A Virtuous Woman
PastorLonny Bingle

Proverbs 31:31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. NIV

Today, as I reflect on the qualities of a woman who follows the Lord, my heart overflows with gratitude. In a world where gender is often a topic of debate, God's definition of a woman is clear. Through the writer of Proverbs, He beautifully describes a virtuous woman, a capable wife, and a mother. Let us not be swayed by societal definitions, but instead, let us look to God's word and appreciate the unique role of women in our community.

Pro 31:10-31 ESV Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Let me enumerate her qualities here.

1. Virtuous
2. Capable
3. Precious
4. Trustworthy
5. Enriching
6. Brings Good
7. Entrepreneurial
8. Diligent
9. Caring
10. Providing
11. Industrious
12. Energetic
13. Strong
14. Hard Worker
15. Faithful
16. Benevolent
17. Fearless
18. Reputable
19. Dignified
20. Joyful
21. Fearless
22. Wise
23. Kind
24. Blessed
25. Praiseworthy
26. Fears the Lord

These are the things I see in the above passage. It is not intended to be in any order or all-inclusive, but it is enough to meditate on concerning virtuous women. I know many women do not have children, but they have become mothers to many in the body of Christ. Their wisdom and love are constantly displayed as they fulfill God’s plan for their lives. From my heart to all of our moms, Thank you!