The Value of a God-Fearing Woman

by Teri Spray

Have you ever felt like slumping in your chair when someone mentions The Proverbs 31 Woman? She begins her work in the dark of the morning and burns the candle into the dark of night, she brings food from afar, and then she makes all of her own textiles and garments. Next, she also buys and sells linens and even plants a vineyard! Oh my! Recently, the Lord drew me back to these verses to take another look. Here is the good news I feel God revealed as I read these verses in context.

I believe most of us have read it all wrong! When reading the entire verse of Proverbs 31, I discovered something amazing. This entire chapter is written by King Lemuel, (who some scholars believe to be King Solomon) who is reporting the teachings of his own mother. (Queen Bathsheba?) We know Solomon was a son who respected his mother. (1 Kings 2:19) We also know that Solomon had a terrible weakness for women. He ended up with over 700 wives and 300 concubines, most of whom were not virtuous women and eventually led him astray. (1 Kings 11:1-13) Either way, it is important to read these verses in context, as a mother's advice to her son.

The chapter begins with general words of wisdom to the king about caring for his people. He is encouraged to care for the poor and needy and to judge them fairly, then the queen goes on to explain the value of a woman of virtue.

Strategically placed at the end of the pages of Proverbs, are a mother's words of wisdom about women. These important verses stand here as an epilogue to the entire book of wisdom. I can imagine Solomon was probably groaning to his mother about his woes with women. Perhaps the queen had seen many problems in the palace with the king's pagan wives. Apparently theses verses were actually the queen's instructions to her son to pursue a God-fearing woman. Perhaps he was saying such things as "Women, they're nothin' but trouble!" I can't help but smile when I imagine these words spoken with a "jewish mother's inflection."

We can only imagine the kind of trouble he might have been having with his hundreds of pagan wives! Here his wise mother responds with words he probably heard repeatedly over the years as she encouraged him to seek out a woman of noble character, for then he will discover a much better life.

Bible teachers often warn us not to take scripture out of context. Sadly, these verses are almost always read out of context. Another good principle of bible reading is to keep the biblical culture in mind as one studies scripture. When you read the story of Esther in Babylon, you find that a woman was oiled and prepared for 12 months before presentation to the king.

It is important to remember that women of this culture had little more value than jewelry. To many, they were regarded only as mere ornamentation to their husbands. How appropriate it is that the first verse regarding women compares a woman to jewels. His mother goes on to define the VALUE of a woman with noble character:

10) A virtuous noble woman is worth more than rubies. (She is worth more than jewels; she IS a jewel!)
11) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (She's worth every dime, Solomon!)

12) A virtuous woman will bring good to you and not harm all of the days of your life. (You won't regret marrying this one!)

13) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (She will work hard and take care of her own needs.)

14) She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. (She will bring you good things.)

15) She gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family. (This kind of woman will want to do good things for her family. She will do things in the dark which you may not even notice! She is a provider, not a consumer!) She provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. (She will administrate your household fairly.)

16) She buys fields and plants them (This is the kind of woman who is wise and resourceful.)

17) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (Here is a woman of stamina and strength.)

18) She sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp doesn't go out at night. (This woman will walk in wisdom which will become profitable to you and the kingdom! She will continue to think and plan into the night.)

19) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. (Virtuous women develop themselves into skillful women.)

20) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (This kind of woman is kind to others in the kingdom.)

21) When it snows, she has no fear for her household for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (She takes care of those in her household. She treats them like the royalty they are.)

22) She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (This woman knows how to look good and will please her husband in the bedroom.)

23) Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. (A virtuous, God-fearing woman will bring honor to her husband.)

24) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. (This is a woman who is capable of supporting herself.)

25) She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come. (This woman is a long-lasting upstanding person and is a joy to be around.)

26) She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (Just what every king needs in a queen!)

27) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Her work ethic shows as she cares for her household.)

28) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (A virtuous woman is a blessing to her husband and her children and they appreciate her.)

29) Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Beware, my King, my son, for charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is the one to praise, not the others.)

30) Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Acknowledge the virtuous woman! Let her receive the praise due her.)

The style of writing is also quite different here. In most of the proverbs, we read that the righteous do this... but the fool does that. Here the behavior of the "pagan wife" is left in the mind of the reader.

Doesn't this make more sense now? It certainly helped me when I read the verses from this perspective. Instead of comparing myself with an imaginary "super-virtuous-woman", I can now examine these wonderful verses and see my value to my husband and children. Because mothers do many things which often go unnoticed by others, it is encouraging to know that each of our hidden deeds and virtues have great value in God's kingdom.