Aspiring To Be A Virtuous Woman

Written by Sheryl Shaffer

Last month we began looking at the character qualities of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Our assignment for the month was to evaluate our own character along side this woman after God’s own heart.

Did you make an effort to practice the traits that made this Proverbs 31 woman virtuous? Several mentioned to me that they copied these traits off and put them in their Bible so that they could go over them each day during their devotion time. That is the thinking of a woman who is truly aspiring to be a Biblically thinking woman!

Let’s talk about some more of these qualities...

Trait #8: “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” Proverbs 31:17

This verse is not challenging a woman to hit the gym or enroll in an aerobics class! The reason women need the gym or aerobics, is because we don’t work like women once had to work. We are no longer washing our clothes on a rock or by hand in a tub. Thus, we are not strengthening our arms with physical labor. The Proverbs 31 woman was a hard worker and that hard work made her strong. 21st century women need to get off the couch and get back to doing housework, gardening and the daily chores that will build strength. A good woman is willing to do this.

Trait #9: “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”

This competent woman takes much stock of her work. She perceives whether it is done right or whether something needs to be improved. She is not satisfied with the mediocre. What a dependable sense of endurance this lady has!

Trait #10: “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”

This monotonous task is nothing short of boring over the long haul. This was once the way women worked for hours on end. This hard working woman was willing to do the same chores....over and over again. Are you? Do your dishes sit beside the sink for several days because you don’t feel like doing them? You are not a virtuous woman.

Trait #11: “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

Part of what drives this woman to work so hard, is the generous, compassionate spirit that she possesses. Her benevolence is seen and felt as she reacts to the distresses and sufferings of others. A woman who can show mercy and compassion, and give to those in need, despite what they have done or have not done to her, is truly a virtuous woman. What a reflection of the Heavenly Father, compassion and mercy are! Oh, to always be that kind of woman....

Trait #12: “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”

Because she has planned so well every area of life for herself and her family, she is not at all afraid of sudden changes in plans or harsh circumstances that may arise. She is already prepared! She is a true visionary! What a novel idea, planning ahead is! A Godly woman will have no need to panic if she has made preparation for the unexpected company or the surprise unplanned event. She is not afraid. What a comfort to the whole family she is!


Trait #13: “She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

This is one area that is so lost in our culture. It is barely cost efficient anymore to sew. The price of fabric has gone through the roof. Yet, if you really want to dress modestly, crafting your own clothing is a real asset.

This woman is skilled in sewing. She is a proficient decorator of her home by making beautiful wall and bed coverings as well as beautiful clothing for herself and her family. What a woman! I envision her as a real beauty here. Obviously there is no frumpiness to this virtuous woman!

Trait #14: “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”

Have you ever seen a wife who reflects badly upon her good husband? She can hold him back from being used of God in positions of spiritual leadership....just because of her personal testimony or manner of life. That is a serious condemnation on a Christian woman. A Godly woman will live in such a way that her husband excels and has the time to be a ruler. His well kept home will reflect well on her but it also makes him look good too! Get busy ladies....Your husband is known by you.

Trait #15: “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchants.”

Here she goes again...What an entrepreneur she is! She finds ways to stay at home and yet help her husband financially. There are many times when a man needs the extra help in the financial support of the family. Is there anything you can do to bring in a few extra dollars and still remain the keeper of the home? I have seen many women learn a craft, make jewelry, make breads, cookies and cakes or do catering, to bring in extra money for the family budget. This woman is organized and manages things well. She looks for ways to relieve the financial burden her husband carries.

Do you have a picture yet, of just how priceless and rare this kind of woman is? Yet, she is what we are all to be striving for. She is not super woman or super saint. She is super dedicated and willing, to being a spiritually minded wife and mother. A woman...after God’s own heart.