Proverbs 31 woman, the epitome of virtue and grace, is an iconic figure in the Bible. It is a poem by King Lemuel based on his mother’s advice on choosing an ideal wife and mother. The church encourages young women to emulate the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman. While it outlines many beautiful traits, Proverbs 31 is merely a guide; never a checklist nor a commandment to live up to. Let us uncover 15 surprising facts about the Proverbs 31 woman that go beyond the traditional portrayal.
Woman of Valor
“Eshet Chayil” is a Hebrew term that directly translates to “woman of valor.” This is the opening line of Proverbs 31, praising the woman who has risen above others. In the Jewish culture, “eshet chayil” is an empowering phrase used by Jewish women to greet each other. The woman of valor is celebrated for being a wife and mother and being an inspiration and a model of virtuous living.
She is an Entrepreneur
Proverbs 31:16 NIV – She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31 woman engages in trade and real estate. This means that she is not limited to being a housewife. She is a wise woman who can earn and support herself and her family.
She Works with Her Hands
Proverbs 31:19 NIV – In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
Her hands are never idle, as she diligently works. She is a crafter who can turn raw materials into beautiful and functional items.
She Manages Finances Wisely
Proverbs 31:18 NIV – She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
She exhibits exceptional financial insights, allocating her resources wisely to meet her family’s needs while saving enough for their future.
She is Generous and Loves to Serve the Community
Proverbs 31:20 – She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
The love and compassion of a Proverbs 31 woman are not limited to her household alone; they extend into her community. She finds joy in serving her fellow men, especially those who are poor and needy. Her selflessness makes her stand out.
She Is a Multitasker
Proverbs 31:27 NIV – She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 woman wears many hats – household manager, entrepreneur, provider, craftswoman, financial manager, community servant, and many more – all these while still effectively taking on her role as a wife and mother. Needless to say, a Proverbs 31 woman is every modern woman of today’s generation.
She Supports Her Husband
Proverbs 31:23 NIV – Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
As the old saying goes, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” The support and influence of a Proverbs 31 woman contribute greatly to her husband’s status and reputation. She honors her husband through her virtue.
She Plans for the Future
Proverbs 31:21 NIV – When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
By building a stable home, together with her husband, the Proverbs 31 woman can anticipate the future needs of her household. Her proactive approach secures the well-being of her family, regardless of any circumstance.
She Is Strong and Healthy
Proverbs 31:17 NIV – She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She knows that to effectively serve her household and community, she needs to maintain a fit and healthy body. Physical strength fuels her spirit and prepares her to take on any challenge with grace.
She is Dignified
Proverbs 31:25 NIV – She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a woman of dignity, and she presents herself with grace, strength, and honor. She is admired and respected wherever she goes.
She is a Wise Decision-Maker
Proverbs 31:26 NIV – She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Her impeccable wisdom guides her decisions. She acquires this wisdom through regular prayer and reflection. Although not stated explicitly in Proverbs 31, the Proverbs 31 woman seeks guidance and clarity from God through her prayers and reverence for Him.
She Values Internal Virtues More Than External Attributes
Proverbs 31:30 NIV – Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
She knows that physical beauty is temporary and youthful beauty diminishes, but a woman who fears the Lord has a lasting admiration. She recognizes true beauty in the heart that seeks and honors God.
Her Family Praises Her
Proverbs 31:28 NIV – Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
The Proverbs 31 woman deserves praise and recognition for her contributions, which leave a lasting impact not just on her family but also on the community. Her family celebrates her achievements, reflecting their respect and love for her.
Her Relationship with God
She fears the Lord, and her reverence for Him is the foundation of her character. She is guided by faith and seeks the Lord’s guidance in every decision she makes. She lives a life of integrity, which is anchored in her devotion to God.
Her Influence on Future Generations
We’ve known many women who have profoundly influenced future generations, embodying qualities similar to those described in Proverbs 31. These women created a lasting impact that went beyond their immediate family, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
But I Am Not a Proverbs 31 Woman
It is understandable to feel overwhelmed by the idealistic depictions of a Proverbs 31 woman. Remember, its context should not be taken literally. The passage is meant to inspire women to live in such a way that honors God, incorporating the values of wisdom, compassion, and strength into their daily lives.
Purpose Not Perfection
Living life purposefully rather than striving for perfection is the guiding principle of a Proverbs 31 woman. What is her intent behind her actions? Do these actions honor God? Embracing this perspective allows her to strive for growth and make meaningful contributions without the pressure of achieving perfection. By prioritizing purpose over perfection, any woman can embody the spirit of Proverbs 31 in their own unique ways.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.