Since we're talking about the Proverbs 31 woman...
An LGMer told me a few months ago that I was a "real" Proverbs 31 woman. I think he was just high off my good cookin... LOL! He said "man, all these women out here talking 'bout they Proverbs 31 women; they don't even know what a Proverbs 31 woman is. You're a REAL Proverbs 31 woman." (
betcha thought I forgot that... LOL). Of course at the moment, I took that as a major compliment because (a) he's not easily impressed by people of God, and (b) I know that a "Proverbs 31 woman" is one of virtue and integrity, who walks with honor and dignity and loves the Lord and all that. But that night, I had to look it up again and read it for myself to see exactly what he was saying about me. I'm so glad I did because it had been a minute since I read it, and I suspect that a lot of women (and men) really have no idea what a Proverbs 31 woman is.
We like to assign that title to every woman who is God-fearing, celibate, and knows how to cook. But, she isn't just one who loves the Lord and is virtuous. She is a business woman. She is a planner. She is organized. She encourages her husband, and does her part to guard his reputation; she represents him well and always takes pride in her appearance. She manages her household and uses her talent to earn entrepreneurial income. She is dependable, smart and honest. She knows how to make clothing, plant her own vegetables, and doesn't sleep all day and night: she isn't lazy and doesn't seek out conveniences in place of quality for her family. She is wise, kind, Godly and skilled, and doesn't get involved in idleness (foolishness, including gossip and laziness). Her work speaks for her and she has a solid, honorable reputation.
The Bible says (AMP):
10 A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.(D)
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13 She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14 She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15 She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.(E)
16 She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]
17 She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18 She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21 She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.(F)
22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].(G)
23 Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.(H)
24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26 She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.(I)
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29 [c]Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears 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 [of the city]!(J) So IRT the last few comments, IMO the woman referenced in Proverbs 31 is married (or perhaps some might argue that she's suitable for marriage) to a man who submits to God and functions as the head of his household.
