Characteristics of a Proverbs 31 Woman: A Guide to Excellence (2024)

FAQs

What are the 6 characteristics of a wise woman in the Proverbs 31 Homemaker? ›

6 Characteristics of a Wise Woman

Her character as a wife (Proverbs 31:11-12) Her devotion as a homemaker (Proverbs 31:13-18, 21-22, 24) Her ministry (Proverbs 31:20) Her influence as a teacher (Proverbs 31:25-26)

A virtuous woman cares for others by showing love and compassion. A virtuous woman is diligent in whatever she does and graciously helps others with patience and kindness. She is also humble enough to be teachable and humble enough to follow Jesus Christ, the one true God, as he leads the way into the future.

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.

Proverbs 31 praises a prudent woman who will plant a vineyard “from her earnings.” In practice, this means having the wisdom to manage your family's budget and being financially savvy. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to worry about every cent. The key idea is that you make the best possible use of what you've got.

Taken as a whole, Proverbs 31 teaches that the noble woman's wisdom-infused business activities, and business orientations, all lead to the same outcome — blessing. Her husband, children, and employees are all blessed with material abundance. Her oikos has a reputation for excellence and expanding influence.

A Proverbs 31 woman is respected and resourceful with a strong work ethic. She brings honor to her husband, places her family first, and cares for the poor and needy. She is wise and doesn't live in fear. She is driven by her values.

Tidy/Elegant/Neat. “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” The Proverbs 31 Woman may not necessarily be trendy or rock expensive clothes, but she definitely maintains her appearance and her home. Being approachable in appearance tends to affect other areas of life and relationships.

So women were created as life givers—not just physically but spiritually—who help, serve, and nurture others in strength, humility, and tender compassion. These are traits not necessarily limited to women, but also modeled for us by Christ (Mt 23:37) and His apostles (1 Th 2:7).

What can we learn from Proverbs 31:10-31? ›

So in this opening verse we have learned that the godly woman is very hard to find. She is more valuable than a rare gem. She has an inner beauty and a strength of character and a moral firmness that is lacking in the vast majority of women, even believing women.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Proverbs 31:10-31 The Message (MSG)

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

Prayer {Proverbs 31:10-31}

Lord, thank you for giving me an example of a virtuous woman, through your Word. In your wisdom, you've already laid out what she looks like and who she is. Mostly though, thank you for allowing me to see that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about my deeds, but my character.

Being a virtuous woman is about letting God show Himself through how you interact with your family, take care of your house, your mindset toward the poor, and in helping your community prosper. And instead of attributing your success to your own efforts, you give glory to God and praise to Jesus for His sacrifice.

2) Her devotion as a homemaker: a wise woman builds her home, they don't sabotage their home. She works diligently to select the best things for her family. She is not lazy in all their doings (Proverbs 31:13-18).

The woman extolled in Proverbs 31 does not present an impossible standard; she presents a godly standard — what we would call “Christlike” today. These verses should inspire us to desire her fear of the Lord, her dedication to earning the trust of her husband, her work ethic, and her strength and kindness.

She will take pause and wait for the best moment to share her thoughts, without contention or criticism, always with the other in mind. She will be known for kindness and grace. A wise woman is not necessarily a quiet one, but she will understand discernment and discretion as she fights and advocates for justice.

The story relates the importance of valuing our elders, and the fact that an elderly person saves the day makes the story all the more appealing. The story is not too simple, and does not condescend to the elderly which Brown says is important.