Day 3
Lisa Sheffler, author
This week, we’re looking at what Proverbs has to say about husbands and wives. One of our passages for the week is the subject of many women’s Bible studies on the “Proverbs 31 woman.”
In the context of the whole book of Proverbs, this chapter is the final speech. According to Longman:
“This poem reminds us of the role that women play in this book, which is explicitly addressed to young men. Most pointedly, we read here of a woman who is the human reflex of Woman Wisdom herself. She is to be contrasted with the strange and foreign woman (chaps. 5–7), who is the reflex of Woman Folly.”[1]
While we’ll find a lot for women to aspire to in this passage, we’ll also find some inspiration for men as well.
Read
Proverbs 31:9–31
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 night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
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 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Ask Yourself
- According to verse 30, what is praiseworthy in a woman? How is this encouraging for women?
- We get a few glimpses in this poem of what the husband is like. How is he regarded in his community? How does the husband of this woman show his trust and appreciation?
Read what others say
From Ellen Davis:
The poem is an alphabetic acrostic: the first verse begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the second verse with the second letter, and so on. Therefore the logical order is somewhat loose; the point is to sing the lady’s praises “from A to Z.” Nonetheless, the language makes it clear that this woman is the human counterpart to Lady Wisdom. This is especially clear in the affirmation that her price is far beyond jewels (v. 10; compare 3:15; 8:11). When the woman opens her mouth, the voice of wisdom becomes audible (v. 26). Moreover, the ultimate aim of the poem is that the woman’s praises should be publicly sung “in the gates” (v. 31; see also v. 23). This is just where Lady Wisdom takes her stand to speak of her own deeds (8:3).
The Hebrew word hayil, (translated here as “noble”) elsewhere denotes physical strength, valiant military action (Num. 24:18), strong moral character (Exod. 18:21; Ruth 3:11), even material wealth (Ruth 2:1). “Valorous” better captures the tone of the extravagant poem of praise that follows. This is a public tribute to a local hero! Second, the first line is better rendered as a statement than a question, since the latter suggests that such a wife is virtually impossible to find. The intended sense of the Hebrew is probably as follows: “Whoever finds a valorous wife [knows that] her price is beyond jewels.”[2]
From Lisa TerKeurst, “But I’m Nothing Like the Proverbs 31 Woman…”:
What if I told you that the heart behind Proverbs 31:10-31 is one of celebration, not condemnation?
The first thing I want us to take note of is that this isn’t just a chapter about a wife of noble character, despite how your Bible titles verses 10-31. It’s a chapter about a woman of valor. A courageous woman. A woman of strength and dignity.
In Jewish culture, these verses are read out loud on the Sabbath as a celebration over the women. This is in no way condemning what they aren’t but celebrating how they are, in their own unique expressions, living out the virtues detailed in this chapter. These aren’t words meant to tell a woman she is supposed to be more. They are a celebration of who she is…
I also love how Proverbs 31:30 reminds us of what’s truly worth celebrating: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
Notice it’s not a woman with a spotless house who is to be praised. It’s not the mom with perfectly behaved children wearing matching, designer outfits. Honestly, it’s not even the woman who’s married and has children.
A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. This isn’t an “I’m afraid of God” kind of fear. This type of fear refers to having a heart completely in awe of God. It describes a woman who honors God by seeking Him in everything she does and trusting Him wholeheartedly with her life. She has a heart of reverence that overflows into a life of spiritual maturity and wisdom.[3]
Pray
Whether you are married or single, a woman or a man, the character of the “Proverbs 31 Woman” is worth emulating. Look back over the poem one more time. Ask the Spirit to bring to your attention an attribute he desires to cultivate in you. Pray for wisdom in seeking a strong and dignified character, knowing that you are already fully known and loved by your Heavenly Father.
Talk about it
- What are the virtuous traits that the woman in this passage possesses? Together, list them. What would a modern-day Proverbs 31 woman look like?
- Do you think it’s easier, harder, or equally challenging to cultivate noble character today than it was at the time Proverbs was written? Discuss your answer.
[1] Tremper Longman III, Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Proverbs (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006), 540.
[2] Ellen F. Davis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, ed. Patrick D. Miller and David L. Bartlett, Westminster Bible Companion (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000), 151–152.
[3] Lisa TerKeurst, “But I’m Nothing Like the Proverbs 31 Woman…” Proverbs 31 Ministries. https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2019/04/25/but-im-nothing-like-the-proverbs-31-woman
