Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
This "virtuous woman" is a woman of high morals standards who is upright in all her ways. This is just saying that her worth cannot be measured in earthly things, such as rare stones (rubies) or dollars or even gold. There is no standard of measurement known to man that can define the price of a good woman.
This "virtuous woman" is a woman of high morals standards who is upright in all her ways. This is just saying that her worth cannot be measured in earthly things, such as rare stones (rubies) or dollars or even gold. There is no standard of measurement known to man that can define the price of a good woman.
Proverbs 31:11
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."
This woman is totally faithful to her husband. He can have confidence in her, because she will not let him down. He will not need anything of value (spoils) from another, because his wife will always be faithful to him in every situation and supply him with all that he needs. She will not even give the appearance of evilness in her heart. No gossiping, no nagging, no whining. She is a confident woman that knows what her man needs and she makes sure he has it.
This woman is totally faithful to her husband. He can have confidence in her, because she will not let him down. He will not need anything of value (spoils) from another, because his wife will always be faithful to him in every situation and supply him with all that he needs. She will not even give the appearance of evilness in her heart. No gossiping, no nagging, no whining. She is a confident woman that knows what her man needs and she makes sure he has it.
Proverbs 31:12
"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."
She is on his side. She is beside him helping in everything that he sets his hand to do. She loves to please him. To see him smile, to make him happy. She respects him and builds him up when he is down. She does not tear him down further by pointing out his shortcomings, but instills confidence in him. I believe that it is important that all women understand that self-confidence is sadly lacking in all men. I also believe it could quite possibly go all the way back in time to when Eve duped Adam with the apple. Rather that belief is true or not remains to be seen but what is glaringly apparent is the obvious lack of self confidence in men. A lifetime of being told- in words or actions- that they are "not good enough" or their "ideas are stupid" or "they will never amount to anything" has produced a race of men that have no self-confidence whatsoever. A race of men that second guess everything they do or say or even think. Yes; there will be times when they will come up with an off the wall idea, or they will do something completely stupid- certainly not very well thought out- but it is not your place as his wife to make him feel even worse than he already does. How many times have you come up with an idea that fell completely flat or you abandoned because it just wasn't working out the way you planned? How much worse is it when someone points that out? You already feel awful and now someone comes along and compounds that feeling by making you feel like a complete failure. Almost makes you never want to try anything ever again; doesn't it? Silly ideas, crazy brain schemes are going to come and go; failures are a certainty in this life but it is how you react to those times that makes all the difference in the world in how someone feels.
She is on his side. She is beside him helping in everything that he sets his hand to do. She loves to please him. To see him smile, to make him happy. She respects him and builds him up when he is down. She does not tear him down further by pointing out his shortcomings, but instills confidence in him. I believe that it is important that all women understand that self-confidence is sadly lacking in all men. I also believe it could quite possibly go all the way back in time to when Eve duped Adam with the apple. Rather that belief is true or not remains to be seen but what is glaringly apparent is the obvious lack of self confidence in men. A lifetime of being told- in words or actions- that they are "not good enough" or their "ideas are stupid" or "they will never amount to anything" has produced a race of men that have no self-confidence whatsoever. A race of men that second guess everything they do or say or even think. Yes; there will be times when they will come up with an off the wall idea, or they will do something completely stupid- certainly not very well thought out- but it is not your place as his wife to make him feel even worse than he already does. How many times have you come up with an idea that fell completely flat or you abandoned because it just wasn't working out the way you planned? How much worse is it when someone points that out? You already feel awful and now someone comes along and compounds that feeling by making you feel like a complete failure. Almost makes you never want to try anything ever again; doesn't it? Silly ideas, crazy brain schemes are going to come and go; failures are a certainty in this life but it is how you react to those times that makes all the difference in the world in how someone feels.
Proverbs 31:13
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
She is industrious and helps him provide for the family- for her household. Quite naturally today as modern women we do not go out and sheer the sheep and spin the wool with our hands and then make a fine sports jacket for our husband. But our hands do work. We have to buy his clothes, wash his clothes and in some cases even iron his clothes. Sometimes I think sheering the sheep and spinning the wool might have been easier. But; in a nutshell what this is saying is that She is not lazy. She works willingly. I like the that this verse states that she does so "willingly". She works to make a nice home because she wants to and not see it as a chore or something that has to be done every day of the year. She does so willingly because she wants to make a nice home for her husband, she wants her husband to look nice when he goes out the door.
She is industrious and helps him provide for the family- for her household. Quite naturally today as modern women we do not go out and sheer the sheep and spin the wool with our hands and then make a fine sports jacket for our husband. But our hands do work. We have to buy his clothes, wash his clothes and in some cases even iron his clothes. Sometimes I think sheering the sheep and spinning the wool might have been easier. But; in a nutshell what this is saying is that She is not lazy. She works willingly. I like the that this verse states that she does so "willingly". She works to make a nice home because she wants to and not see it as a chore or something that has to be done every day of the year. She does so willingly because she wants to make a nice home for her husband, she wants her husband to look nice when he goes out the door.
Proverbs 31:14
"She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar."
This passage is pretty self explanatory. She needs food for her household and she goes forth wherever the food is and brings it home. Maybe it's the market, maybe it's the bakery, maybe it's the local produce stand- she knows what she needs and she goes out and gets it. But; let's not overlook a small detail here. In order to know what her household needs in terms of food means she needs to stay sharp on the goods in the pantry. She makes a list of provisions that are running low and then restocks. Never underestimate the power of list keeping!
This passage is pretty self explanatory. She needs food for her household and she goes forth wherever the food is and brings it home. Maybe it's the market, maybe it's the bakery, maybe it's the local produce stand- she knows what she needs and she goes out and gets it. But; let's not overlook a small detail here. In order to know what her household needs in terms of food means she needs to stay sharp on the goods in the pantry. She makes a list of provisions that are running low and then restocks. Never underestimate the power of list keeping!
Proverbs 31:15
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."
She is not a sleepy-head. She gets up early and sees that her family and her maidens are fed. Today you do not see very many households that have servants but what you do see today is it not uncommon for family members to blend and share a household. Perhaps an ailing Mother or Father can no longer live alone and comes to live in the daughters' (or daughter in laws') house. No matter who dwells under the roof her first concern is the welfare of her family. If I might also add that it's important to note that she is up before the sun preparing the morning meal. Certainly most children today prefer a bowl of cereal to ham and eggs and most men prefer a danish and a cup of coffee on the way to work. But that is no excuse for not getting up and preparing whatever it is they are to eat. Laying in bed and telling yourself "surely they can fix their own cereal" so you can get an extra hour of sleep is Out. Get up and get busy. You have a household to manage.
She is not a sleepy-head. She gets up early and sees that her family and her maidens are fed. Today you do not see very many households that have servants but what you do see today is it not uncommon for family members to blend and share a household. Perhaps an ailing Mother or Father can no longer live alone and comes to live in the daughters' (or daughter in laws') house. No matter who dwells under the roof her first concern is the welfare of her family. If I might also add that it's important to note that she is up before the sun preparing the morning meal. Certainly most children today prefer a bowl of cereal to ham and eggs and most men prefer a danish and a cup of coffee on the way to work. But that is no excuse for not getting up and preparing whatever it is they are to eat. Laying in bed and telling yourself "surely they can fix their own cereal" so you can get an extra hour of sleep is Out. Get up and get busy. You have a household to manage.
Proverbs 31:16
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."
I believe this is an indication that she is a business minded woman. She
takes on responsibility in buying the land according to this passage. To put this in perspective I believe that she doesn't wait for her husband to make every single minute decision in their lives. She takes the initiative. For example: let's say that you live in a two bedroom condo for $400.00. Comfortable yes; but not what you would want to live in forever. You know that in order to purchase a three bedroom country house with plenty of land for the children to roam for $750.00 a month that it is going to take good credit, old debts are going to have to be paid off, wasteful spending to be curbed- in short careful planning of the finances. She makes the plan and sets the plan in motion and when the time is right she says "Now! Let's go and find our new house" She doesn't say to the husband that making the money for the family is his job and she wants such and such. She works with him to see this come to be.
I believe this is an indication that she is a business minded woman. She
takes on responsibility in buying the land according to this passage. To put this in perspective I believe that she doesn't wait for her husband to make every single minute decision in their lives. She takes the initiative. For example: let's say that you live in a two bedroom condo for $400.00. Comfortable yes; but not what you would want to live in forever. You know that in order to purchase a three bedroom country house with plenty of land for the children to roam for $750.00 a month that it is going to take good credit, old debts are going to have to be paid off, wasteful spending to be curbed- in short careful planning of the finances. She makes the plan and sets the plan in motion and when the time is right she says "Now! Let's go and find our new house" She doesn't say to the husband that making the money for the family is his job and she wants such and such. She works with him to see this come to be.
Proverbs 31:17
"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."
We see, here, that hard work makes her very strong. Not only just in body but in heart and spirit. She is not afraid to tackle even the most difficult of projects. Ever try and put a trycycle together without any help?
We see, here, that hard work makes her very strong. Not only just in body but in heart and spirit. She is not afraid to tackle even the most difficult of projects. Ever try and put a trycycle together without any help?
Proverbs 31:18
"She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night."
She protects what is her own. Her belongings were not given to her but worked hard for and thus she is not going to carelessly see them destroyed. She appreciates her husband's efforts to provide her and her family with nice things and works to keep them in good shape so that they will last. I believe that this is something that most women are guilty of falling down on the job on. We let the children romp on the furniture and eat in the living room and wear their good clothes out to play. This isn't being a good steward of the things that your husband worked hard for you to have. I am guilty of allowing the dogs on the furniture and as I type this out I feel the conviction. Pets do not belong on the sofa or in his favorite chair when he isn't at home. Note To Self: Keep the dogs off of the furniture!
She protects what is her own. Her belongings were not given to her but worked hard for and thus she is not going to carelessly see them destroyed. She appreciates her husband's efforts to provide her and her family with nice things and works to keep them in good shape so that they will last. I believe that this is something that most women are guilty of falling down on the job on. We let the children romp on the furniture and eat in the living room and wear their good clothes out to play. This isn't being a good steward of the things that your husband worked hard for you to have. I am guilty of allowing the dogs on the furniture and as I type this out I feel the conviction. Pets do not belong on the sofa or in his favorite chair when he isn't at home. Note To Self: Keep the dogs off of the furniture!
Proverbs 31:19
"She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
We see here, again, that she looks for useful work to do. She is not lazy. It has been said that if you could sell a woman's thoughts that a man could be rich overnight. I believe it! I don't know a woman in the world that has a moment that her mind is completely blank. Even sitting idly watching TV her mind is thinking about the ring around the bathtub or the dogs could use a bath or is it time to transfer the laundry from the washer to the dryer. There is no off switch on the brain. A Proverbs woman knows that there is always something that needs to be done. (a distaff is part of the spinning wheel used to loom wool)
We see here, again, that she looks for useful work to do. She is not lazy. It has been said that if you could sell a woman's thoughts that a man could be rich overnight. I believe it! I don't know a woman in the world that has a moment that her mind is completely blank. Even sitting idly watching TV her mind is thinking about the ring around the bathtub or the dogs could use a bath or is it time to transfer the laundry from the washer to the dryer. There is no off switch on the brain. A Proverbs woman knows that there is always something that needs to be done. (a distaff is part of the spinning wheel used to loom wool)
Proverbs 31:20
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
She is not selfish, but shares with the less fortunate. She is generous in helping the poor and needy. She has a big, giving heart.
She is not selfish, but shares with the less fortunate. She is generous in helping the poor and needy. She has a big, giving heart.
Proverbs 31:21
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet."
She has seen to it that her whole family have warm, comfortable garments, even for snowy weather. In fact she is prepared in advance for all seasons. She doesn't wait until the snow is three foot high to discover her child doesn't have a winter coat or 100 degree day to discover all her children have are long pants. She is prepared!
She has seen to it that her whole family have warm, comfortable garments, even for snowy weather. In fact she is prepared in advance for all seasons. She doesn't wait until the snow is three foot high to discover her child doesn't have a winter coat or 100 degree day to discover all her children have are long pants. She is prepared!
Proverbs 31:22
"She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."
She looks nice for her family. She takes care of herself, and dresses nice so her husband will be proud to tell people that she is his wife.
She looks nice for her family. She takes care of herself, and dresses nice so her husband will be proud to tell people that she is his wife.
Proverbs 31:23
"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."
She builds her husband up, and he has respect in the town. She never does things to make him ashamed. When men gossip as they do her name will not be smeared. Men will envy her husband to have caught such a fine woman.
She builds her husband up, and he has respect in the town. She never does things to make him ashamed. When men gossip as they do her name will not be smeared. Men will envy her husband to have caught such a fine woman.
Proverbs 31:24
"She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
"Fine linen", actually means "spiritual righteousness" in most ancient Hebrew text but here in this particular passage it means that she spins the loom and sells the garments to make money to help her husband. Even by modern standards this doesn't mean that women should go out and get a paying job and help bring home the bacon. You can help your husbands' financial stability greatly by not spending frivolously and by getting the most bang for your buck. Looking for sales at the market, clipping coupons, seeking out "buy one get one free" items. Cooking up a few burgers on the BBQ instead of McDonald's. Perhaps you do actually have a marketable talent. Perhaps you crochet or paint, or grow a nice garden each summer. In that case then you could sell your items and add the money to the pot but remember this: Your First Obligation is to running and management of your household not out trying to make a dollar. The rule of thumb is that if it takes two incomes to run one household then financial adjustments are highly called for.
"Fine linen", actually means "spiritual righteousness" in most ancient Hebrew text but here in this particular passage it means that she spins the loom and sells the garments to make money to help her husband. Even by modern standards this doesn't mean that women should go out and get a paying job and help bring home the bacon. You can help your husbands' financial stability greatly by not spending frivolously and by getting the most bang for your buck. Looking for sales at the market, clipping coupons, seeking out "buy one get one free" items. Cooking up a few burgers on the BBQ instead of McDonald's. Perhaps you do actually have a marketable talent. Perhaps you crochet or paint, or grow a nice garden each summer. In that case then you could sell your items and add the money to the pot but remember this: Your First Obligation is to running and management of your household not out trying to make a dollar. The rule of thumb is that if it takes two incomes to run one household then financial adjustments are highly called for.
Proverbs 31:25
"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
This woman is upright in all of her ways, and the Lord will reward her. She will be among those who will hear Him say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". She is well covered in the spiritual things of righteousness. She is Content with her lot in life.
This woman is upright in all of her ways, and the Lord will reward her. She will be among those who will hear Him say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". She is well covered in the spiritual things of righteousness. She is Content with her lot in life.
Proverbs 31:26
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Her speech conveys her wisdom and kindness. Her words build up and don't tear down. She is not a gossip or a slanderer. When she speaks, it is to help. Her wisdom instructs her children. She is not a shrew nor a harpy. Her voice doesn't carry across the neighborhood. She speaks with a soft tone even when her words are meant to discipline. She does not give her husband just cause to pitch his tent on the roof to get away from her mouth.
Her speech conveys her wisdom and kindness. Her words build up and don't tear down. She is not a gossip or a slanderer. When she speaks, it is to help. Her wisdom instructs her children. She is not a shrew nor a harpy. Her voice doesn't carry across the neighborhood. She speaks with a soft tone even when her words are meant to discipline. She does not give her husband just cause to pitch his tent on the roof to get away from her mouth.
Proverbs 31:27
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
As said before, she is industrious; and her first thought is for the well being of the members of her own house.
As said before, she is industrious; and her first thought is for the well being of the members of her own house.
Proverbs 31:28
"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Her husband and her children (who know her best) see her unselfishness, love, and care that she has for all of them. They are proud of her. She is a good mother and wife, and they let her know it.
Her husband and her children (who know her best) see her unselfishness, love, and care that she has for all of them. They are proud of her. She is a good mother and wife, and they let her know it.
Proverbs 31:29
"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
This is saying that many women are faithful to their husbands, but fall short in some of these other areas; but she has done the best of all toward her family and God.
This is saying that many women are faithful to their husbands, but fall short in some of these other areas; but she has done the best of all toward her family and God.
Proverbs 31:30
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."
Here, we see that "favours" meaning looking your very best can be a good thing. To have a wife who is attractive to look at is nice, but the very best you can do is to have a wife who adores God and keeps His commandments; and she will have all of these other things as an extra. She is to be praised, because she has chosen the best: salvation through the Lord.
Here, we see that "favours" meaning looking your very best can be a good thing. To have a wife who is attractive to look at is nice, but the very best you can do is to have a wife who adores God and keeps His commandments; and she will have all of these other things as an extra. She is to be praised, because she has chosen the best: salvation through the Lord.
Proverbs 31:31
"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
Her works speak for themselves. She has earned her praise. We see in this, the Lord is pleased with her, because she has done His will in her life. In doing the will of the Lord all that you set your hand to will prosper.
Her works speak for themselves. She has earned her praise. We see in this, the Lord is pleased with her, because she has done His will in her life. In doing the will of the Lord all that you set your hand to will prosper.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the price of a "virtuous woman"? Can it be measured?
2. Her husband has no need of spoil. Why?
3. She will do him ____________ and not _____________ .
4. How does she work?
5. What is meant by "bringing food from afar"?
6. When does she get up out of bed?
7. Who does she feed?
8. What Scripture indicates she is a business minded woman?
9. What is intended by her perceiving her merchandise is good?
10. How does she feel about the poor and needy?
11. What is her household clothed in?
12. What does she do to help her appearance?
13. What does she make and sell to the merchant?
14. What two things are her clothing?
15. In her tongue is the law of ______________ .
16. She is _____________ not idle.
17. What do her husband and children call her?
18. Beauty is _______________ .
19. Who shall be praised?
20. What kind of works does she have?
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