Amazing Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman [Proverbs 31 Bible Study]

What’s Inside: Do you want to be a Virtuous Woman? Learn About the Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman According to the Book of Proverbs.

Look at most social media accounts and you will find lives that are perfectly curated and polished.

Hair… perfect.

Clothing… only the best.

Location… you won’t find many typical neighborhood photos. But you will find on location resorts.

Is this standard something that the average Christian women should try to attain? What qualities does God deem important in the life of godly women today?

And one more question…what are the main qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman?

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  See my full disclosure here.)

For that answer, let’s look at Proverbs 31:10. In the King James version of the Bible the word ḥayil is translated as virtuous. In the New International version, it is translated as noble character. The New English version calls her excellent and the Holman Christian Bible calls her capable.

All of these are wonderful descriptions of what she is, but personally, I think the term virtuous woman describes her the best as the one whose priorities were focused on God and serving her family in all areas of life.

What does God’s word say about the qualities of a virtuous woman? Are the characteristics of a virtuous woman attainable? What plumb line shall we measure ourselves to, in our desire to become a woman of God as a modern Proverbs 31 woman who is a follower of Christ Jesus?

Thankfully, the following verses from book of Proverbs tells us what a virtuous woman of proverbs should look like. We’re going to use Proverbs 31:10-31 as our starting point and dig deep into what a women of virtue should be. If she seems perfect you’ll want to read to the end. Let’s look at both little things and large that come straight from God’s word.

You’re in for a treat Creative Sister! As I was preparing this Bible study, I was surprised at every different role the woman of Proverbs lived out and how it relates to our own lives today.

Note: This analysis of the Bible verses from Proverbs is a verse by verse study. I tried to do the verses in the order of how they were written but some of them overlap. In instances where they do overlap, the best thing for me to was compile those related verses together for ease of reading and understanding.

Can you take a sec to stop and pray to ask God to help you to be the type of woman that He wants you to be? Whether you are a single women or married, chances are you are reading this because you have a heart to be a godly woman who follows after the heart of God.

Did you take a minute to pray? That’s amazing!

Will you be the one who can raise your hand and say, “Here I am, Lord. Make me a Proverbs 31 woman”. Let’s look at the second portion of verse 2 for the answer of who can find a virtuous woman.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  See my full disclosure here.)

She is Scarce

 Who can find a virtuous woman? 

Proverbs 31:10a

Proverbs 1:10 asks the rhetorical question, who can find a virtuous woman? At least I’d like to think it was rhetorical.

Where is she sweet sister? When you look in the mirror in the morning, are you looking at a godly woman with a strong faith?

I pray so!

What this looks like in today’s world: Godly and virtuous woman are scarce. They aren’t a common thing that you will find everywhere. Today’s women of good character are found in churches and homes not bragging about who they are. They just live it.

She is Valuable

for her price is far above rubies

Proverbs 31:10b

In the Bible times when Proverbs 31 was written, it was common for a man to pay a dowry or a price for his future wife to the parents. Some cultures still practice this custom today. Rubies are mentioned eight times in the BIble and they are always associated with wisdom and beauty. Did you notice that her cost isn’t the same as rubies? It’s far ABOVE rubies. Her value surpasses costly jewels. A woman of virtue has an eternal impact on her husband, her little children, her friends and those to whom she comes in contact with! Her value will resonate here on earth but also in heaven for her sacrifices made in living a life in fear of the Lord.

What this looks like in today’s world: The value of a modern day proverbs woman is far more valuable than any amount of money or gem. What she gives to her family and life will have heavenly repercussions that will last for eternity.

Trustworthy

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Proverbs 31:11

In any good marriage there needs to be trust. It is the bedrock of any solid marriage. The word trust in the Hebrew is בָּטַח which means to have confidence in, to be bold to trust in and to be secure. The heart of her husband trusts in her implicitly.

In Bible times, it was common for men to go to war and to capture ‘spoil’ from those who they went to battle with. A victorious man in battle could spoil those who they warred with and take riches, money, jewels and other valuable items. The second part of this verse means that she provides for her family in a way that honors God without cheating.

What this looks like in today’s world: A modern day proverbs woman’s relationship with her husband is built on trust.

Proper Motives

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 12:12

We mentioned that trust is necessary for a good marriage. Another biblical principle is good intentions. For many years, I’ve always said that motives matter. God can divide our motives and intentions of our heart. He knows why we we serve our families. I’ve met women who schemed behind their husband’s back and it was so grieving. A godly woman is worthy of her husband.

What this looks like in today’s world: The woman who honors God will have good intentions in how she serves her family. She won’t complain to others. She won’t badmouth those in her household but will protect the sanctity of marriage and her children. She serves her family in love.

Works with her Hands

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

Proverbs 31:13

In Bible times, it was common for women to make clothing for themselves and their family. To do so, she would need to purchase materials to make it with or make it herself. It’s noteworthy to mention that this verse says she works willingly. The Hebrew word willingly is ḥēp̄eṣ and means to take delight in, to take pleasure in and to long for something. I’ve dabbled in sewing here and there over the course of my marriage. My ‘working with my hands’ was going to the fabric store to buy the materials needed to make clothing. With eager hands, the P31 woman made fabric from scratch. This puts my efforts to shame.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Proverbs 31:9

In verse 19, we see again her habit of spinning her own yarn to make fabric using a spindle and a distaff. (Check out this neat article on a spindle and distaff) The process of making clothing was quite laborious since there was no machinery to use in Bible times.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Proverbs 31:24

Here again we have a reference to making fine linen, selling it and bringing girdles to merchants and merchant ships. Girdles were a band made of leather that were a part of the garments of soldiers, prophets and men. I must admit that I always have a giggling fit when reading about the curious girdle mentioned in Exodus 28:8 when the priests garments were mentioned.

What this looks like in today’s world: Maybe you can’t make your own fabric use a drop spindle, but we all have unique talents we can use for God’s glory. I know of women who build their own furniture and can cook gourmet meals or make beautiful quilts. Your working with your hands might look different from making fabric or clothing but the important thing is that your hands glorify God as you use them.

She is Business Savvy

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Proverbs 31:14

Living here in Germany, I have some foods that I miss that come from my homeland. American style peanut butter is one of them. I’d also also love some American block style cream cheese to make a low carb cheesecake. I can get these items here but they aren’t the same consistency. As a modern day proverbs christian woman, I could bring these goods over by shipment at a price. This is what the good woman of Proverbs did.

What this looks like in today’s world: I know amazing women who have started their own side hustles and are bona fide business women. Does that mean that every woman must do the same? I don’t think so. Some woman carry the honored title of ‘mother’ and that’s okay. We should do whatever roll we are in with our whole heart as unto the Lord.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it:

Proverbs 31:16a

The woman of virtuous character is business savvy- in this example we see that she considers a field and buys it.

In the beginning of our marriage, someone came to my husband and asked him to borrow a thousand dollars. He weighed the issues carefully and did so, telling me about it afterwards. We had a heart to heart talk and agreed that when we make big decisions on money matters, they need to be agreed upon by both of us. The real woman (and she WAS real because this is NOT a parable!) considered and purchased a field. Issues over money should always be decided upon by both parties in a marriage. No decisions should be made without conferring with the other.

with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16b

What did she do with the plot of land mentioned above in verse 16a?

She planted a vineyard. A vineyard is a plantation of grape bearing vines grown for beverage, table grapes and raisins. Perhaps she wanted a good source of healthy food for her family as well as doing business.

I did a bit of research and found that the average size vineyard in Europe is 49 acres. In Isaiah chapter 5, a vineyard is mentioned to be 10 acres. I dug deep into google and found that 10 modern acres is equivalent to 8 football fields. Yup. Our P31 role model purchased large plots of land to grow a vineyard. She couldn’t have maintained that vineyard by herself… and that’s where the maidens mentioned in verse 15 above come into play. She makes solid and good investments

What this looks like in today’s world: She is a woman who is knowledgeable and wise in doing business when it comes to her family.

Check out these Bible Resources

Early Riser

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:15

I’m a morning riser and love to be productive so I can get everything done on my schedule done early. That’s a good thing, right? But the virtuous wife gets up to prepare meals for her husband and family and also for her maidens. The word maidens here might cause a bit of controversy with some in saying that she was a slave but I’d like to challenge that. Slavery in the days of the Bible was a completely different thing compared to modern day slavery. It was a form of employment and every year the slaves could choose to leave their employer. The word maiden in the Hebrew means a girl, a damsel or female servants. Our example good wife arose from her bed while it was still night and cooked food food for her family and those who worked for her.

What this looks like in today’s world: The modern day P31 woman isn’t one who wastes precious time. She knows that time is of the essence and is an early riser who gets things done. She desires to use her time wisely so it brings glory to God.

Strength

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Proverbs 31:17

From making her own flax, to trading with merchants and planting a vineyard, it’s evident that she was a hard worker full of physical strength. I’d like to add that I also think that includes spiritual strength but we’ll be covering that in a future verse.

What this looks like in today’s world: There is no shame in physical and spiritual strength. Staying fit in both are great examples of self control.

Excels in Virtue

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Proverbs 31:29

What this looks like in today’s world: There is no room for mediocre. When laboring for the Lord, we should strive to excel.

Cares for the Poor

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:20

What a beautiful example to her family and to younger women of a believer who has the fruit of the spirit working in her life.

She isn’t just helping the poor, but she is stretching forth and reaching to help the needy. Such a beautiful blessing.

What this looks like in today’s world: Caring for the poor could look buying lunch for someone less fortunate. It could be volunteering at a shelter for battered women or serving meals to those in need.

Discerning for Possible Danger

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21

This type of virtue is one of the key qualities of a proverbs wife. She has the forethought to take care of her famiy and shield them from possible dangers that could occur.

What this looks like in today’s world: Discerning for possible dangers for your family could be making the area under your kitchen sink safe by making it child safe. It also could entail cutting food into small bites to avoid choking.

She Beautifies her Home

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry;

Proverbs 31:22

Where tapestries are mentioned in the Bible it is always referencing them as being used to beautify the home, beautify the temple or used as curtains or coverings. Tapestries weren’t your ordinary furniture covering. They were made by skilled workers and sometimes gold threads were hammered and cut into threads to be woven into them. Amazing!

What this looks like in today’s world: You might not be able to afford tapestries woven with gold but you can beautify your home. . The most important element to decorate your home with is the love of God.

We can all learn and apply the amazing traits and characteristics of a virtuous woman from the book of Proverbs.

She Beautifies Herself Physically and Spiritually

her clothing is silk and purple.

Proverbs 31:22b

Purple fabric was very expensive and possibly came from Assyria where it was dyed with the argamannu flower.

There is a women in the Bible that carries the characteristics of a proverbs 31 woman whose name was Lydia. She was a seller of purple which meant that she sold expensive fabric. She was one of the first followers in the Christian church and is mentioned as:

• being a worshipper of God
• having an open heart
• Was a doer of God’s word through Paul’s teaching
• was baptized with her whole household
• Opened her home to receive Paul.

There are only three verses in the Bible mentioned about Lydia but what a weighty testimony of faithfulness to the Lord they share! May we have a heart like Lydia!

What this looks like in today’s world: Both the virtuous woman and Lydia teach us that it’s okay to dress ourselves in beautiful things but it’s more important to clothe yourself with a heart that loves the Lord.

Good Reputation

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:23

Her husband sits in the city gates Ruth 4:11

Ruth 4:11

Why are the gates mentioned in this verse and why are they significant? Why is her husband sitting at the city gate and what does it mean?

The city gates were the middle of a city where all things important took place. It was where you did your shopping. It was where friends met. It was the center of public life and where all assembies took place. It also was the place where the city elders met and the Proverbs 31 woman’s husband was very well known there and it could be a possibility that he held a place in the government.

Another verse in the Bible that mentions the city gates is Ruth 4:11.

Reputation is important! The word reputation in the Hebrew is yāḏaʿand means known, perceived, understood and acknowledged. A reputation is so important because it defines our character. How you are known, perceived, understood and acknowledged by others is important. We must also take into account that reputation isn’t just about what others think of you, it’s what others think of you by your actions in doing noble things that glorify God.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.- Proverbs 22:1

What this looks like in today’s world: Walk in honor to guard your testimony before others.

Strength and Honour

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Psalm 31:25

The Virtuous women wears clothing that are personified as strength and honour. The word strength in the Hebrew is ōz and means material or physical strength but could also mean social or political strength. That’s quite an interesting spin considering verse 23 speaks of her husband sitting in the city gates amongst the city elders which could mean politically. The word honor comes from the Hebrew word hāḏār and means ornament, splendor, majesty and glory. I picture a lovely women when I think of one who is clothed in splendor, majesty and glory.

What this looks like in today’s world: Be strong both physically and sprititually

Wisdom

She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

Proverbs 31:26

Proverbs is filled with faithful instruction on wisdom so it’s no surprise that this is included.

The Hebrew word for wisdom means skill, wisdom, shrewdness and prudence,

What this looks like in today’s world: Don’t speak in haste. Let godly wisdom rule your tongue.

Kind Words

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26b

Each of our tongues is guided by a driving force. For some that is satan. For others it is God. The proverbs 31 woman speaks in kindness and always has the best interest of others at heart when speaking to them.

What this looks like in today’s world: It’s easy to speak in haste and to cause injury to those nearest to you. Speak kind words to others.

Diligence at home

She looketh well to the ways of her household,

Proverbs 31:27

One of the attributes that I love mentioned in the 31st chapter of Proverbs is that she looks well to the affairs of her household.

What would that consist of? The opposite of looking well to her own household would be looking well to the affairs of the other wives who she comes in contact with. I think it’s safe to infer from this Scripture that she is not a busybody who is in everyone else’s affairs and happenings. She pays complete attention in taking care of her family and her own home with a selfless love.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:18

As mentioned above in verse 16b, she is a business woman. But here it’s s added that her candle doesn’t go out by night. After rising up and cooking for her entire family and having a busy day, she still has time to work by candlelight to take care of her merchandising.

and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:27b

In an average day where you are a business woman, you garden, provide your own food for your family, and take of all your families needs amongst many other things. There is hardly a time for being idle. Once you work into the night by candelight is there any room for idle past times? Nope. If my day looked like that, I’d fall into bed exhausted.

What this looks like in today’s world: She is a woman who manages time wisely and takes care of her own affairs.

She is Blessed

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:28

The Bible encourage us to not praise ourselves but to let another man (or woman’s) lips praise us . We are called to be humble and not brag about what we have accomplished. In verse 28 we see that the woman of Proverbs needs not tell anyone these things. Her children, with no encouragement from her, are calling her blessed. Her husband is doing the same thing. They see her daily tasks as she takes care of her family. They see how, with god’s help she is a wise woman who puts the needs of others above and beyond her own. She is a ‘home mom’ who has given her entire life to being a loving mother and wife in the eyes of God.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:31

The proverbs woman will be blessed with the fruit of her labor. She has sewn the seeds of love and will reap the harvest of others praising her.

What this looks like in today’s world: Don’t brag on yourself. Love your family and serve them as Christ loved the church. Let them praise you!

Fears the Lord

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

There are some things that will last an eternity.

Beauty isn’t one of them-it’s fleeting.

As you age, one look in the mirror will tell you that you won’t stay young and beautiful forever. Wrinkles happen. Skin sags.Our bodies slow down. True beauty is found when we serve the Lord in fear and wonder.

If you’ve placed too much emphasis on outer appearance, now is the time to focus on the important characteristics of a godly woman

Inward beauty is cultivating a prayer life and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart and lead you. It’s allowing the characteristics of a godly woman shine bright.

We need Grace to Live Out the Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman

Have you ticked off all the boxes in relation to the characteristics of a virtuous woman? Or have you fallen short?

Up until now, you might think it’s impossible to be a perfect woman of God. Sweet sister, allow me to let you in the know of a secret.

You are right.

You can try with all of your effort to be a perfect woman of God, a loving mother and one who always follows godly wisdom and has the fear of the Lord in her life, but there’s a big difference in following the letter of the law and living in god’s grace.

You can try to fulfill all of what god commands in the Bible but you will always fall short. Always.

The entire chapter of Proverbs 31 is something that we should attain to. But there is no way to be the ‘nearly’ perfect women as mentioned in the Scripture.

If we could be perfect, there would be no need of grace.

Like water to a thirsty soul, we need the abounding grace of God. If there were no need of grace, Jesus wouldn’t have offered up his life for a sacrifice so that we can become a child of God and gain access to heaven through Him.

In your journey to become a Proverbs 31 woman, may you surround yourself with godly women who encourage you to walk in the fullness of the grace of God.

It is my prayer that the characteristics of of a virtuous woman abound and flourish in your life!