The Woman of Noble Character: Proverbs 31

Anyone who has been going to church for an extended period of time has likely heard people talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. In the 31st chapter in the book of Proverbs, the life of an honorable woman is outlined. For many Christian women, she is seen as the image of a woman we should want to eventually become. The question is, however, what can we learn from the wife of noble character? And how can we apply this to our lives during the season we are in? Regardless of what season you are in right now in your life, we can all read about the Proverbs 31 wife as women of God and strive to become more like her.

Qualities of the Woman of Noble Character

One of the first things we can infer from the woman in Proverbs 31 is that her life was dedicated to service for others. "10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value" (Proverbs 31:10-11, NIV). Her husband, her children, her servants (Proverbs 31:15), and the needy (Proverbs 31:20) all benefit from her service to them. She provides for her family and those around her and extends her assistance to those who are less fortunate, not out of obligation but out of compassion.

Another character trait we see in this Proverbs 31 woman is her willingness to work hard. Proverbs 31:27 tells us, "27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness" (NIV). This can tell us that she is cognizant of what is going on around her. She does not remain naive or ignorant about what is happening in her household; instead, she watches over her house. Furthermore, the passage says she "does not eat the bread of idleness." Merriam-Webster describes idle as not having any real purpose or value, not having much activity, or being lazy. From this, we can deduce that she does not take pleasure in being lazy or purposeless; instead, she seems to fill her time with duties and activities that fulfill her.

While this passage may seem intimidating, the main lesson the wife of noble character can offer us in this passage is on her outlook rather than her output. While she has many accomplishments within her family, her career, and her charity, all of her qualities and accomplishments grew out of her fear of the Lord. This is her central virtue, and it equips her for living a righteous life. This passage shows us that women can find fulfilment in their home, their community, and their career. This fulfilment, however, stems from a love and reverence for God and allowing God control over our lives. When she does allow God to be the center of her life, she exudes these positive attributes enough that other people recognize this and compliment her for it; she does not need to prove herself to others. "28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:28-29, NIV).

Overall, the number one quality to have in order to live a life that reflects this woman is to simply fear God. A woman who fears God and focuses first on pleasing God will, in turn, also want to serve others and work hard at what she does.

“Definition of IDLE.” Www.merriam-Webster.com, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idle.