The passage from Proverbs 31 is a hymn of praise to the capable woman. It describes a woman who stepped into leadership and led her household with integrity, discipline, and skill. The following thoughts help with reflection on the Law of Influence.
| Her strengths | Her attitude |
|---|---|
| She is trustworthy. (11) | She works diligently. (13) |
| She has a positive influence. (12) | She lives busily. (18) |
| She works hard. (13-14, 19, 24-27) | She is compassionate. (20) |
| She plans wisely. (21-22) | She is not selfish. (20) |
| She watches over her household (27) | She is dignified (25) |
| Her results | Her recognition |
|---|---|
| She meets the needs of her household. (15) | Her family praises her. (28) |
| She invests wisely for the good of her household. (16) | Her husband praises her. (28-29) |
| She keeps herself fit. (17) | God's Word praises her. (30) |
| She helps her husband succeed. (23) | Her own deeds praise her. (31) |
Proverbs 31:10-31
The praise of a virtuous woman
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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