Read Proverbs 31:10-31

This morning we are going to spend time looking at one of my favorite verses in the Bible, Proverbs 31:10, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

From verse ten to the end of the chapter, the writer describes a virtuous woman. It should be noted that what Lemuel wrote was what his mother had taught him.  She, no doubt, had counseled her son as to the value of a good and virtuous woman to seek a wife. The word translated as virtuous has the sense of ‘strong’ or ‘efficient.’ In the context which follows, the sense is that of an industrious, hardworking woman. Though the modern English word virtuous implies moral excellence, the Hebrew word implies the sense of ‘efficiency,’ ‘diligence,’ and ‘strength.’  In the following description of the virtuous woman, she certainly is described as chaste and pure, but the greater thought is of an industrious, strong, and efficient woman. Such a woman is priceless in value. “Her price is far above rubies.” To obtain such a woman as a wife is a blessing beyond value.  

We can best understand the value of such a wife by observing what is said in the remaining verses, let me point out a few.

vs. 11-12 - "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."  Here, the first quality of a virtuous woman is that of moral integrity. Such a virtuous woman will always be faithful to her husband. He will always trust her. There will never be a moment of doubt of her chastity and fidelity. The virtuous wife is not only morally pure, but she also is a lover who fulfills the sexual desires of her husband. Truly a man with such a wife has a treasure untold.

vs. 25 - "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." The virtuous woman is characterized by strength and honor.  These virtues were apparent to all who knew her. Though she worked hard and had little time for relaxation, the day was coming when she would have time and resources to rejoice and relax. Clearly implied is that she did not live for the present but took the long look. Hard work coupled with an industrious spirit will meet the needs of the present and develop prosperity in the long run.

vs. 26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Her words are carefully chosen as she spoke with wisdom and kindness.  What a blessed combination. She was a wise and gracious woman.

vs. 27 - "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."  She was one who was industrious rather than one who was idle or lazy.  In all that this busy and industrious woman did, she took good care of her family. 

vs. 28-29, "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."   As her children grew up, they realized what a wonderful mother they had and blessed her—she was the focus of their admiration and they made it known—they arose and announced it. Her husband also bragged on her. The word translated as praiseth implies not only praise but boasting. Her husband realized what a gem his wife was and openly bragged on her.  Verse 29 speaks of the elevation of this woman in the opinion of her family.  She was the best as far as they were concerned.  A virtuous wife will always have such praise directed towards her.

vs. 30 - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." The thought is that charm and physical beauty are short-lived—like a vapor. However, a woman who fears God (and by implication orders her life as described above) will be praised.  Clearly implied is that the attributes of the virtuous woman described in this section of Scripture are far more important than physical beauty. The latter fades like a flower, but true virtue is everlasting.

vs. 31 - "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."  The quality of this woman's life in character, and the industrious spirit she maintained, would bring her praise on their own merit.  In all, this chapter is a description of a godly, chaste, efficient, industrious woman who did right in every area of her life.  Truly such a woman is priceless. Any man who finds such a woman for a wife has a treasure beyond measure.

I am profoundly grateful for the virtuous wife God has given me!!!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What does the idea of “moral integrity” mean to you?  What is necessary to be a person of moral integrity?

2.  How can a wife demonstrate initiative in her marriage?  

3.  What are some of the problems associated with laziness in a marriage?

4.  What are some of the ways a wife and mother can raise the opinions her family has of her?