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THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN By Kimberly
Lorenzini CONTENTS Introduction Proverbs
31: The Model Woman I. Her value II. Her husband III. Her occupation IV. Her character V. Her household VI. Herself Conclusion Bibliography All
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. INTRODUCTION Scripture
describes the creation of a woman with the word “made.” God planned and
supervised this “building” of the woman with the intent that she would be a
“helper comparable to the man.” The word “helper” is also used to describe God
(Ps. 33:20). It is a term of function rather than worth. A woman does not lose
value as a person by humbly assuming the role as a helper. The wife then has
the assignment of being her husband’s helper; (1) as a spiritual helper, (2) as a partner in
continuing the generations, (3) as a confidant to offer comfort and fellowship,
and (4) as a companion to provide encouragement and inspiration. In Proverbs
31: 10-31, we read a passage that is an acrostic poem that describes
what kind of wife a woman should be and what kind of woman a man should choose
to marry. I will be following the acrostic as it appears in The Companion Bible.[1]
Matthew Henry’s Commentary states, “This description
of the virtuous woman consists of
twenty-two verses, each beginning with the letter of the Hebrew alphabet in
order, which makes some think it was a poem by itself, written by some other
hand, (other than Lemuel) and perhaps commonly
repeated for the ease of which it was made alphabetical.”[2]
Adam Clarke states that “in this poem we have the character of a woman of
genuine worth laid down: first, in general, vv. 10-12; secondly, in its
particular or component parts, vv. 13-29; and, thirdly, the summing up of
character, vv. 30-31.”[3] EXEGETICAL
SECTION I. Her value 10 Who can find a virtuous Wife? For her worth is far above rubies. We
can see here her general character in the description of virtuous. Matthew Henry’s definition of a virtuous
woman is noteworthy: “a woman of virtue is a woman of spirit, who has the
command of her own spirit and knows how to manage other people.”[4]
This brings to mind a woman who can control her emotions and bring up delicate
situations when appropriate, as well as having good people skills with the
ability to get the best out of each individual. Secondly, Matthew Henry notes a
virtuous woman as being a woman of resolution, who having espoused good
principles, is firm and steady to them.[5] Here we see a woman who is diligent, capable,
worthy, and good. The Companion Bible
notes that this word limits it to one kind of excellence, but the Hebrew is
wider: meaning strong in all moral qualities.[6] The question in this proverb implies that a
virtuous wife is hard to find. He who desires to marry should think twice that
he is not biased by beauty, wealth or prestige, for this does not equal a woman
of virtue. The Companion Bible notes
the great lesson Solomon was to learn when he did not heed the warnings against
foreign women. [7]
The second general characteristic is that she is invaluable. Her worth cannot
be measured in terms of costly gold.[8]
The more rare good wives are, the more valued they are. Ruth is the only one
noted in the O. T. as virtuous.[9] II. Her husband 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So
he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of
her life. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he
sits among the elders of the land. The
third general characteristic of this woman is that she is an unspotted
wife. Her husband trusts her. Henry
discusses three issues that her husband finds confidence in her: He trusts in
her chastity; He trusts her conduct, that she will act
in all affairs with prudence and discretion; and he trusts in her fidelity to
his interest.[10] He knows that she will take care of the
proper provisions of the household.
Because of this, states Clarke, “he has no need for spoil-- he is not
obligated to go out on predatory excursions, to provide for his family, at the
expense of his neighboring tribes.”[11]
Here the word spoil means gain. This brings to my mind a man who has to
sacrifice his responsibilities at work to compensate for the wastefulness of
his wife. The husband in the Proverb is able to become a success because he can
devote adequate time to his career with the efforts she puts forth to help him.
This also can mean, as Henry states, that “he does not envy those who have most
of the wealth of this world; he does not need it, he has enough, having such a
wife.”[12] The
fourth general characteristic is that she has her husband’s happiness in view
constantly. The Believer’s Bible
Commentary states that this means she never fails to cooperate.[13] Henry states that she shows him love, not in
foolish fondness, but by prudent endearments, giving him good words not bad ones. We can see that she does this, not only
during the honeymoon stage or when she is in good humor, but constantly. As
mentioned before, her husband is known in
the gates. Henry states that “he is
known for having a virtuous wife. By his cheerful countenance and pleasant
humor it appears that he has an agreeable wife at home.”[14]
One may also know he has a good wife at home that takes care of his clothes. III. Her occupation 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her
food from afar. Starting
in verse thirteen we have particular
characteristics of this woman. One, she is willing to work. Here we see a woman
who seeks out good things for her family. She looks for the cheapest and best
deal. She doesn’t do it
with complaints or malice. Henry notes, “she
perceives that she can make things herself better and cheaper than she can buy
them.”[15] The
Companion Bible notes that willingly
with her hands, equals with her
hands’ good will.[16]
The second particular characteristic is
that she acts like merchants. Clarke explains this saying, “if
she buys anything for her household, she sells sufficient of her own
manufactures to pay for it.”[17] She brings in provisions of all things
necessary and convenient for her family. Whether she puts her hands to the
task, or supervised others while they work, she is an efficient and organized
homemaker, always watching over her home. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And
provides food for her household, And
a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her
profits she plants a vineyard. The
third particular characteristic is that she is an economist of time. She is not
one who stays up until morning and sleeps in all day. She rises up to tend to
the needs of her family, not to do things for herself. Henry states that “she
rises up to give her servants their breakfast, that
they may be ready to go cheerfully about their work.”[18]
The Believer’s Bible Commentary states
that her maidservants portion is not only breakfast,
but also work assignments for the day. This shows again that she is diligent to
run the needs of the household. The
fourth particular characteristic of this woman is that she provides for the
growing wants of her household. She considers what an advantage the field will
be to her family. She is not a woman that buys out of impulse or emotion, but
takes the time to think about purchases. Henry again has some good insight into
this: “Though she have ever so much mind to it she will not buy it till she
first considers whether it be worth her money, whether the ground will answer
the character given of it, and whether she has money at command to pay for it.”[19]
I can’t help to think that this woman did not use credit cards but only bought
what she could afford at the time. Many women feel that it is their duty to fix
up the house and this gives them the right to go out and put their investments
on the credit card. This scripture notes that she is such a good manager that
her household does not need to be restricted to the bare necessities of life,
but can enjoy some comforts. By turning her land into a vineyard shows that she
has the ability to turn her investments into profits. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And
her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And
her hand holds the spindle. The
fifth particular characteristic is that she takes care to manufacture the best
articles of the kind, and to lay on reasonable price that she may secure a
ready sale (v. 18). The Believer’s Bible
Commentary states
the she takes a quiet, humble satisfaction in the results of her labor.[20] This brings to mind the women who are
perfectionists and are never satisfied with the work they have done. I do not
think God wants us to be so particular in our work that we can’t find
satisfaction. Here we see a woman who has the task well balanced. She works
hard and long, but understands that there is a point where she can have
satisfaction in her work. The sixth particular characteristic is that she is
watchful and careful (v. 18). Clarke gives us the description that this woman
keeps her lamp on all night to keep watch of sudden alarms.[21]
The Wycliffe Bible
Commentary
states that the meaning of verse
eighteen is that she has seen to it that she has plenty of oil to burn the lamp
all night.[22]
This meaning can be contrasted with the story in Matthew 25:8. It is best to say that this is an example
that she is careful to take care of all the business of the day, even if it
means that she has to work into the night. The seventh particular
characteristic is that she gives an example of skill and industry to her
household (v. 19). In this verse we see that she will occasionally do work that
requires all the strength she has. Clarke gives us a vivid picture of this
process of making thread: “She takes the distaff, that on which the wool or
flax was rolled; and the spindle, that by twisting of which she twisted the
thread with the right hand, while she held the distaff in the guard of the left
arm, and drew down the thread with the fingers of the left hand.”[23]
24. She makes linen garments and sells them, And
supplies sashes for the merchants. 25. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall
rejoice in time to come. The
eighth particular characteristic is that she is known for her industriousness
(v. 24). She makes linen garments and sells them in the market. Henry states
that she would have to carry them to IV. Her character 20. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she
reaches out her hands to the needy. 26. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her
tongue is the law of kindness. The
ninth particular characteristic is that she is truly charitable. Henry brings
up the contrasts with her occupation as he states, she
is as intent upon giving as she is upon getting.[26]
The Believer’s Bible Commentary states
that in addition to all that she does with her occupation, she still has time
to seek out the needy and help them.[27] It is easy in this world to be so
concentrated on making money and giving to our own family that we loose sight
of God’s desire for us to share what He has given to us with those that are in
need, in order to share His love. She makes more than her household needs in
order to share with the needy. The tenth particular characteristic is that she
gives moral management to her family. This woman is not one too talkative, nor peevish. But when she does talk it is full of wisdom and
kindness. Clarke states that this is the most distinguishing excellence of this
woman.[28]
There are few women who are called managing women who are not tyrants over
their servants or lords over their husbands. Here we see this woman having
great balance between leadership and sevanthood. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary points out
that her virtues are not mere industry. Wisdom and kindness and nobility are
hers-- not the characteristics of a sluggard.[29]
The Book of Proverbs, is full of the fact that a
person with these characteristics “fears the Lord.” V. Her Household 21. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For
her household is clothed with scarlet. 27. She watches over the ways of
her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. The
eleventh particular characteristic is that she is not anxious relative to
health and comfort of her family in the winter season, having provided clothes
for each in the cold months. The Wycliffe
Bible Commentary states that the LXX uses the word double instead of scarlet.
Clarke further explains it to be sahanim or shanah, “to double,” signifies not only scarlet, so called
from being twice or doubly dyed, but also “double garments.”[30] The eleventh particular characteristic is
that she is a moral manager; she takes care that all shall behave themselves
well, that none shall keep company or develop bad habits. Here we see her
keeping in touch of her household affairs in order that they are all doing what
is good in God’s eyes. She may have to discipline the children in order to
discourage bad habits. Many women today lack the accountability of their
children. They send them off to daycare and never inquire what their activities
are throughout the day. This verse brings to mind that, as parents, we are
accountable for the actions of our children in God’s eyes. The twelfth
particular characteristic is that she knows that idleness leads to wickedness.
She makes sure that her household keeps up with their fair share of the work;
also she makes sure that her children are involved some kind of godly
activities. She gives a good example to her household by not getting involved
in shallow or unproductive activities. Similarly, she is energetic and always
occupied.[31]
Verse twenty indicates that she knows if she trains up a child in the way he
should go, when he is old he will not depart from
it. VI. Herself 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens
her arms. 22. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. The
thirteenth particular characteristic is that she takes care of her own health
and strength, not only by means of useful labor, but by healthy exercise. If women
leave any of the characteristics of this virtuous woman out, this would be the
one. It is hard to balance the work as a mother, wife, professional, believer,
and adequate exercise. Exercise however, can help with relieving the stress
that comes with the day to day activities, and can help women deal with the ups
and downs of relationships, not to mention the prolonged life. The Believer’s Bible Commentary states
that according to this verse she is preparing herself for tasks with great
vigor and enthusiasm.[32] The fourteenth particular characteristic is
that she makes herself coverings of tapestry (v. 22). Clarke points out that
this tapestry is for carpeting or quilted work for her beds; and her clothing
is made out of fine flax and purple. This is probably for a cloak of
mantle. 29.
“Many daughters have done well, But
you excel them all” 30. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But
a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31. Give her the fruit of her hands, And let her
own works praise her in the gates. Verse
twenty-nine, is a statement by her husband to the excellence of his wife. It is
important that husbands praise their wives, it is a
great bonus when they praise them in public. This last section gives us the
summation of her character. First, she is not deceitful in her beauty. Many
women have the appearance of beauty, but this woman has true beauty that comes
from God. Henry states, “the fear of the Lord reigning
in the heart is the beauty of the soul; it recommends those that have it to the
favor of God, and is, in his sight, of great price; it will last forever, and
bid defiance to death itself, which consumes the beauty of the body, but
consummates the beauty of the soul.” [33]
The second summation of character is that she possesses the true religion. This
is in fact the most important characteristic of them all. For if you have all
the others you are still incomplete, the only thing that matters is if you
are righteous in God’s eyes. Here the Book of Proverbs ends as it began,
stressing the importance of reverence to the LORD. In verse thirty-one we see that the result of
her labor is her best compliment. CONCLUSION This
rare woman was a model of virtue: trustworthy, industrious, organized, and
loving. Her husband totally trusted her, her grown children praised her, and
her home was a model of efficiency. Still she found time to reach out to the
poor and needy, and even increase her wealth with wise investments. We also see
that she was as outwardly beautiful as she was inwardly. These positive qualities can be contrasted
with the “contentious” wife (Prov. The
main truth that we can find from this passage is the theme that we see
throughout the book: Wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Because this woman feared
the Lord, her relationships and responsibilities were wisely balanced. She
exemplifies the truth spoken by Jesus Christ, “Seek first the BIBLIOGRAPHY Bullinger, E.W. The
Companion Bible. Clarke,
Adam. Adam Clarke’s
Commentary on the Whole Bible.
The Bethany Parallel
Commentary on the Old Testament. Henry,
Matthew. Matthew
Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Kidner, Derek. Proverbs: An
Introduction and Commentary. MacDonald,
William. The Believer’s
Bible Commentary. Pfeiffer,
Charles. The Wycliffe
Bible Commentary. Ryrie,
Charles Caldwell. Ryrie Study Bible:
Expanded Edition. [1] Bullinger, E.W., The Companion Bible (Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications, 1990) p. 905. [2] Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1961) in The Bethany Parallel Commentary (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1985) p. 1282. [3] Clarke, Adam, Adam Clarke’s Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1967) in The Bethany Parallel Commentary (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1985) p. 1282. [4] Henry, p. 1282. [5] Henry, p. 1282. [6] Bullinger, p. 905. [7] Bullinger p. 905. [8] MacDonald, William, The Believer’s Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Nelson Publishers, 1995) p. 870. [9] Bullinger, p. 905. [10] Henry, p. 1282. [11] Clarke, p. 1282. [12] Henry, p. 1282. [13] MacDonald, p. 871. [14] Henry, p. 1282. [15] Henry, p. 1283. [16] Bullinger, p. 905. [17] Clarke, p. 1283. [18] Henry, p. 1282. [19] Henry, p. 1283. [20] MacDonald, p. 871. [21] Clarke, p. 1282. [22] Pfeiffer, Charles F, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1968) p. 582. [23] Clarke, p. 1283. [24] Henry, p. 1283. [25] Clarke, p. 1283. [26] Henry, p. 1283. [27] MacDonald, p. 871. [28] Clarke, p. 1283. [29] Pfeiffer, p. 583. [30] Clarke, p. 1283. [31] Ryrie, Charles Caldwell, The Ryrie Study Bible: Expanded Edition (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1995) p. 1015. [32] MacDonald, p. 871. [33] Henry, p. 1283. |
