The worthy woman

Proverbs 31:10-31 has long been a favorite passage for women to study and emulate. The virtuous characteristics make the heart swell as God describes the “perfect” woman. Hopefully, all men seek a woman like this to be their wife, and women make themselves into this image to the perfect “helpmeet.”

But there are a few parts of this description of a worthy woman that apply to all of us, and it will be good to concentrate on them.

First, she helps the poor. Proverbs 31:20 says, “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” For us, Galatians 6:9-10 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Benevolence is a wonderful fruit of the gospel.

Second, she is industrious. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” In the New Testament, Paul wrote, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). God created us to work, not to lie around. The worthy woman showed her worth by activity.

Third, she is justified. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:30-31). In James 2:24, 26, James wrote, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only … For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” If anyone will work righteous works like the worthy woman, they can be justified.

As you can see, she is a wonderful example, showing several great attributes that are found in the New Testament. She is not only good for women to think about, but for men too!

Kyle Campbell