I believe all Christian women aspire to emulate the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman. Though unnamed, she has achieved legendary status; and countless books, devotionals, and articles have been written extolling her. I have often seen her virtues listed out, but as I reread this passage recently, I was struck by her actions:
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (vs. 13)
…she bringeth her food from afar. (vs. 14)
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,… (vs. 15)
She considereth a field, and buyeth it:…she planteth a vineyard. (vs. 16)
She girdeth her loins…and strengtheneth her arms. (vs. 17)
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:… (vs. 18)
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and…hold the distaff. (vs. 19)
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (vs. 20)
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry;… (vs. 22)
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles… (vs. 24)
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;… (vs. 26)
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (vs. 27)
Summed up in our common vernacular, the virtuous woman worked.
Sadly, we live in a culture that despises work. Self-care and relaxation are paramount. We are told that our rest is essential, that our needs and wants are most important, and that the ultimate goal in life is to be able to sleep in and follow our own schedule every day. Work is a bother, a drudge, and something to be avoided. If we are depressed, our modern day society tells us that it is because our children require too much effort from us. If we are anxious, it is because our work schedule is too taxing and rigid. If we are overwhelmed, it is because our housework is too rigorous.
We as Christian women should strive to avoid this mindset. Work is a gift from God and any work done for His honor and glory is a blessing to ourselves and to others. The work that the virtuous woman did was not easy (personally, I find the …riseth also while it is yet night… particularly difficult) and required much time and skill. The rewards for that work, though, were well worth her ceaseless efforts. Galatians 6:9 tells us, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
At the end of Proverbs 31, we find the harvest that the virtuous woman received. In verse 28, we see that she received the commendation of her family: Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. In verse 29, we see that she received the commendation of God: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Then in verse 31, we see that her own works commended her: Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her own works praise her in the gates.
It is good for us to consider our own diligence. How is the fruit of our hands? Are our work ethics honorable to God and our families? May we strive to work as the virtuous woman worked.
by Abigail Medford
