’s social position is high. She may not be one woman in particular but a composite portrait of ideal womanhood. Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough to do everything she does! See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be. We can’t be just like her, but we can learn from her industry, integrity, and resourcefulness.
31: 31 The book of Proverbs begins by stating the benefits of fearing the Lord (1: 7) and ends with a picture of a woman who fulfills this command. Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, respect for her spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor, and wisdom in handling money. These qualities, when coupled with fear of God, lead to enjoyment, success, honor, and worth. Proverbs is practical for us today because it shows us how to become wise, make good decisions, and live according to God’s ideals.
Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible
ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and make sure that you look for, have, and appreciate a woman that has and seeks to have the character of NOBLE WOMAN!!
onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS