Bible Study: Proverbs 31:10-15

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:10-15 KJV)

What makes a good woman of God?

So often the “Proverbs 31 woman” is this epitome of what a Christian woman should aspire to be. Let’s take a closer look at how she lives her life and take insight into our own.

The Proverbs 31 woman is virtuous. This means someone with a high moral standard. Sadly, far too many people and women included don’t subscribe to this mindset. The world screams at women to forget about purity, poise, marriage, motherhood, and serving others with grace and compassion. Instead, it says in all capital letters: LIVE FOR YOURSELF. The very thought of keeping a high moral standard, becomes more and more difficult in this darkening world.

Questions to Consider:

What are ways that the world pushes against my moral standard?

Am I willing to look like Christ in a world that wants me to fit in?

It says that her worth is more than rubies. One of the biggest lies of the devil is that the worth of a woman is in how she looks, or how her home looks, or her bank account looks, or how her family looks. It is all external. But the heart of Christ digs deeper. The value of your heart is more than any precious stone to God. It is priceless.

Questions to Consider:

What ruler to I use to measure my worth as a woman?

How does my view of myself compare to God’s view of me?

The heart of this woman’s husband trusts in her. Do we engage in ways with our spouses in ways that make them feel safe to share struggles with us? Are we quick to judge or blame? Or do we have hearts that are tender soil for the Lord to work in and for our husbands to rest in? The world can make it far too easy to have a heart that is hard. To see our husbands’ flaws above their immense value and gifting from God. This woman in Proverbs is a safe space for her husband, and in this safety, there is trust. In this trust she does good to her husband, not evil.

Questions to Consider:

Does my heart reflect the tender soil of the Proverbs 31 woman?

What ways can I deepen the trust my husband has in me?

This woman has resources and uses them. Her hands are willingly at work. She even goes the distance and carries food from afar. It is one thing to complete the tasks at hand, and as a woman of God there is much to do. But do we complete them begrudgingly or joyfully? Are we washing dishes or folding clothes in complaint or contentment? Are we working at our job or on projects with a willing or resentful heart? It can be too easy to fall into this trap. Sure, the work may be getting done, and we may be doing it, but what is our attitude towards the work? Others, may struggle to even lift the dish and start washing it. But there is a fault in both scenarios. The heart. Are our hearts willing to work for the Kingdom of God?

Questions to Consider:

What is my heart position towards the work God has called me to?

How can I have a more intentional and willing heart in all that I do?

She rises early to provide food for her family. There are certainly seasons when sleep is scarce, especially for new mothers. But the concept remains. Even waking up 30 minutes before our families is a gift to them. It is much easier to set the tone for the day and prepare food in peace, than swirling in a rush to put Pop-tarts in the toaster. Even if you aren’t the one who normally cooks, waking before your family can be a time to spend with the Lord. It can also be a time to prepare for the day as well as serving our families joyfully.

Questions to Consider:

How can I wake up even 30 minutes before my household?

What areas do I want to focus the mornings on before my home wakes up?

Remember, the journey to being more like Christ is an imperfect one. It is through His strength that we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). Take even one point from this study, come to the Lord in prayer, and see what ways He wants to soften your heart and lead you.

Praying for you,

Jasmine