The Proverbs 31 Woman

You know how you read about the Proverbs 31 woman and immediately feel a lot of pressure just by the many things she was able to do at the same time. She’s a great wife and mother. She manages the house, runs a business, cooks, and sews —what she doesn’t seem to do is get tired and is described as perfect. How could a woman be so famous and confident, yet her name is not mentioned. I felt this pressure also. However, I was recently reading a book by Joyce Meyer, which has taught me a lot about this topic. I read a few lessons from each verse of the proverbs 31 woman as explained by the book, and these lessons have also served as prayer points for me that I would love to share with you so you can pray these same prayers.

From verse 10, we see a good woman, who is hard to find and valued above rubies or pearls. A capable, wise, and virtuous woman is a rare combination. Any man who has a wife like this will appreciate and value her tremendously. I pray that I will be more precious than jewels or expensive gems. I pray that I intentionally build myself with intelligent information.

From Verse 11, we see that trust is the glue that holds a marriage together. The Bible says that the husband of our Proverbs 31 woman can trust her confidently; he relies on her and believes in her securely. What a blessed thing to be able to say! We live in a society where so many relationships lack these qualities, so they should be valued above all else when they are present. Confidence, trust, and security bring peace and rest to our souls. When we trust others, and they trust us in return, it increases our confidence level. I pray that I become a trustworthy woman.

From Verse 12, we see that this woman comforts her husband and does him good as long as there is life in her. Many arguments and problems in relationships (marriages) would be avoided if a woman would take the initiative to begin comforting and complimenting those around her (her husband). I pray that I bring comfort to those around me. I pray that my home will be a happy place. I noticed there is no mention of what the husband does other than that he praises his wife and is well known in the city. I pray I make my husband famous.

From verse 13, we are made to see in more evident detail that this woman is not lazy, nor does she procrastinate. She seeks (craves, pursues, and goes after with all her might) wool and flax and works with willing hands (to develop it). One thing is for sure; whether she is making her family’s clothing or making things to sell at the market, she is enthusiastic about it! She does not consider her work a struggle, nor is it something she dreads and complains about doing. This is part of her ministry to her family, and she does it with zeal and a positive attitude. I pray that God gives me such an attitude towards work.

Interestingly, from Verse 14, she plans good meals that include variety. She even imports things from far countries to make sure her family does not become bored with eating the same things repeatedly. Proverbs 31 woman challenges me to go the extra mile and make things as good as possible. She was urging me to make an effort to do things with excellence. So I am working on being a super chef for the house, and I pray that God grants me grace for the kitchen.

From Verse 15- She rises before daylight to spend time with God. She knows that she can never be a good wife or mother unless she feeds herself with spiritual food. I am sure she read God’s Word, prayed, worshiped, praised, and made sure she was spiritually ready for the day. I pray for the grace to love God the more.

From verse 16- Our woman in Proverbs seems to be quite a good businesswoman in addition to being a great wife and mother. The verse says she “considers” a new field before she buys it. She considers her present duties and is careful not to neglect them by taking on new ones. In other words, she seriously thinks about what she is about to do and does not act emotionally without forethought. I pray that God gives me the grace to make wise decisions, not just act based on how I feel.

Our woman in Proverbs 31 even exercises! Verse 17 begins by saying she girds herself with spiritual and mental strength. We know from a previous verse that she prepared herself spiritually for the day. Perhaps she gains mental strength by meditating on God’s Word throughout the day. Or she may be an avid reader. She remains physically fit for her God-given task, which means she gets plenty of exercise. It may be through her work or something she sets aside time for, but she stays physically fit. I’m trying my best in this area, so I am praying God helps me the more.

However, verse 18 begins with an important statement; “she tastes and sees that her gain from work (with and for God) is good.” The verse of Scripture says that her lamp does not go out even in times of trouble or sorrow. She continues in faith, dispelling fear, doubt, and distrust. God gave many men and women in the Bible difficult tasks to perform, but He always promised a reward. Looking to the reward helps us endure the difficulty.

From Verse 19- We see our woman working again. She apparently makes clothes for her family or apparel to sell in the marketplace. One thing is for sure: We don’t see her wasting time. God does not create us to waste anything He has given us, and time is certainly one of the greatest assets we have. I really pray that God helps me not waste the things He has placed.

From Verse 20- Mrs. Proverbs 31 is a giver. She opens her hands to the poor. She reaches out her filled hands to the needy (whether in body, mind, or spirit). Look at how she takes the initiative in giving. She opens her hands she reaches out. I pray that God makes me a giver.

I am particularly fond of verse 22 because it tells me that our famous Proverbs woman had nice things herself. She lived a balanced life. She did a lot for others, but she also ministered to herself. Many people burn out because they don’t take time to refresh themselves. We feel such a need to give and do for others that we ignore our own needs, or worse, we feel guilty for even thinking about ourselves. We need to be ministered to spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Each of these areas is important to God; He made them, and He is interested in the well-being of all of them, including our physical and emotional needs. I pray that I live a balanced life.

From Verse 23- Our woman has a famous husband, but it is because of his fine wife. What a huge compliment to her! Just imagine if her husband went to a meeting and everyone commented about what a great wife he had. Or, if he was walking down the street and two men on the other side of the street had a conversation that went something like this: “There goes Mr. Proverbs 31, and man, he does have a great wife. You would not believe all this woman accomplishes in life! She not only takes care of everybody else, but she takes excellent care of herself also. Yes, sir, Mr. Proverbs 31 is a blessed man. God’s favor is certainly on him to give him such a fine wife.” I’ve decided to be the kind of wife that will cause others to believe my husband is blessed because he has me.

From Verse 24- Now, we find our multi-talented woman making garments to sell in the marketplace. What a woman—she even adds to the family income by using some of the same skills she needs at home to be a blessing to others.

From Verse 26- Our woman in Proverbs 31 knows the importance of words. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom. The law of kindness is in her tongue. Speaking kindly to other people is a tremendous attribute and one that certainly enhances a godly woman. I pray that God blesses my tongue, and it speaks only kindness.

From Verse 27- Our woman in Proverbs is a responsible woman. She stays alert to how things go in her household, she refuses to be idle, and she doesn’t waste her time in things like sitting around gossiping or wallowing in self-pity. She is not discontented. She appreciates life, and I believe she celebrates it fully each day.

From Verses 28, 29- She enjoys the praise of her children and husband. They rise to call her blessed. Her husband says many daughters have been virtuous and noble, but she exceeds them all. In other words, he says that she is the best wife anyone could ever have. He applauds and celebrates her strength of character and goodness.

Finally, Verses 30, 31- Charm, grace, and beauty can be deceptive because it is not lasting, but the woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord shall be praised. She will eat the fruit of her labors, and her works will praise her. I believe I can’t go wrong when I keep God as the focus on this journey. With Him, I will be the exact woman that He wants me to be.

Happy Women’s Day.