The Proverbs 31 woman is considered an excellent example of a godly woman, wife, and mother. Some believe this was not a real woman. Whether real or not, the statements are certainly something God has put in His Word for women to consider and imitate.

Trustworthy Wife

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

• Husband sees his wife as trustworthy 
• Allows him to work away from home, knowing the home is managed well
• 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 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, not 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

Adapted from Different by Design by John MacArthur, Jr.