Do you have what it takes to be like the Proverbs 31 woman?

You likely know a little about her even though she doesn’t have a name and didn’t exist. The descriptions are what a loving mom wrote for her son, with hopes he would marry a woman that fit the things mentioned.

It’s time to break down who this woman is—and how to apply her virtues to your life.

Trustworthy (v.11)

Verse 11 describes a trustworthy woman. Trust requires a good track record. This means that trustworthy people prove themselves and don’t let pet sins make them bitter. They’re honest and open and keep their promises.

Righteous (v.12)

Did you know that in Proverbs 6:16–19, there’s a list of sins that God hates? Go ahead, and check it out. Now, you’ve done some of those things, haven’t you? Living a life of good can be next to impossible. It requires a daily death to self (1 Corinthians 15:31). Not just on Sundays, either. Every day of the week.

Refuses to be Lazy (v.13–18)

Hard work requires discipline, but scrolling social media is easy. Which would you choose?

One is more rewarding, but the other is a time-sucker. One is helpful for everyone involved, but the other secludes us and brings no good to the world. The Bible tells us to manage our time wisely (Ephesians 5:15) and work hard (Proverbs 14:23). The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t sit idle and let anyone else take the opportunities meant to be hers. Instead, she steps up and does what she can to provide for the people under her care.

Provides (v.14–15)

The Proverbs 31 woman works hard for her family and her servants.

Realizes her Worth (v.17–18)

Low self-esteem is prevalent in our society, but God calls us chosen, loved, and His children. How will you use today to show others you believe this?

Hospitable (v.20)

A Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t provide only for herself, her family, and her servants—she also hands over things that would help others.

Well Prepared (v.21)

The Proverbs 31 woman raised the people in her house well, preparing them for the coldest seasons of life. If you know someone younger than you, reach out to be a mentor, assist, or encourage them. Use the opportunities God gives to be a light that prepares the way for others who aren’t quite there yet.

Husband is Respected (v.23)

Would you respect a man idly watching his wife do unwise things? This woman’s husband is well respected and holds a standing among the wisest and most trustworthy men in the entire city.

Everything She Makes Has Value (v.24)

A Proverbs 31 woman knows there’s worth in the things she does. She has a gift, and she uses it.

Many times, we don’t believe in the gifts God’s given us, and we end up regretting that we never chased our passions and calls. What’s your gift? How did you use your gift to glorify God yesterday, how are you using it today, and what will you do with it tomorrow?

Strong (v.25)

Unless you’re Samson (Judges 15:14–15), it’s impossible to randomly become strong—it takes workouts, perseverance, and time. The same is true for spiritual strength, which is why the most faithful of Christians die to self and actively seek God.

Honorable (v.25)

A Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t hide any pet sins. When someone needs help, she sacrifices what she can. When friends go through a rough season, they know she won’t talk behind their backs. In other words, anyone can see that everything she does isn’t for her glory but instead for God’s.

How do you see yourself being honorable today?

Laughs at the Future (v.25)

A light-hearted woman with complete faith in God has nothing to worry about today, tomorrow, or ever. A few versions say things like “makes light of the things to come,” but I love the New Living Translation for the near-ironic wording.

A Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t lack concern for the future. She laughs. Like, a belly laugh. A laugh-out-loud kind of laugh. Now tell me, do you laugh that hard when you have something to worry about? No, you laugh when it’s funny.

This woman doesn’t ignore the future because she has too much to worry about now. She doesn’t throw her hands up and say, “I’ll get to it when I get to it.”

She laughs. Because after all, she’s not afraid if God will be by her side (Psalm 139:7–10).

Speaks Wise and Kind Words (v.26)

Words have powerful impacts, but I don’t have to tell you that—you know because of the bitter feelings an off-hand comment can create or the anger built into an insult. Or you know because you’ve felt what it’s like to be encouraged or complimented. Maybe you know words are powerful because you’ve seen the look on someone’s face when you give a compliment or when you’re the perpetrator. In whatever way you found out, your words do have power.

A Proverbs 31 woman knows this, too, and she’s careful to say only helpful things. She speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and holds her tongue when the time is right.

Takes Care of the People Closest to Her (v.27)

Instead of sitting back and letting her loved ones do whatever they think is best, she cares for them, giving them the love and attention that they need.

Praiseworthy (v.28)

Being honorable, trustworthy, and hospitable all add up to being praiseworthy. When was the last time you were thanked or honored for doing good things?

Doesn’t Settle for the World’s Expectations (v.29)

Let’s face it, the world we live in has pretty low expectations for what we have to do. The latest trend of staying home and wearing pajamas all day? Yup. But this woman doesn’t settle for not doing anything—she works to change the world. She wants to change something, so she does, by raising her household right, helping the needy, and giving her husband a noble standing. She works hard for other people.

Fears the Lord (v.30)

She knows the things of this world will one day fail, but the Lord reigns forever and He is the one holding her soul.

Her Work Comes Back to Bless Her (v.31)

The gifts God gave her and the drive she possessed brought her places and now, after years of toil, people can call her blessed and even use her as a model for who they want to be.

Do you struggle with meeting some of these requirements? Many of us are far from the Proverbs 31 version of ourselves.

You’ll make mistakes, ruin friendships, and hurt the people close to you. We are a part of a sinful and broken world, bent by our rebellious hearts.

But that isn’t the end of the story.

The Gospel isn’t a list of things to do but a description of what we are: Rebels that made mistakes and ran from God while He cried out for us (Revelation 3:20). Children who realized their mistakes and humbly repented.

Our job is love boldly and not hold back.

Categories: Bible Figures

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