THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD

Proverbs 31:10-31 / Keywords 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

31:10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Footnotes

b. Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

1. The Book of Proverbs ends with a wonderful praise of godly women, for women are the backbone of a family, community, and society. The untold story of all their sacrifices is summed up here. They diligently manage their homes from early in the morning until late at night. They know how to control money so that they give to the poor freely and generously. They find ways to nurture others around them and comfort them. They bring honor to their family and husband. They have real joy by taking care of the people in their lives and knowing that they are well provided for. When they talk, it’s not to gossip or slander, but to share wisdom and to teach other women and children with kindness. 

2. Her children rise and bless her, and her husband praises her. What does her husband say? “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” He is madly in love with her. Verse 30 says charm is deceitful. Beauty is vain. But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Women like to hear praise and compliments. But real praise is not for their outer beauty, but for their fear of God, and the good work they have done for their family and community. 

Prayer Father, thank you for godly women who have this vision for themselves to fear the Lord and be praiseworthy. Please help us to honor them. 

One Word A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised