Proverbs 31 Woman Part 4

Proverbs 31:23-28 

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.

She builds up her husband – verse 23: “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” In the middle of the description of the virtuous woman, suddenly this verse says nothing about her. This verse speaks only of her husband. I thought that was kind of out of place, but think about it: you know that saying that “behind every great man is a great woman”? Well, read this verse: Proverbs 12:4: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” The woman can either build up her husband or tear him down. The virtuous woman’s husband is well known in the gates and with the elders. He is respected and his wife does nothing to tear him down. As previously established, I am not married and have no husband, but what about those around me? Am I building them up or tearing their reputation down?

She is not lazy, she works and sells – verse 24: “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” Many women impoverish their families by buying things that are not necessary. The virtuous woman is not proud and does not think herself too high to help provide for her family.

Strength and honor are two words that describe her – verse 25:  “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” The virtuous woman has not only dressed herself with fine linen (Proverbs 31:22) but has also clothed her inner self. Strength and honor both come from the Lord (Psalm 27:1: “…the LORD is the strength of my life…” and Psalm 21:5: “…honour and majesty hat thou laid upon him.”). The virtuous woman knows where strength and honor come from and to be clothed with it, we must seek God because only in Him can we find it!

Her words are wise and kind – verse 26: “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Words are so powerful! They can heal but they can also hurt; they can build but they can also break, they can show love but they can also show loathing… Matthew 12:34: “…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” The wisdom and kindness of the virtuous woman show what is in her heart.  What is in our hearts? What we say reflects what we are inside.

Watches over her house and works to keep it going well – verse 27: “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” She keeps watch, she is alert, looking and protecting her family from any danger that can harm them. This is not simply setting up spy cameras and checking in once in a while…this is serious stuff! She investigates to make sure each of her family members are safe physically, emotionally and spiritually. This is hard work to keep up with everyone and everything. She is not lazy! She is occupied with doing the right things that she has no time for laziness and slothfulness.

She teaches her family well and they recognize and praise her – verse 28:  “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” If anyone knows how much she has worked, it should be those who live with her. Those closest to her see how she invests into her loved ones and they recognize this. She does not seek praise but does what God commands of her and she is rewarded because of her faithfulness. Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”