Proverbs 31:10-3110Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10‑31)
Part 2
We have noticed the good work this woman did for her family and others, and how busy she must have been. But there is not much told of what she had for herself,—only that “her clothing is silk and purple”, and have “strength and honor (or dignity)” (verses 22, 25). It is known that silk was woven in early times, but some give the word linen itead of silk; purple was the color used by kings or rich people, as the dye was expensive. So the lady’s clothes were good and strong and suitable for her high place.
In the Bible, garments teach us of the outward life of a person; they are what are seen by others, and tell of the tastes and character of the wearer. So this would teach that the Christian’s ways should be good, and with strength for the right, and with dignity as God’s child.
This woman was not said to have beauty, it only says, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain” (Verse 30). The favor of others may quickly change, and beauty be spoiled. It does not say that she wore ornaments, or tried to make her appeance noticeable, “but a woman who feareth the Lord she shall be praised.” This means one who believes and reverences the Lord, and He will give the praise.
When Israel was a great nation, and earlier, as in the time of Rebecca, men and women used precious ornaments, for, if they obeyed God, they were to have the best of earth’s treasures; but since the Lord Jesus was refused here and despised, His people have a humble place, and to seek favor in this world’s ways is not their place.
But notice this busy woman had wisdom, and when she spoke it was not foolishly or sharply, and her “law, or rule” was with “kindness”. Could there be a better rule?
She must have had much patience, for spinning, weaving, and tapestry all require long hours by hand. A Christian needs much patience to do the work of God’s household quietly for Him.
This careful woman made sure that “her merchandise is good” (Verse 18). Are we careful that we do not have what is of poor quality for a child of God,—perhaps poor books, pictures, music, or fashions?
The Lord has not given to a woman the place of leader, but of “helpmeet”, and this “virtuous” woman was busy and content in the place God gave, so is an example to girls and women and also to every Christian to be busy for the Lord in a right place.
These verses and many others from the New Testament would teach much the same lessons as the poem of the good woman.
“That women adorn themselves in most apparel, with...sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, But (which becometh women professing godliness), with good works.” 1 Tim. 2:9,109In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9‑10).
ML 06/01/1941