Scripture:
[10] An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
[11]The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
[12] She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
[30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Observation:
This is the depiction of what we know now as the Proverbs 31 woman – what was thought to be an ideal godly woman.
Verses 10 – 12 and 30 – 31 make good bookends.
vs 1-10 tell how precious and valuable this virtuous woman is in the eyes of man.
vs 30 – 31 tell how this godly woman will be praised and rewarded by God.
Application:
The attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman are still relevant and very important today – worshiping God and defined by strength, dignity, wisdom, faithfulness.
This godly woman should expect the same attributes in her man – worshiping God and defined by strength, dignity, wisdom, faithfulness.
It isn’t charm and outer beauty that makes this woman more precious than jewels. Those characteristics can be deceiving and ultimately fade. Loving the Lord and worshiping him is what truly refines and defines her.
Just like any of us, her salvation comes by grace through faith. But, this woman of virtue will be honored by God for her virtue and for living a life worshiping, honoring, and glorifying him. Again, this is just as relevant and important for a man.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for selecting me to be the husband of a God fearing wife who worships you and sets you rightfully above all else. Without you shaping me, she would have no interest in being my wife. Help me be the man of character, strength, wisdom and faithfulness that she deserves. Lord I pray that the women of our church use this as a checklist of what you desire from a godly woman and that the men of our church not only look for a virtuous woman but be the man of character this type of woman deserves. I pray all of this in Jesus’ mighty name.