The Virtuous Woman: A Tribute to Strength and Integrity
"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. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 31:10-31 in the King James Version presents a magnificent portrait of the virtuous woman. This passage not only serves to exalt womanhood but also offers profound lessons on wisdom, integrity, hard work, and service. In our contemporary world, where standards are often skewed and the essence of true value is frequently overlooked, this scripture brings us back to the core principles that define a truly noble character.
The very first verse, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies," beckons us to recognize the rarity and worthiness of a woman who possesses virtue. In this context, virtue encompasses moral excellence, strength, and the capacity to lead her household with grace. The use of the term "rubies" speaks to her inestimable value—far beyond that of precious gems. It calls us to treasure these women in our lives, not just for their external qualities but for their internal fortitude and moral integrity.
The second verse states, "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." This verse encapsulates trust, which is foundational in any relationship. A virtuous woman builds and nurtures trust by living a life of honesty and fidelity. Her husband can rest assured, knowing that she is dedicated to their shared life, and that she will bring him no harm, but only good all the days of her life. It paints a picture of unity and security—a partnership based not on mere affection, but on mutual respect and unforeseen commitment.
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands" illustrates the industriousness of this virtuous woman. She is not idle but is actively engaged in her endeavors, enhancing her family’s life through her labor. The dedication she shows serves as an encouragement to us all, implementing a spirit of diligence in our daily tasks. Likewise, the notion that "she is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar" illuminates her resourcefulness; she provides for her family, showing foresight and care in ensuring their needs are met, even if it demands extra effort.
Her proactive approach to life is further demonstrated in the verses describing her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit: "She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard." This echoes the importance of intelligence and foresight in financial decisions as well as the reward that comes from hard work. In a time when successful endeavors were physically demanding, her business acumen and her willingness to step outside of conventional roles stand as powerful statements of empowerment.
The following verses highlight her strength and resilience: "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Want to reflect more on Proverbs 31:10-31?
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Proverbs 31:10-31 Artwork
Proverbs 31:10-31 - "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. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
"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. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 10:31 - "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out."
Proverbs 31:10 - "¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Proverbs 31:31 - "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
Proverbs:31:28
Proverbs 31:21
"The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish." - Proverbs 10:31
Proverbs 8:22-31
"The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out." - Proverbs 10:31
"¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10
Mark 10:31
Proverbs 21:31 - "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."
Proverbs 3:31 - "¶ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
Proverbs 15:31 - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
Proverbs 16:31 - "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
Proverbs 31:5 - "Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted."
Proverbs 31:1 - "The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him."
Proverbs 31:17 - "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."
Proverbs 31:13 - "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
Proverbs 31:8 - "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction."
Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.
Proverbs 1:31 - "Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."
Proverbs 30:31 - "A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up."
Proverbs 31:9 - "Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:19 - "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
Proverbs 31:24 - "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
Proverbs 31:25 - "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
Proverbs 31:26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 11:31 - "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."