The Proverbs 31 Wife

Prov. 31:10-31 (10) Who can find a virtous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (14) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (18) She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night. (19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet. (22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (25) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. (27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her. (29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

The New International Version asks, "A wife of noble character who can find?..." Proverbs 31:10-31 is what every woman should strive to be, that rare woman whose husband can trust her. She is a crown on her husband's head. She is not loud, stubborn, faithless, nor contentious. She is not adulterous, slanderous, or unreliable. She is a a God-fearing woman who is or has walked the narrow road. She is not only a good wife, but a good mother. She isn't known for just being beautiful or charming. She is a woman of integrity, strength, dilligence, and character.

She puts the needs of others before her own. She does not look down on others, for she is gracious, virtuous, and kind. She is a hard working woman and keeper of the home. Her husband is also a man of good reputation. She is wise and industrious, not lazy or foolish. She is a stark contrast to the adulteress who is loud, obstinate, rebellious, and cunning. She is not a woman that people warn against; she is role model to look up to. People respect the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is a submissive wife and respects her husband and his role in the home. Her husband loves her and is considerate of her. He treats her with the respect as of a weaker vessel and as an heir with her of the precious gift of life. Her husband loves her as Christ loves the Church. Her beauty is inner beauty and she is blessed not only by her husband, but also by her children. He knows that especially finding a virtuous wife is good and receives favor from the Lord, She lives holy and lives as a child of light. She also knows that a good name is better than great riches, for great riches are only temporary and one can lose money. But her reward will be in Heaven. Her reward is incorruptible and does not perish because she does what it good.

Verses and Books to read: Proverbs 31:10-31, Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 2:16-18, Proverbs 5, 7:20-35, 7, Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 27:15, 19, Ephesians 4:17-5, Colossians 3, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Titus 3,1 Peter 3:1-7