Thursday, May 2
The book of Proverbs closes with praise for a wife of noble character. Identify the characteristics and qualities that are lauded. Proverbs 31:10-31.
The woman described is special, and so is the poetry. Each of the verses beginning with Proverbs 31:10 begins with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. One senses from this tribute to a worthy wife that even the whole national alphabet barely provides a sufficient framework to extol her properly!
Proverbs’ emphasis on marrying a good partner is reflected in a dictum of the rabbis: “A man’s home is his wife”. “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4, NIV). Here, at the end of the Proverbs, rolled idealistically into a portrait of one, are many varied skills: clothing manufacture, buying real estate, agriculture, home and financial management. Meanwhile, she cares well for her family. They love her and praise her.
These extensive talents are not to be expected in every woman, nor are they a blueprint whereby husbands should measure their wives. Rather, through describing these capabilities and qualities, Proverbs conveys what is most important and universally relevant for women, as well as for men: the traits of trustworthiness, compassion, reliability, faithfulness, kindness, and industry. The secret of such a life, according to Proverbs 31:30, is that she “fears the LORD” (NKJV).
In Proverbs 31:10 the word for “virtuous”, or “of noble character” (NIV), means “strength”, “might”, or “wealth”. It is translated as “riches” in Psalms 62:10 and describes Joshua’s “men of valour” (Joshua 1:14). Boaz commends Ruth with the word “virtuous” (Ruth 3:11). In Proverbs 31:10 there is a play on the concept of “wealth”. True wealth lies in character, integrity, and the fear of the Lord. This vastly exceeds the worth to be found in precious stones.
Who are some of the women of valor and virtue who have influenced your life? How would you expand the list of character qualities, virtues, and capacities of godly women?
