The wisdom-rich book of Proverbs concludes with a picture of a Godly woman. If we as women desire a role model to strive after, we can find one in verses 10-31.
No matter what stage of life you are in, this Biblical model offers wisdom for you to seek after and a pattern to live by. I’d encourage you to study this list and ask yourself what areas you should be working on.
10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
#1 She is “excellent”. This word implies strong and influential, one with valor. This woman is said to be excellent because of her Godly character, wisdom, and virtues.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
#2 She is trustworthy. Her husband trusts her with his reputation, possessions, and heart.
#3 She is faithful, to both God and her husband. She demonstrates her trustworthiness and faithfulness through the following attributes:
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
#4 She does her husband good. This implies that she cares for and respects him. She fulfills her role as “helpmate”.
#5 She does not do him harm. She does not speak evil or degradingly of her husband, refrains from nagging him, and does not become a burden by being lazy.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
#6 She keeps her hands busy with hard and valuable work.
#7 She works with a good, willing attitude.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
#8 She works to provide good food for her family.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
#9 She rises at an appropriate hour to greet the day’s tasks.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
#10 She handles money responsibly, using her resources and common sense well.
17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
#11 She is clothed in good character.
#12 She is strong – presumably in the Lord – and physically strong from her hard work.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
#13 She prioritizes her family, working continuously to meet their needs in every way she can.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
#14 She sees to it that her family is clothed well and appropriately.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
#14 She gives both her time and resources to help those in need.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
#15 She is reasonably prepared for the future.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
#16 She takes care of herself and makes herself presentable.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
#17 She contributes to her husband’s and family’s reputation by the way she speaks of and cares for them.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
#18 She is productive.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
#19 She does not worry about the future, but rather,
#20 Her heart trusts in God.
#21 She is clothed in dignity, which means “noble, worthy of honor and respect”.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
#22 She is wise. She knows the law of God, and clearly demonstrates her love for Him in the way she lives her life.
#23 She passes on this wisdom to those around her, especially her children. They are trained in godliness.
#24 She does so with kindness and grace. She speaks truth in love.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
#25 She cares well for her family in a wide variety of ways – spiritually, emotionally, and physically. She has a servant’s heart.
#26 She is not idle or lazy, but makes the most of her time.
#27 She cares well for her home (“ways of her household”) keeping things orderly and respectable.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
#28 Her home is a welcoming place that her family enjoys. Although it can be assumed she serves as unto the Lord, her family benefits greatly from her loving care and guidance.
29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
#29 She does not look like the women of the world.
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
#30 She fears the Lord, and it is her lasting beauty.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
#31 She is blessed and fruitful in her effort to bring God glory through the way she serves in her home and every day life.
Truly, a women striving after God’s design and seeking to live a fruitful life for His glory will be blessed indeed.
Study © Grace Baeten 2022
The Misplaced Mom 
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