Being a Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31

The Godly Woman

                  This blog was a by-product of the purity series that is going on with our college and high school students at our church.  It was an idea that was heavy on my heart and we decided needed to be addressed.  Purity is not something that is readily accepted or practiced in our culture today.  Therefore, it is imperative that we teach that holiness/purity is of utmost importance for a Christian’s life.  So while studying for the week we discussed purity for girls, Proverbs 31 stayed the forefront of my mind.  If we are to discuss how to be a godly, pure, holy woman in today’s culture, then we should draw our example from the woman who is praised in Proverbs. 

                  There are ten characteristics that while looking through these verses which define a godly woman.  It needs to be established that these are not a destination for which to be arrived at, they are characteristics to be pursued, daily.  The writer starts off the section by explaining how difficult it really is to find such a woman; he writes, “an excellent wife (woman) who can find?  She is far more precious than jewels.”  Knowing that they are difficult to find, it is important, gentlemen, that when you find her, you treat her that way!  Ladies, if you strive to be this woman, do not waste your time with little, childish boys that do not know how to treat you, you are too precious for that!

                  The Godly woman is:

• Of Moral Character- “…Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come…” (v.25). Before anything else, this woman is moral.  The idea of a virtuous woman naturally carries with it the idea of purity, holiness, and morality.  She is not shady, promiscuous, or loose.  This woman respects herself, and is not identified by who she dates/marries or the circumstance of life, but her identity is found in the life she has been given through Jesus Christ.
• Trustworthy- “…the heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain…” (v.11). In an age of adultery, a trustworthy woman is to be praised.  With all of the pressures of life, if a man does not have to worry about his wife, it a good thing.  This means that you are not a flirt, no “best” guy friends, nothing that could lead to scarring the trust between you and your boyfriend/husband. 
• Supportive- “…She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life…her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land…” (v. 12 &23).  A man needs support!  If your husband/boyfriend has the loving, caring support of a great woman, he will feel like a superhero that could take on the world.  This needs to not be understated; support is a huge part of all female to male relationships. 
• Hard working- “…she seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.  She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.  She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens…She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.  Her lamp does not go out at night…” (v. 13-15, 18).  Lazy people (guy or girl) benefit no one.  A good work ethic is admirable for anyone and everyone.  How’s your work ethic? Check this.
• Smart Financially- “…She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard…she makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant” (v. 14, 24).  Nothing is worse than a man who is fulfilling his God-given responsibility to provide for his wife and kids, with nothing to show for it because his wife cannot say “no” to her shopping habits.  Do you have a budget if you are married?  Do you stick to it?  Are you the master of your finances or are your finances mastering you?  Gentlemen, if you find a good woman, who is good with numbers and is good with money, JACKPOT!!  Be responsible, spend responsibly. 
• Healthy- “…she dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong…” (v.17).  Now, first and foremost let it be clear this is not about conforming to the “look” of the models on the front of the magazine.  But there is a sense of health, working out and exercising that is a matter of worshipping God.  Our bodies Paul writes in I Corinthians are the temple of God, and it is our act of worship to keep care of that temple.  The Godly woman does this.
• Caring- “…she opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy…” (v.20).  If the first commandment is to love God with all you have and second is like unto to it, to love your neighbor as yourself, then the Godly, virtuous woman, cares for people!  She is not self-centered, self-motivated, or selfish; she rather has a broken heart for hurting and broken people, sacrificing herself to help and love them like Jesus would.
• Is or will be a good mom- “…she is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet…she looks well to the way of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness…her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…” (v.21, 27 &28).  Obviously if you’re not married this isn’t you.  But even if you’re not married you can be practicing qualities that are exemplified by good mothers.  Find a good woman in the church, one who has raised kids and be mentored by her.  A good woman (or man for that matter!) is one that is humbly able to submit and learn.
• Self-controlled- “…she opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…” (v.26). If she opens her mouth with wisdom, she doesn’t open her mouth in foolishness.  THIS TAKES SELF-CONTROL.  Galatians 5.22 lists the fruit of the Spirit and one part of that is self control.  A godly woman knows how to control herself in all situations. 
• Unique- “…Many woman have done excellently, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (v.29-30 emphasis added).  There is nothing that sets the Godly woman apart like her love for Jesus.  A godly, virtuous, moral, caring, wonderful woman is unlike anyone else.  She is her own person, her identity is found inside of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This sets her apart, and if found she is a treasure to be kept!

This has been a brief discussion on the virtuous woman found in Proverbs 31.  These are characteristics that as stated above, are not a destination.  These qualities are a battle, like holiness, that must be fought daily.  Our culture is longing for girls to step up, and live this life!  I’m praying for all of you.