…a Virtuous Woman
01.22.25
Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies?(Proverbs 31:10)
We continue today to discover the characteristics of the virtuous woman. What are the traits that God finds beautiful in a woman’s life? Lest we become discouraged, let us keep in mind that this is the presentation of the ideal woman. God doesn’t expect any lady to attain fully to this ideal, but it is worth the effort to strive after God’s desires.
Last week we saw that she is trustworthy (11), and she is strong physically and spiritually (17). We cited several biblical women who mirrored those attributes. May it be humbly said that this writer’s mother, Ruth, and wife, Deborah, have emulated many the qualities found in their biblical namesakes.
The third quality is that she is industrious. She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household and a portion to her maidens (15). In the life of Elisha we find the Shunamite woman asking her husband to build a prophet’s chamber for him as he passed by on his yearly ministry route. There were also a group of women who had means and provided for the Lord Jesus and His disciples.
This woman is also enterprising. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard (16). In the days of the judges, Deborah stood out for her service for the LORD. She encouraged Barak to fight the enemy, and even went with him when he hesitated. She judged Israel faithfully, all while raising a family. In the NT, Lydia was a merchant woman, likely a widow, who hosted Paul and Silas while they ministered in Philippi.
The virtuous woman is domestic. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff (19). Hannah, also in the days of the judges, had a hard pill to swallow. She was barren, and begged God for a child, trusting in the Lord. Once given a son, she cared for him until he was weaned, then gave him to the Lord’s work. The Lord also blessed her with five other children. Also, many have tried to emulate Dorcas by quilt-making and other deeds of charity.
This woman is a good wife, seeking the best for her husband (12). How much better all our lives would be if we lived for others. She keeps his confidence (11). She aids his prosperity (23, 24). She works to help provide for the necessities of the home. Ah, the blessing of a harmonious home. While it is true that not every woman is called to be a wife, every woman can seek the good of others in her church family.
She is a good mother. She clothes the family wisely (20), feeds the household well (15, 27), and shops sensibly (14, 18) [presumably at Maynard’s; though it does say she seeks her food from afar, so perhaps she may have to go to Worthington, Windom or Marshall now and again]. True, not every woman is called to be a mother. Yet most women can have an impact on children in the neighborhood and at church, through teaching, day-care, etc.
She is a good neighbor. She speaks graciously (26). She helps the poor, and needy (20). When she sees someone in need, she reaches out to them with Christian charity. This is the idea of our local Mary and Martha’s Pantry, and those who work there are much appreciated.
Believe it or not, there is more to say, and we will plan to do so next week. As always, if we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.