Proverbs 31 Devotional Handbook

devotional handbook

By: Laura T. Tate

A woman of outstanding character.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is an example of outstanding character. Her radiant and shining character is clearly evident when we take the time to read about her and get to know her. I want to point out that the Proverbs 31 Woman has no name! Why? Because she is a conglomerate of Every type of woman. In the rest of this book, we will go through the characteristics of this ideal woman verse by verse as found in her “biography” of Proverbs 31:10-31.

She is Virtuous

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

Proverbs. 31:10

What is Virtue?

Behavior showing high moral standards. Righteous, Good.

Reading through Proverbs 31:11-31 we can clearly see that (in her own way) the Proverbs 31 Woman is a force! She is quick, hardworking, energetic, vigilant, strong, and probably wealthy. Why not use a military-like word to describe her?

It’s fitting when we think about her overall character. She is not a weakling.

The Virtuous Woman is strong in her.......

Faith She fears the Lord and finds her strength in Him (Phil. 4:13) Character Her Character is strong, Without diligence and a strong

work ethic, she would never be able to do what she does.

It takes a lot of energy and a healthy body to do her work and to do it well.

She is clearly a level-headed woman who plans her work.

Physical Mind

As you can see, the word “virtue” is a very fitting. She is a force strength and is fortified by the strength of the Lord. (Phil. 4:13) The Proverbs 31 Woman is indeed

Virtuous

She is a Trustworthy Woman “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” Proverbs 31:11 Even when times are hard, for better or for worse- she chooses to be kind. She speaks with love and respect instead of talking down to him.

She doesn’t go behind his back to get her way. Her marriage means more to her than being right, proving a point, or venting to her girlfriends about her husband’s mistakes.

Her husband knows he can trust her in other ways as well. He can trust her to…

Family

Care for the – she loves him, cares for the children, and is the competent wife and mother that she needs to be.

Home

Keep the -she takes care of the cleaning, shopping, cooking, and other practical areas of household management.

Character

Be vigilant in – she will remain faithful to her husband, her family, and her God because she is a woman of outstanding character.

Above all, the reason the Proverbs 31 Woman is trustworthy is because she is a woman of character. Her husband has full confidence in her because he trusts her character.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is indeed

Trustworthy

She does Good “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

Proverbs 31:12 The word “good” has the idea of “the best”. As much as possible the Proverbs 31 Woman does what is best for her husband. In the same definition I was was thrilled to find some of my favorite words. When the Proverbs 31 Woman does “good” for her husband she does what is “the best” for him and it adds “beauty”, “joy”, and “gladness” to his life. What a treasure this woman is to her husband!

What are some “good” things (found in Scripture) that this woman does for her husband?

Speaks kind and uplifting words (Proverbs 31:26 Submits

to and obeys him (Ephesians 5:22 & 1 Peter 3:5-6)

Pleases him physically (Proverbs 5:19 & 1 Corinthians 3:3-4) Builds up their home -through encouragement and wisdom (Proverbs 14:1)

Honors and respects him (Ephesians 5:33) Feeds

Feeds him good and nutritious meals (Proverbs 31:15) …and more…

Are you beginning to see what a wonderful treasure this woman is to her husband? All the “good” things she does for him, whether it’s speaking a kind word or filling his empty stomach, she adds joy and gladness to his heart and life.

The Proverbs 31 Woman does

Good

She is Willing to Work “She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.” Proverbs 31:13 A virtuous woman is not above dirtying her hands and working hard at manual labor. She has no illusions or pretensions about her role. She knows that productivity and wealth begin with her hands, not with her mouth. Though capable of using her brain to leverage her assets and labor, she has no qualms about adding her sweat equity to the family estate. Let every lazy or pampered woman humble herself before this wisdom from God. This woman works hard and finds joy in doing her work. She doesn’t grumble and complain when more work is added to her load… instead she makes sure she has what she needs to do her work, then she rolls up her sleeves and does the job – willingly and joyfully.

Everything in the Bible has a purpose, down to every word. It’s no accident that verse 13 specifically mentions wool and flax. Wool is a protective covering of sheep and used to keep them warm in the winter. Flax is a blue-flowered herbaceous plant that is cultivated for its seed. It’s commonly used to make textiles like linen, a fabric is often worn in summer months.

She didn’t rush, she planned ahead and carefully selected quality fabrics for her family, one to keep them warm and the other to keep them cool.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a willing to

Work

She provides food for her family.

“She is like the merchants’s ships; she brings her food from afar.” Proverbs 31:14 Merchant ships are not the fastest, but they are the most cost-effective.

She goes beyond her neighborhood to find the best resources. She finds joy in homemaking and buying quality ingredients for her family.

This verse teaches us a very practical lesson about the Proverbs 31 Woman.

We see that she is diligent in purchasing the food needed for her family.

How would that apply to women of today?

Well, if you are a homemaker or stay at home mom, you could sell items that you made at home, not that much different than in biblical times, for money to use for food. If you work outside the home, you would use the money you earned from your job to purchase the groceries. It is kind of like an import/export thing. In order to buy something (import) you must sell something (make money) that way you are not taking anything away from the household.

In short, I think Proverbs 31:14 means that a virtuous woman is a woman who provides food for her family using her own means, which she earns through selling (trading)her goods or working for wages.

Once again, when the right perspective is applied, it doesn’t seem that hard.

The Proverbs 31 Woman provides food for her

Family

She is an early riser “She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” Proverbs 31:15 Just because The Proverbs 31 Woman rises early doesn’t mean she’s a natural morning person. This verse simply tells us she is diligent in rising early.This woman is not a slave to sleep. She knows that in order to get her work done, she needs to wake up early. She begins her work before the days even begins.

SHE WAKES UP WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE How she rises is just as important as the hour she rises.

The Proverbs 31 Woman wakes up with plenty of time in the morning to quietly talk with Jesus, dive into His word, worship, get herself ready, and take care of her family. She has a plan before the day starts and is ready to tackle what needs to be done.

God is a God of order and all things we do must be done unto the Lord Jesus. Therefore a godly, Proverbs 31 woman will know when is the best time for her to rise in the morning so that she can make the best use of her time; and will set herself a bedtime accordingly.

One of the greatest gifts we have from the Lord our God is the gift of sleep.

To be able to sleep peacefully every night and rise, refreshed, with renewed strength is truly an abundant blessing from our Father who is in Heaven (Psalm 4:8). God commands His children to work and to rest.

The Proverbs 31 Woman wakes up

Early

She makes wise financial decisions "She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16 To consider means, “to think about, contemplate, reflect on, examine.”

She’s business-savvy, doesn’t jump into commitments without much thought, prays over decisions and seeks guidance from her husband. She’s not afraid of hard work and uses what she has already earned instead of going into debt.

Being an extremely capable woman, she decides to buy a field and she also plants a vineyard (goodness, she has both!). Before she purchases her field she takes time to consider it. Knowing the wisdom of the this fine lady, I have a feeling she took several things into consideration before purchasing a field…

The Lord

– Being a woman who fears the Lord (v. 30), I am sure she sought wisdom from Him before purchasing her new field.

Her Husband

– She probably asked her husband’s opinion and wisely considered his thoughts and advice as well.

The Lord

– Would this field be a benefit to her family? Would it add to her family by providing them with food (or cash profit)? Would it take away from her family by taking up too much of her time and money?

I believe the Proverbs 31 Woman would have considered all of these things.

This woman clearly has business-savvy, common sense, and a wise head on her shoulders.

The Proverbs 31 Woman makes

Wise Decisions

She is physically strong “She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms.”

Proverbs 31:17 The Hebrew phrase “she dresses herself” translates “to gird up the loins.”

A girdle is an undergarment, usually made of material like leather or cloth.

Its purpose is to fasten a tunic (outer clothing) to the waist. It was frequently used to hold items like weapons, tools or money. In situations where men needed to work or do physical activity- they would tuck the hem of the garment into the girdle so they had more freedom to move around.

“To gird up the loins” means to be prepared for service, ready to work (both physically and spiritually). Today that would look like rolling up our sleeves.

The virtuous woman clothes herself in Christ’s strength, studies the Word, takes responsibility, and gird’s up the loins- equipping her for the day ahead. Here we see her taking the time to strengthen her body. In a sense this woman is working out! She is not going to let her body become weak, she is proactively staying healthy, fit, and strong. She knows that in order to accomplish everything on her to-do list she needs to be physically fit and strong.

To me this verse is shouting it’s lesson loud and clear: The Proverbs 31 Woman is taking time out of her busy schedule to maintain and even increase her physical strength.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is physically

Strong

She is Industrious “She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hand to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” Proverbs 31:18-19 The Hebrew word for ‘perceive‘ means, “to taste.” She personally sees things through instead of just talking about it. She is a great manager of the home and thrifty in her spending. She uses her God-given abilities to make a profit.

The Hebrew word for ‘lamp‘ (fueled by olive oil), by extension: “life, as a burning lamp; light, showing the way of truth.”

We see the same Hebrew word for ‘lamp‘ in Matthew 5:14-16: This amazing lady not only runs a smooth household, she has a business as well! Here we find her diligently working during the evening and into the night. As a result, she is earning some income because the word “merchandise” means “profit (from trade)”. This is yet another way the Proverbs 31 Woman blesses her husband and family. Her diligence is paying off, literally. She is a financial asset to her husband and family.

We also see that her work is quality. It’s good. And once again, the definition of “good” also has the idea of being “the best”.

The Proverbs 31 Woman makes sure that her endeavors are worthwhile, profitable, and quality.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is

Industrious

She has compassion “She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20 It amazes me how often this lady is busy working with her hands. Now we find her reaching out to those who are poor and needy. One of the reasons I started the National Association of Virtuous Women Inc in the first place.

The Proverbs 31 Woman sees the needs of others and is quick to respond.

I can just see her blessing others by fulfilling…

– Whether it's a hot meal, money, or warm clothing, she is willing to help supply the physical needs of others.

Physical Needs

Emotional Needs

– She is willing to lend a listening ear, a loving hug, or simply, an encouraging word (Proverbs 31:26 and Ephesians 4:32).

She is always ready and willing to help fulfill the emotional needs of others as well.

The Proverbs 31 Woman notices those who are poor and needy, afflicted and empty. She does was she can in order to help them. She doesn’t do it for a pat on the back or recognition, but with pure motives and a loving spirit.

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

– 1 John 3:17-18 The Proverbs 31 Woman is

Compassionate

She is Prepared “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:21 Here we see that the Proverbs 31 Woman is prepared. She is not afraid of the coming winter because she has already prepared the clothing her family needs. This takes foresight and diligence as well as good planning.

Clearly, this woman is an excellent planner -she has to be! Just think of how blessed her family is by her good planning and “preparedness”.

Winter is often thought of as arid, barren and fruitless. Symbolically, winter can represent times of spiritual, emotional, social and economical scarcity. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 was not afraid of the winter season because she and her family are clothed in the Blood of Jesus – the security and comfort that comes from a relationship with Him. As Christian women, God has entrusted to us the well being of our family.

We are to envelop them with the Blood of Jesus by leading them closer to Him, and support them with the talents and skills God has given us. Our household will then be properly sheathed for the dark and barren winters of life!

We are guaranteed this life will bring storms and trials. We, as Christians, are not immune to these hardships. But the woman who fears the Lord d is not afraid of what will come tomorrow. She has faithfully prepared her house and puts her trust in God alone.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is

Prepared

She is Well Dressed “She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” Proverbs 31:22 Here we see that the Proverbs 31 Woman dresses well. Silk is a very beautiful and fine quality fabric. This woman doesn’t dress in a cheap or shabby way at all.

Not only does she wear silk, but she wears purple as well. ( My favorite color) The mention of the color purple is no coincidence, it does mean something. Back in Bible times, the color purple was a sign of wealth.

Due to the expense involved with producing purple dye, it was usually the wealthy who wore clothing of purple fabric.

From this verse, I gather that the Proverbs 31 Woman…

Focuses on quality (not quantity) when purchasing or making clothing Is neat (not sloppy) in her appearance Realizes that what she wears says something about her This woman is wise and discerning in the everyday, daily matter of dress.

As Christian women, we represent the bride of Christ– in our actions, our speech, and how we present ourselves. He created us, fearfully and wonderfully, in His image.

There’s a difference in taking care of your appearance by dressing well than being obsessed with how you look and what the world says about you. The Proverbs 31 Woman was classy and presented herself well, but her focus was always on Christ. And that’s what grabbed people’s attention.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is

Well Dressed

She has a Well Respected Husband “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.” Proverbs 31:23 The Proverbs 31 Woman’s husband is likely in a position of authority. While she manages the home, he works in the community. Neither tries “to do it all”, but both understand that together they are unified, one flesh, stronger, and more effective together. Have you ever considered the impact you can have on your husband? Imagine for just a moment the respect you can bring to your husband because of YOUR Godly character!

He is known in the gates – this is referring to the gates of the city. This is where the leaders and businessmen gathered. Men who worked and were known in the gates were not just ordinary men, but important, established and well-respected men.

He sits among the elders of the land – here we see her husband is associated with the wise and esteemed men of the land. Most likely these are not just older men but leaders and men of influence.

Her husband is both respectable and respected. Could it be possible that people respect her husband because they also respect and admire the wife who stands behind him?

Other people respect her husband, but there is not doubt in my mind that the person who respects and esteems this man above all others is the Proverbs 31 Woman herself. She is her husband’s #1 supporter, helper, and friend (v. 11).

The Proverbs 31 Woman has a well

Respected Husband

She is Business Minded “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.” Proverbs 31:24 Are there ways you could be enterprising for your family? Do you feel God leading you in that direction? Here we see she has different ways of bringing in additional income to her household, in a way that does not compromise her values.

Do you notice that we don't hear about her business until after she has established her home? Love this, God has always done things decently and in order and expects the same from us. God wants to send us a clear and very important message: Keeping our priorities in focus and having our homes in order. She was a willing eager worker, she respected her husband, she reached out to those in need, she was organized and prepared for all the seasons of life.

She took care of home as an excellent homemaker and then she went out and did business. Our focus must be on “home” first. Once home is established and running well, then God will open up doors for you to move and do other things – like start a business!

Your profitability in business and other enterprising ventures, will be a direct reflection of the profitability of your home.

I truly believe if you want the anointing, grace, and favor of God to show up in your business, take care of home first!

The Proverbs 31 Woman has

Business Minded

She is Adorned with Honor “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” Proverbs 31:25 Once again, we read about the clothing of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

However, this time it’s not literal clothing but garments of character.

There are three traits mentioned in this verse: strength, honour, and joy.

– “magnificence, that is, ornament or splendor: – beauty, Honor comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honor, majesty” (Strong’s Concordance).

Wow! Because this woman is practically clothed in honor, this definition creates a wonderful picture in my mind. Actually, it makes me think of Proverbs 12:1: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…” Proverbs 12:1 These words were carefully chosen.

– “boldness, loud, might, power” Strength

Dignity

– “beauty, excellency, glorious, glory, honor” Wearing strength and dignity as clothing is symbolic of her attitude, not her physical apparel.

A crown is a sign of honor and we know from verse 25 that this woman displays honor as if she’s clothed in it.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is

Adorned with Honor

She speaks with Wisdom “She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 Words are powerful; sometimes it’s not what we say, but how we say it.

Our tongue can cause an abundance of good or a world of destruction.

The tongue is such a difficult member of the body to control (James 3:2) and yet, the Proverbs 31 Woman seems to have learned the secret to a selfcontrolled tongue. When she uses her tongue we see that she speaks words of…

- she is a wise woman, and when she speaks she is doing so Wisdom in a wise manner. Not only are her words wise, but I believe she displays wisdom in the timing and tact of her words as well. You won't her gossiping or talking bad about others.

- her words are gentle and soothing, not rude, harsh or Kindness

insensitive. Her family and friends know that when they speak to her, they will hear words of kindness.

The Proverbs 31 Woman used her mouth to speak wisdom, life, and kindness. She was not gossiping, backbiting, slandering, comparing herself to others.

Do you speak words of Purpose?

Your carefulness to speak words of wisdom, life, and kindness tell of your character and Godliness.

The Proverbs 31 Woman speaks

Wisdom

She is not idle “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27 Have you heard the expression, “An idle mind is the Devil’s playground?”

Satan loves idleness. If our mind is not rooted in Christ, it’s easier for Satan to slither his way in. Idleness can breed gossip and jealousy, or feelings of anxiety.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 The Proverbs 31 Woman tended her family and her household. She was so diligent in the pursuit of God’s plan for their lives that she did not have time to eat the bread of idleness. (aka she wasn’t a busy body.)

Decide that you don’t have time for any of that. If you stay busy focused on your calling and tending to your household, you can avoid all of it.

I want to encourage you to get so caught up in Jesus and God’s plans for you and your family’s life that idleness and all of her silly girlfriends pass you by!

Let kindness, wisdom, and life come from your mouth. You are impacting SO MANY people!

The Proverbs 31 Woman is not

Idle

She is a woman of integrity “Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:28 This verse is an incredibly powerful statement about her character. The people who know her best, the ones she lives with and sees on a regular basis, through good times and bad, call her blessed.

Family is up close and personal. When she’s at home, cooking a meal or scrubbing the floors, her children are watching and picking up on her attitude. After a long day, she greets her husband with love and respect instead of complaining and gossip. She’s the same person at home, worshiping in church, or walking in front of crowds.

Here we see that both her children and her husband bless and praise her.

They are beyond thankful for this wonderful wife and mother.

I was thrilled to see that the word “praiseth” means “to shine” (Strong’s).

She has a husband who praises her for her excellent character and hard work. Her husband is proud to speak of her and she shines in the eyes of others because of his praise.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful for your husband and family to say the same thing about you? There are so many women who have done wonderful things, but YOU excel all of them! There is no comparison to you!

I want my family to speak of this about me. I want it for you, too!

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman of

Integrity

She is a woman who excels “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excels them all.” Proverbs 31:29 We just saw that the Proverbs 31 Woman shines, but she also excels. I can just imagine her husband speaking the words of this verse. The Proverbs 31 Woman stands out among all the others, she surpasses them.

The Hebrew word used for “excellest” means to “ascend” and the same Hebrew word is used in Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount [ascend] up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

This woman makes a difference in the life of her family. She didn’t grow weary in caring for their needs. Instead, ministered through her daily actions, humble attitude, and words of kindness.

Just like the eagle, this woman rises above the others.

Do we take the same time and level of intensity to evaluate our lives and work on the areas necessary to grow?

I ask myself this question because at the end of the day day, we want our husband, children, family, and friends to rise up and call us blessed! We want them to have words of praise and adoration for the kind of woman we’ve become and the kind of life we’ve lived before God.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman who

Excels

She Fears the Lord “Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 We have seen that the Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman of outstanding character and strength. I believe this verse contains her secret… she fears the Lord. The Proverbs 31 Woman honors, reverences, and loves the Lord.

Because of her fear of the Lord she also values His Word and His promises.

Above all else, she fears the Lord. To “fear the Lord” means to “stand in awe of Him, to respect Him.” Everything she does is out of pure love and respect for God, not earthly praise- that fades. Beauty fades. Fame fades.

Eternity with Christ is forever.

The best character trait we could ever hope to develop, in this life, is to be a woman who fears the Lord.

Fear in this scripture means:

Reverence Honor Respect

It is obvious this woman had a fear for the Lord because look at all she did!

She was diligent in her work, resourcefulness with all she had, giving to those in need, enterprising, speaking wisdom and so much MORE! The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman who

Fears the Lord

She is fruitful “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:31 The virtuous woman doesn’t seek out praise or do good deeds because she wants people to see her. Her motives are pure and she’s fully aware that her rewards are in Heaven.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10 All throughout this passage of Scripture, we see the Proverbs 31 Woman using her hands. Now, at the end of the chapter we see her hard work and diligence paying off. Because of her hard work, she sees results. The Proverbs 31 Woman is worthy of having her name spoken of in the city gates. “…for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 We reap what we sow. The Proverbs 31 Woman is the example of a woman that “sows” with diligence and determination and then reaps a bountiful and blessed harvest.

I truly believe a woman who delights herself in the Lord is a Proverbs 31 Woman. Because of this, she will receive the fruit of her hands and everything she deserves.

If I can encourage you. . .

Keep seeking after the heart of God. Keep developing your Godly character.

Keep the lessons you’ve learned about being a Virtuous Woman close to you.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman who is

Fruitful