The book Proverbs 31 epitomises the picture of a near-perfect Christian woman, so being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn’t about being perfect.
It connotes living a purposeful life with a forgiving heart, being a caring and diligent woman, a mother worthy of emulation, a female leader and being active in all endeavours.
She is popularly known as the Proverbs 31 woman. She is also considered a virtuous woman and her husband’s pride.
The Proverbs 31 Woman
The book of Proverbs chapter 31 contains the characteristics of a typical Christian woman. Each of the verses has wise counsels, which, when put into practice, makes a peaceful and fulfilled life for the woman, her family and the society at large.
So, stay put as we x-ray the attributes, characteristics and qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman. We are also going to elucidate how best a Christian woman, wife and mother should put to use these Characteristics.
So, who is a Proverbs 31 Woman?
A proverbs 31 woman is a dynamic, God-fearing and hard-working woman. She’s blessed with a caring heart for her Children and a loving heart for her husband.
She’s an early riser, a leader who assigns responsibilities and runs her ‘home government’ to the admiration and satisfaction of her household.
Proverbs 31:15 “, She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maid-servant”.
Proverbs 31 Woman is an adventurer. She thinks outside the box and travels miles searching for her family meals. Proverbs 31:14 “She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar”.
She’s also famous. She knows her craft, and hard work and hand-work resonate beyond her territory. She’s a philanthropist and of good character.
Is Proverbs 31 Woman Applicable to Modern-Day Women?
I frequently know when Proverbs 31 Woman pops up as a topic of discourse, and some women tend to ask, is that applicable to Christian women in today’s society, where hash economy, the unending responsibilities of being a wife and a mother?
How about tending to our aged parents preparing kids for School/Sunday schools on Sundays, and high demands from our Bosses from the office?
Beloved, I know about it. I am equally living that life. And I will tell you it is possible. And you never can tell. You unknowingly live the life of the Proverbs 31 woman. All you need is a little consciousness.
As we all know, the word of God is ageless and timeless, so the Proverbs 31 Woman is Applicable to women of all ages, races and times.
See How You Can Live a Proverbs 31 Woman’s Life
Being a Proverbs 31 Woman means being a virtuous woman and wife. A virtuous woman is purposeful in her dealings with the consciousness of Proverbs 31 woman as a guiding principle.
It’s not a checklist to be ticked every hour and minutes; no, it’s far from it. It is about being intentional and living a purposeful life with God’s principles for a Christian woman as the mode of operation.
Is Proverbs 31 Exclusive for Married Women/Mothers?
Some women may want to skip this critical chapter of the Bible, Proverbs 31.
The reason for this excuse is simply the fact that some women choose to stay unmarried, and some married ones may choose not to have children, while some are still waiting on the Lord to be blessed in this direction.
Beloved sisters in the Lord, Proverbs 31 is a Bible portion; every woman, irrespective of status, must aspire to live and practice it.
It is important to note that Proverbs 31 was not only written for women alone but also for men who seek qualities expected from Godly intended wives or the characteristics to look out for in female employees.
Again, considering the attributes of proverbs 31 Woman, these are attributes Overy woman must possess.
You are questioning why I should say so. Well, let’s look at it this way, every woman, married or unmarried, is not an island, right?
First daughters, often called deputy mothers, need the qualities of a Proverbs 31 Woman to keep her family intact when the parents pass.
Again, mothers must not necessarily be the ones that give birth to a child (biologically) as a woman in a workplace with younger ladies; you must play the role of a Proverbs 31 woman in their lives.
Do you have a big family where your nieces and nephews live with you? You need the attributes of Proverbs 31 woman.
How about a woman CEO of a company with male and female employees? The characteristics of Proverbs 31 woman are needed here as a Christian boss lady.
So, in all these, every woman of all ages, races, statuses and position(s) (Church, family and society) must possess Proverbs 31 characteristics as a Godly woman.
What is the Perception of Proverbs 31 Woman in the 21st Century?
The world is evolving, but the word of God remains static, genuine, and not subject to repeals. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”. Matthew 24:35 (NIV).
Proverbs 31 may be as old as Christendom, yet its principles, teachings and tenets transcend all generations. Let me break down Proverbs 31 from verses 10 to verse 31.
This verse-by-verse breakdown will effortlessly help you to live the Proverbs 31 Woman’s life daily, to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity (your husband, kids, family members and society.)
22 Virtues of Proverbs 31 Woman
1. She is a Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10 (kJV)
This portion of the Bible clearly states the worth of a virtuous wife. It is not even to be compared with rubies.
Her character, worth, and support are not compared to any. She gives out her best at the expense of her family and loved ones.
When she is found, she is worth all the search, and she lives a life that speaks volumes about her.
(Titus 2:3-5, Proverbs 11:16, Proverbs 31:26, 1 Timothy 3:11, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Psalm 46:5, Proverbs 12:4)
2. She’s Faithful: Gains the Trust of her Husband
Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband safely trusts her so that he will have no lack of gain”.
Proverbs 31:11(KJV)
A Proverbs 31 Woman is trusted by her husband. He does not have any lack of gain.
He confides in her and finds her worthy of sharing essential ideas and asking for her support concerning the crucial aspects of his life without the fear of being backstabbed or betrayed, like in the story of Delilah in the Bible.
When men read the story of Delilah and Sampson, they find it uncomfortable to trust a woman, but in Proverbs 31, a woman sets the record straight and builds in men that need trust, that lacked in Sampson’s Union.
(1 John 4:18, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7: 1-40, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 31:11)
3. She’s A Wife: She showers Goodness on her Husband
Proverbs 31:12
“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:12 (KJV)
Proverbs 31 says that a woman is good to her husband. She gives her husband the best. A Proverbs 31 woman does not plan any evil against her husband.
She does not sit with people that belittle her husband’s effort, but she does everything to make her husband’s life better.
The story of Abigail is a typical example of a woman that does her husband good and not evil all through the days of her life.
The husband was mean to King David, but her good deeds made the king turn his wrath on her household.
She appeased the king’s wrath, which prolonged the husband’s life; king David did not destroy him, and she later became king David’s wife.
(Ephesians 5:21-22, Genesis 2:24, Titus 2:5, Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 19:14, Hebrews 13:4)
4. She is Industrious: She Ventures into Gainful Ventures
Proverbs 31:13
“She seeks wool and flax and willingly works with her hands”.
Proverbs 31:13 (KJV)
A proverbs 31 woman is a dynamic woman. She is not an idle woman. A proverbs 31 woman is a typical example of a hardworking woman.
She uses her hands as well as her talent to do her homework. (Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 3:15, Proverbs 31:29, Ruth 3:11, Proverbs 19:14, Ecclesiastes 7:28)
5. She’s a Food Vendor: she Feeds Her Household Abundantly
Proverbs 31:14
“She’s like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar”.
Proverbs 31:14 (KJV)
A proverbs 31 woman does not just seek food in her locality, but her handwork and industrious living extend far and wide.
It extends to other localities, and the people around her tell of her hard work.
A merchant ship is a large vessel; a proverbs 31 woman embodies the excellent character.
(Proverbs 14:1, Titus 2:1-15, Proverbs 11:24)
6. She’s a Cheerful Giver: She Cheerfully Renders Services to her Household
Proverbs 31:15
“She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and a portion for her maid-servant”.
Proverbs 31:15 (KJV)
A proverbs 31 woman takes proper care of her husband and her household.
She is not a wicked woman that leaves her maid-servants uncared for a while, concentrating so much on the husband.
She strikes a balance in her household and makes everyone essential, and cares for them accordingly.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10, Genesis 2:18)
7. She’s an Investor: She Invests for the Family Ahead of Rainy Days
Proverbs 31:16 (KJV) “She considers a field and buys it; from her profits, she plants a vineyard”.
Unlike some people’s mentality that women are not supposed to buy property, a proverbs 31 woman thinks differently.
“She considers a field and buys it”; she knows the right portion of land and the location and acquires it. She goes for what she wants and loves. She buys it from her profit; she knows how to manage her finances.
She is not wasteful. She uses it in the right way. She plants a vineyard; a proverbs 31 woman makes a profit out of her investment, and she reinvests it to ensure the return on her investment.
(Proverbs 6:6-8, Proverbs 13:16, Proverbs 24:27, Proverbs 21:5, Proverbs 13:11)
8. Proverbs 31 Women is Full of Strength
Proverbs 31:17 (KJV) “She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms”.
A proverbs 31 woman is a woman of strength. She strengthens her arms and every one of her means of livelihood; she looks for a way of making everything around her productive.
She faces every challenging situation that comes her way, spiritually and physically, with strength backed by the Holy word and the Holy Spirit.
(Hebrews 11:11, Jeremiah 51:30, Proverbs 14:26, 1 Timothy 2:10)
9. A Proverbs 31 Women is Prudent and Sensitive
Proverbs 31:18 (KJV) “She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night”.
A Proverbs 31 woman is simply watchful of her source(s) of livelihood. She checks the conditions of her goods, and she ensures that her stock does not go out of place.
She ensures that her sources of income are working and she will not go begging.
(Proverbs 19:14, 1 Peter 3:1, Titus 2:5, Titus 2:3-5)
10. Proverbs 31 Woman knows how to use Technologies Available to Manage Her Home
Proverbs 31:19 (KJV) “She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle”.
A Proverbs 31 woman is versatile. She has the technical know-how in handling technologies peculiar to her chosen endeavour.
She does this effortlessly, considering her essential role in the family. (Nehemiah 3:9, Nehemiah 3:12, Nehemiah 3:14-18)
11. She Cares for the Poor
Proverbs 31:20 (KJV) “She extends her hands to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy”.
A proverbs 31 woman helps the poor. She helps the poor in the simplest ways possible.
She also reaches out her hands to the people in need and tries everything she can to help the less privileged in society and the ones in church. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Romans 12:10, Mathew 6:24, Proverbs 19:17)
12. She provides warmth for her family
Proverbs 31:21 (KJV) “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household, for her household is clothed with scarlet”.
A Proverbs 31 woman is not afraid of the weather. She strives hard for the success and survivability of her household.
She values her household and considers them essential and deserving of her sacrifices. (Proverbs 14:14, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 107:41)
13. She Makes her Dresses and Dresses Decently
Proverbs 31:22 (KJV) “She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple”.
A Proverbs 31 woman is a dynamic woman, and she makes for herself clothes that suites and fits her.
She places value on herself, and people also consider her valuable because of her appearance and the way she carries herself. (1 Peter 3:2-5, Deuteronomy 22:5, Proverbs 11:22, 1 Timothy2:9-115)
14. She Accords her Husband with Respect
Proverbs 31:23 (KJV) “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the Elders of the land”.
A Proverbs 31 woman promotes her husband and makes people speak well of him with or without their presence.
People consider their husbands essential and valuable because of the respect the wife accords him. She gives her husband peace of mind, which is helpful and necessary to him. (Ephesians 5:33, 1Peter 3:7, Colossians 3:18)
15. She Sells her Produce and Makes a Profit
Proverbs 31:24 (KJV) “She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies sashes for the merchant”.
A Proverbs 31 woman knows the possible ways of making money and providing financial support to her husband.
She does not just sell it to familiar people, but she extends her work to the rich, giving her value for her resources and time. ( Proverbs 14:23, Proverbs 31:28, Proverbs 11:24)
16. She Secures the Future of her Family
Proverbs 31:25 (KJV) “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come”.
Knowing that she has invested well in her future, she rejoices because she has seen the need for it due to the assurance of her investment in her today. (Psalm 127:5, Job 1:10, Genesis 28:15)
17. She’s a Diligent Teacher
Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness”.
A Proverbs 31 woman speaks with wisdom, and her tongue is full of kindness. She says wisely and counsels others because her language is full of wisdom.
(2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 21:5, 2nd Chronicles 24:13)
18. She’s her family’s Watchdog and Eats from her Labour
Proverbs 31:27 (KJV) “She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
A Proverbs 31 woman keeps an eye on her household; she considers them necessary. She monitors, directs and counsels her home.
She does not entertain idleness. She pushes her way through to become the best version of herself and make money. (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 34:17-20)
19. Her Children Love and Bless Her
Proverbs 31:28 (KJV) “Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her”.
Here, the children look up to her as their role model. They respect her because of the positive results they have seen in her. (Isaiah 49:15, Mathew 10:37, Ezekiel 16:45)
20. She Distinguished Herself Above Other Women
Proverbs 31:29 (KJV) “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
A Proverbs 31 woman does not need to compete. Her character and how she lives her life open up ways for her. (Proverbs 31:36, Exodus 1: 17-20)
21. She Fears and References God
Proverbs 31:30 (KJV) “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised”.
Beauty is essential but what is most important is the woman that fears the Lord and keeps her ordinances.
A woman who fears the Lord shall be used as a role model for others to follow. (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 11:16, Proverbs 22:4, Psalm 25:14)
22. She Enjoys the Fruit of her Labour in the Open
Proverbs 31:31 (KJV) “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates”.
A Proverbs 31 woman is simply hardworking and diligent. She makes use of any talent she has and maximises it.
(Proverbs 12:4, Genesis 2:18, Titus 2:3-5)
How to be Proverbs 31 Woman as a Leader
The very instructive and all-encompassing lifestyle of a complete Christian woman guide encapsulated in Proverbs 31, now mostly referred to as king Solomon wrote Proverbs 31 woman.
This emanated from the advice his mother gave him as a king and leader of the people.
Solomon’s mother offered him a checklist to search for in a woman he would love to have as a wife. Don’t forget a leader’s spouse is equally a leader.
So, as a Christian leader, Proverbs 31 should shape your character, behaviour and actions and distinguish you from other female leaders.
As a virtuous woman, it is possible to live the Proverbs 31 woman attributes of being purposeful, diligent, forgiving, and loving/caring for your spouse and kids.
Who was the Proverbs 31 Woman?
Proverbs 31 Woman was fictitious, a mental picture of a perfect wife created by King Solomon’s mother.
In proverbs 31:1-4, she admonishes 1″ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 “What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows?
3 “Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.
Then from Proverbs 31:10-29, She took time to highlight the qualities and characteristics he should look for a prospective wife.
So, it is important to note that; the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, never existed, but a prototype of how a Christian wife should look like.
7 Virtues of Proverbs 31 Woman
Let us look at what the Bible talks about a virtuous woman in Proverbs 13:1-31 in the King James Version
Proverbs 31 King James Version
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She made herself tapestry coverings; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
You can also read other Versions for comparison and clearer understanding if need be.
Final Thought
The book of Proverbs 31 summarises everything about a virtuous and industrious woman. She lives a purposeful life with a forgiving heart, she’s successful, and her family is thriving too.
She’s a home builder, an adventurous woman, a home manager and a leader. She’s a wife and mother; above all, she distinguished herself above all women.
Proverbs 31 advises and admonishes women to live right and live purposeful lives. There are so many women today who want to live the way they love to, but there is a standard that is set according to the scripture, and that standard can be seen in the book of Proverbs chapter 31:10-31.
