Summary of Proverbs 31

Growing up I always had the mentality that Proverbs 31 was qualities that a wife and mother needed to have. Whenever I read that chapter I always thought to myself “Wow, what an amazing woman of God – I’m going to have a LOT to work on to keep up with the standards that she sets”. 

Recently as I was once again reading this chapter from the bible it dawned on me that I need to work on having all of those qualities before I got married –not the day after my wedding. There’s a saying out there about how putting a ring on your finger and getting married does not mean that you will automatically become this amazing wife/husband you thought you would be. If you don’t possess these qualities in your life before marriage, then you won’t have them after you get married either.

Was the Proverbs 31 Woman a “real” woman?  No, not as a biblical, historical character. Rather she is an ideal, a standard to measure by, a role model to follow, a goal to work toward.

Proverbs	Qualities	Application
15 - She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.	Wakes up early and prepares for the day. Self-disciplined.	Get up early. Have my morning time with God. Prepare myself for the day not only physically, but spiritually as well.
16- She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.	Spends her money wisely.	Create a monthly budget and stick to it. Don’t waste my money.
17 – She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.	Strengthens herself physically (and spiritually). Stays energetic.	Exercise and eat healthier food (physical strength).  Read the Bible and pray (spiritual strength).
20- She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy	Generous to the needy. Cares for others, not only herself. Unselfish.	Have a servant’s heart. Give my time, energy, and finances to others.
25- Strength and dignity are her clothing, and shesmiles at the future.	Optimistic and confident about her future.	Have a positive attitude :) always!
27 – She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.	Takes care of the home. Isn’t lazy.	Keep my stuff in order. My office, my room, my car….
26 – She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.	Speaks with wisdom and encouragement.	Don’t gossip or waste time talking about useless things. Encourage others with my words.
13- She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.	Works hard and does it joyfully.	Work hard without complaining.
22- She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.	Takes care of her outside appearance.	Don’t have too many bad hair days
30- Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.	Fears God.	Take care of my heart and my spiritual life. Live in a way that honors God.

A CONTRAST

THE VOLUPTUOUS WOMAN	THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN
Described in the first nine chapters of Proverbs	Described in Proverbs chapter 31
SHE IS LEWD (Proverbs 6:24; 2:17).	SHE IS LOYAL (Proverbs 31:11).
SHE IS A HOME BREAKER (Proverbs 7).	SHE IS A HOMEMAKER (Proverbs 31).
SHE IS EASY TO FIND (Proverbs 7:10-12).	SHE IS HARD TO FIND (a rare gem) (Proverbs 31:10).
SHE IS CHEAP (Proverbs 30:20)	SHE IS PRECIOUS (Proverbs 31:10).
SHE HAS OUTER BEAUTY Surface attraction (Proverbs 6:25).	SHE HAS INNER BEAUTY Heart attraction (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:4).
SHE WORKS WITH HER MOUTH (lively lips but no life) (Proverbs 21:9,19; 25:24 etc.).	SHE WORKS WITH HER HANDS (a lovely life producing loving deeds) (Proverbs 31, many verses).
SHE IS RELIGIOUS (Proverbs 7:14).	SHE IS RIGHT WITH GOD (Proverbs 31:30).
SHE IS OUTSIDE THE HOME (Proverbs 7:11-12).	SHE ABIDES IN THE HOME (Proverbs 31:27).
SHE DOES HER HUSBAND NOTHING BUT HARM (Proverbs 2:17).	SHE DOES HER HUSBAND GOOD (Proverbs 31:12).
SHE IS ON THE LOOSE AT NIGHT (Proverbs 7:9,18).	SHE IS RESTING AT NIGHT SO SHE CAN AWAKE EARLY (Proverbs 31:15).
SHE KILLS HER VICTIMS (Proverbs 7:23).	SHE BLESSES HER FAMILY (Proverbs 31:28).
SHE LIVES BY LUST (Proverbs 7:10).	SHE LIVES BY LOVE (Proverbs 31:20).

Today as we see women of all ages following dubious role models, we are refreshed to find a timeless example of virtue, responsibility and good sense.  Here, in this lovely picture of womanhood, is a woman who embodies the qualities which every believing woman should strive for in her personal life and appearance, in her family life, and in her daily duties.
I know the “Proverbs 31 Woman” is a bit intimidating with her perfection sometimes. But possessing the qualities that she has is not impossible and the sooner we get working on them the better our lives will be…