Introduction

The Proverbs 31 woman is the ideal woman. Proverbs 31:10 says "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." This does not mean to say that she doesn't exist. It means that she is the exception rather than the rule and she is worth any means to secure. (For any man reading this the Proverbs 31 woman will only be interested in someone who is filled with the Spirit and lead by the Lord. Others need not apply.)

Like anything else of great value there are many imitations of the real thing. So do not be easily fooled. Seek her with all diligence. She is well worth looking for.

WHAT A "PROVERBS 31" WOMAN IS

She is a good wife.

(Proverbs 31:11-12) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Her husband does not have to worry about her love and devotion to him. She is the wife of one husband. She does not fool around. Her husband does not have to worry about her priorities, he knows that after God he is first in her life and she will do everything she can do to take care of him and to make him happy. He knows that she will be submissive and trustworthy. He knows that she will stay by his side through all kinds of trials and tribulations and together they will serve the Lord.

She cares for her home and family.

(Proverbs 31:13-15) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Here is a woman that will do what it takes to provide for her family. She is neither foolish nor lazy when it comes to her responsibility to feed and clothe them.

She is intelligent and prudent.

(Proverbs 31:16-19) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She understands the business world and carefully makes decisions regarding finances. She doesn't buy something just because she has the money. She buys what she needs and not necessarily what she wants. She is not a spendthrift.

She is charitable and hospitable.

(Proverbs 31:20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is helpful at church in making people feel welcome. She helps her neighbors when they are in need. She cares for those less fortunate than she and tries to help them.

She is industrious and hard-working.

(Proverbs 31:21-24) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. She dresses modestly so as not to bring shame to herself or her husband. She is self-sufficient and not a burden to her husband. She does not lay around the house all day long reading trashy novels and watching soap operas.

She is spiritually-minded and God-fearing.

(Proverbs 31:25-27) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. She respects and fears the Lord and is a student of her Bible and a prayer warrior. She is faithful to church and walks in the spirit. She seeks the things of God and not of the world.

She is virtuous and humble.

(Proverbs 31:28-31) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. She is not proud nor does she seek the spotlight. She does not do things for recognition or reward. She has an inner beauty that shines through. She possesses the heart of a servant.

Spirituality is the most important character trait a woman could have. For upon this one character trait all others will rise or fall. Spirituality encompasses a host of other things, among them purity, piety, and prudence. A woman who fears God will be a good wife, mother, helpmeet and servant.

Be not deceived. There is a big difference between being spiritual and being religious. Spirituality comes from the heart. It begins on the inside and shines through in our actions and our speech. The Bible says in Matthew 12:34 "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Being religious is nothing more than an outward act or show. Look at James 1:26 "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." Both Matthew and James are admonishing us not to play at religion. To be spiritual we must have genuine heart knowledge of Jesus Christ and not just head knowledge.

HOW TO BE A "PROVERBS 31" WOMAN

Girlhood should be a preparation for the future. As mothers you shouldn't do everything for your daughters. Teach them to do things for themselves and for others. This will prepare them to be good wives, mothers and servants.

As young women you should learn how to take care of a home and family. Learn how to cook and bake, sew, clean house, do the laundry. Learn from your mother and grandmothers. They are the best teachers. If your mother or grandmothers are not living or are not saved then learn from some of the Godly women in the church. This is their responsibility. The Bible says in Titus 2:3-5 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Girls not trained now to manage home and family will ruin the home and family they manage later.

(Proverbs 19:14) House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

A woman's strong points should be a fear of God, a strong faith, a humble spirit and a pure life. She should have a consistent prayer life, a solid foundation in the scriptures, a surrendered heart and a desire to serve God. She should be obedient and submissive to her husband.

According to the Bible the roles of the man and the woman since the fall have not changed. Why are so many women trying to take on the man's role today? This is not scriptural. It is of the world. Therefore it is wrong! Let's get back to the Bible!

We will begin our study with the first woman of the Bible.