Can a woman have it all and Jesus too? The answer to that question depends on how you define "all"? Does it mean having the lifestyle of the rich and famous, what the world says is the life to attain to? Or does it mean the eternal "all," things that God says are the real values of life—like the fruit of the Spirit?

The Proverbs 31 woman or wife is the example of a woman that has it all. Why? Because it demonstrates God's view of a REAL woman's actions. There are six elements.

Trustworthy Wife

31:11; “The heart of her husband trusts in her”

• Husband sees the wife as trustworthy
• Allows him to work away from home, knowing home managed
• Confident of her faithfulness, integrity, discretion, and care for home
• Context implies a substantial home with abundant resources

31:12; “She does him good and not evil all the days of her life”

• Has husband’s best interests at heart
• Does everything she can to strengthen and encourage him
• Love and devotion do not fluctuate with circumstances

Diligent Homemaker

31:13; “She looks for wool and flax, and works with her hands in delight.”

• Worked to clothe her family as a priority and in joy

31:14; “She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.”

• Sought out the food, even at distances from home, requires planning and effort due to distance

31:15; “She rises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household...portions to her maidens.”

• Rose early to prepare food and get ready for the day, made sure staff knew what they were to do

31:16; “She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard”

• Earned money for the family, benefited the home, earned money by selling things she made; 31:24

31:17; “She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong”

• Physically strong, disciplined, healthy attitude toward work

31:18; “She perceives her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.”

• Pleased with her contribution, shows diligence, untiring effort

31:21; “She is not afraid of snow for her household”

• Prepared ahead of time for changes in seasons, living based on values, not impulses, looking ahead

31:21; “For all her household is clothed with scarlet”

• Not only planned ahead but made the family look good

31:22; “She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

• She takes care of herself as well as the household; she makes herself look good as well as the family

Generous Neighbor

31:20; “She extends her hand to the poor; yes, she stretches out her hands to the needy”

• She loves her family, and she loves others
• She is not limited to family so that it excludes opportunities to serve others
• She becomes personally involved

Wise Teacher

31:25; “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she will rejoice in time to come.”

• Strength & honor illustrate her character
• Teaching others begins with spiritual character

31:26; “She opens her mouth with wisdom”

• Applies the truth of life to her children
• Applies the truth and teaching of the husband
• Proverbs 6:20, “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”

31:26; “And on her tongue is the law of kindness”

• Edifies and ministers, relating without controlling

Devoted Mother

31:27; “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

• Does not succumb to the temptation of making life about ME
• Takes on her role with diligence and want instead of obligation

31:28-29; “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her...”

• “What goes around comes around”
• Investing your life in your children and husband has rewards beyond praise, rewards in heaven
• Investing your life in children and husband creates the probability they will desire to invest in you

Praiseworthy Person

31:30; “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

• Charm & beauty are the physical
• Charm & beauty are delightful for you and others
• Charm & beauty are temporary; they will pass
• Be careful of your priorities; as charm & beauty fade, generally, time increases to try to maintain it
• Contrast is clear, priority is clear – Lasting charm, lasting beauty comes from inside, which increases as you depend upon the Lord.

31:31; “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

• Excellent women/wives are not seeking applause & praise
• The praise is not flattery or empty; it is backed by evidence
• Even if others do not praise, the works speak for themselves