We all know about the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. But the word virtuous means more than what we usually think. The Hebrew is “chayil” meaning “virtue, valor, military strength.”
This woman is not a wimp. She is someone to be reckoned with. She has the strength of a soldier in battle. She has physical strength but her inward strength is even greater. I love the picture of the bride given in Song of Songs 6:10: “Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun and terrible (awesome) as an army with banners?”
She is not strong in independence but strong in the precious qualities that God has given to His female creation. And God pours out His praises upon her. Let’s read Proverbs 31:10 in the Amplified version: “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.”
Her strength of character enables her to submit to her husband instead of jumping up and down and demanding her own way.
Her strength of character guards her mouth instead of spitting out harsh and hurtful words.
Her strength of character enables her to stand strong against temptations of lust. She is strong in morality and purity. She will be true to her husband as long as she lives. She lives “only unto him” as she vowed on her wedding day. She stands true to her marriage vows in the good times and the difficult times. for better, for worse, in sickness and in health . . .”
Her strength of character enables her to trust God even when life is overwhelming and full of trials. She keeps calm no matter what is happening around her.
Her strength of character causes her to purposely do good to her husband every day of her life (Proverbs 31:12).
Her strength of character saves her from getting sucked into the humanistic mindset of this world. She is not swayed by the crowd and what everyone does. Instead, she searches God’s Word to see what God says. She lives by the eternal principles of God’s Word rather than the mindset of current society. She is prepared to do it God’s way even if no one else follows!
Her strength of character keeps her from lowering herself to gossip and worthless words. When she speaks, she opens her mouth in kindness. Proverbs 31:26 says: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Her strength of character saves her from being taken up with herself and thinking only of her own needs. Her heart is big and open to the needs of others. Proverbs 31:20 says: “She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.” Read also 1 Peter 5:10 for a description of a woman who lives the way God intends.
Her strength of character enables her to work hard and make sure her family is fed and clothed. She “looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:14, 15,21, 27).
Her strength of character causes her to fear the Lord rather than man (Proverbs 31:30).
This woman is very precious. But dear mothers, don’t despair if you don’t feel that you have arrived. You cannot wave a wand and become a virtuous woman. You grow into it as you go through your trials and your battles which make you stronger and more “valiant in the fight” (Hebrews 11:34). You grow into it as you seek God, seek His precious Word, and His wisdom.
Be blessed and encouraged today,
Nancy Campbell
Painting by Daniel Gerhartz