The Proverbs 31 woman

[Kilk1]

Hello! I've been wondering about the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, desiring to compress the passage into an easy-to-remember, practical format. What would be her main character trait(s)? (Note: I'm looking for exegetical answers; I'm not asking what trait(s) should be looked for in a woman but specifically what Proverbs 31 says on the topic.) Thanks!

 

[Ricky M]

Jesus said the sum of the law was to love others as you do yourself. We look at the traits of this woman, and everything she does is done out of love for others. In a way she's the template for how we might fulfill the sum of the law. She's also a template for the Bride of Christ, those bondslaves who do all they do out of love for God and Christ. Paul said Christ's Bride would be perfect; well these are the traits of perfection.

 

[blackribbon]

She is capable and resourceful. She uses her God given talents fully. She is strong and intelligent.

She runs her household, runs a business, and spends her money wisely and in ways that reflect well on her character and her family.

 

[SkyWriting]

Hello! I've been wondering about the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, desiring to compress the passage into an easy-to-remember, practical format. What would be her main character trait(s)? (Note: I'm looking for exegetical answers; I'm not asking what trait(s) should be looked for in a woman but specifically what Proverbs 31 says on the topic.) Thanks!

She is an admired business owner.

 

[Kilk1]

She is an admired business owner.

This would reference verse 16. What do you see about her elsewhere in this passage? Thanks for the reply!

 

[Paidiske]

I preached a sermon on this passage which you can read here: A woman of valour

 

[JCFantasy23]

I preached a sermon on this passage which you can read here: A woman of valour

Beautiful insight into this - just commented on your blog as well. Food for thought. I should pay more attention to this verse in the future.

 

[Kilk1]

I preached a sermon on this passage which you can read here: A woman of valour

So you would see Proverbs 31:10-31 as being less of a checklist of qualifications and more of a general picture. It makes sense! How would you sum up this general picture of the woman of valor using a few adjectives? Thanks!

 

[blackribbon]

Absolutely it is a general picture. This woman was wealthy...she had servants and owned a business and bought property. Not all christian wives will have this kind of luxury. But we can all use what we have, time, money, and possessions in a way that is wise and brings honor to God and our families. This woman didn't waste time gossiping or neglecting her family. She lead by example on how to use what God gifted her with.

 

[Paidiske]

So you would see Proverbs 31:10-31 as being less of a checklist of qualifications and more of a general picture. It makes sense! How would you sum up this general picture of the woman of valor using a few adjectives? Thanks!

Well, what I noted in the link still stands out for me. This is a person:

- of action, who takes initiative
- actively engaged in her community
- skilled in her work
- successful in a range of relationships
- generous and open-handed
- wise.