Proverbs 31:11-27 – The Virtuous Woman
Verses 11-12 – The price of the virtuous woman has been told. Her different characteristics are now given. The first lines describe her as a wife. Her faithfulness, oneness of heart, and affection makes the heart of husband to trust her. A faithful wife and a trusting husband are a blessing to each other. He knows he can trust her to do a good job with the things she is responsible for. He has no suspicions or jealousies; no temptation to seek money or pleasure elsewhere; no need to leave his happy home. She loves him, so she wants to make herself more worthy of his trust instead of taking advantage of it. She looks for ways she can do him good. She has an unconditional love – it’s not based on what he has or hasn’t done, but imitating Christ, she loves selflessly. Her relationship with her husband is like Christ and the Church. Her trials are his; his cause is hers.
Verses 13-27 – This is the picture of a Godly woman who does good works – a Mary and a Martha. Notice that this isn’t a woman shut away from the world in a convent, but a woman actively involved in the real world, a woman wise but not mean with her money, a woman full of energy for others, a woman who puts others before herself and isn’t afraid or annoyed to work hard on their behalf. She is an economically productive part of the household as is her husband. Her work is also high quality and done with her whole heart. She cares about her appearance – though this isn’t the most important thing in her life. She takes care of those she is responsible for – looking after their physical and spiritual needs. She also cares for those outwith her household – anyone whom she can help. And all of this is done with a caring and loving attitude and a strong, trusting faith in her good God.
Questions
- Why can this husband trust his wife?
- What kind of attitude does this woman have?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the married couples in the congregation.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.