The Complete Guide To Proverbs 31 For Women
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What is Proverbs 31 and why is it important?
Proverbs 31 is a very popular and important chapter in the book of Proverbs, and even in the entire Bible, when it comes to both women and men. It is a poem written by King Solomon (also referred to as King Lemuel by his mother) which shares advice given to the King by his mother (Bathsheba), and how a just king should reign over his kingdom. It also illustrates various different Godly attributes of an ideal woman or wife.
The importance of Proverbs 31 is to demonstrate how to teach men to appreciate the women in their lives. Furthermore, Proverbs 31 encourages women to become strong, honorable and faithful to God, and that is the very foundation of my blog here, Clothed With Dignity.
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My Proverbs 31 Story
Before I get into detail about what Proverbs 31 is all about, I wanted to share with you my journey into thriving towards becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman. Very early into the year 2014, I became a born-again Bible-believing Christian. It was the most wonderful time in my life to be able to seek the truth and turn to Christ. Unfortunately though, I had a lot of trials and tribulation that led after that. I was in a relationship with a wolf in sheep’s clothing (a fake Christian who was previously into Odinism (paganism that specifically focuses on Viking culture and beliefs). A lot of bad stuff had happened throughout this relationship, but my faith remained intact.
I was suffocating in the relationship; I wasn’t able to truly grow in the faith as a babe in Christ. Although I read and studied the Bible and even took courses in ministry and theology, my progress remained stagnant. It wasn’t until I left him, and severed all ties with him, that I was truly able to focus on becoming a better Christian, better woman, and better mom (as I was pregnant when I left him).
It took leaving a toxic relationship, and reflecting upon everything that I had gone through, in order to truly commit to strengthening my faith in Jesus and in the Bible, and thriving towards becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. I think that almost everyone knows about Proverbs 31 and what it is all about, but not everyone will study it in-depth and feel led/encouraged to use it as a guideline in their lives. That is why I became so passionate about Proverbs 31 and explaining it to others.
As for me, my journey isn’t over yet, in regards to becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is someone who is experienced and well-seasoned. This takes time, experience and growth in order to demonstrate all of the virtues mentioned in Proverbs 31. I have been a born-again Christian for over six years now, but have only spent the last 3.5 years really focusing on growing in the faith and becoming stronger and more honorable to God.
What is Proverbs 31 About?
- So, what is Proverbs 31 all about? Why is it so important for me to talk about this? What makes it so special or stand out from any other Proverbs chapter, or other verses/books in the Bible?
- As I mentioned earlier, Proverbs 31 is a guideline for both Christian men and women. For men, King Solomon shared some insightful advice given to him by his mother, early in the chapter, and later on focused on Godly attributes that a Christian woman should have (all of which is very important to teach your sons and nephews, the future men of our generation).
- Proverbs 31 is seen as instructional; it is a poem written to encourage men to pursue a Godly and virtuous woman. There is no actual Proverbs 31 woman, but rather, it is a story told to King Solomon by his mother Bathsheba who wanted him to understand and appreciate the characteristics of a Godly wife/woman. Men are encouraged to love and appreciate the woman they find, and to not make her shortcomings be brought to light.
How to get started with becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman
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Where Can You Start?
The first step to becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman is to make sure that you are saved, and born-again! What I mean by this is that I want you to know and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross; He took away the punishment for your sins, and for the sins of the whole world. He died on the cross, was buried, and then rose again three days later.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
When you believe on The Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, believe in all that He has done for you, then you are saved! Once you are saved, you then become born-again (John 3:3). You become a new creation unto God (2 Corinthians 5:17). Once you have become saved and born-again, now you can begin the journey into studying the Bible and following His Word, and more specifically…the attributes of a Proverbs 31 Woman.
The best way that I approach this is to study Proverbs 31 in detail, and write out (or print out) the 17 attributes of a Proverbs 31 woman. After that, I would pray on and physically practice these attributes (to the best of your ability because some of us might not have children or are married and that’s fine!) in order to become this wonderful representation of a Godly woman. This takes time and a lot of self-discipline and dedication. Most importantly though, as long as we pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us accordingly, then it will all be okay!
What Are The Attributes of a Proverbs 31 Woman?
There are 17 attributes of a Proverbs 31 Woman, and they are as follows (in order as they appear in scripture):
1. Virtuous
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).
2. Faithful (Trusting)
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil” (Proverbs 31:11).
3. Respectful (to her husband)
“She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12).
4. Strong
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms” (Proverbs 31:17).
5. Capable
“She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night” (Proverbs 31:18).
6. An All Rounder (Well-Rounded)
“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff” (Proverbs 31:19)
7. Charitable
“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20)
8. Provider For Her Household
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet” (Proverbs 31:21)
9. Dresses Modestly
“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple” (Proverbs 31:22).
10. Wife
“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:23)
11. Honorable
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25)
12. Wise
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom;” (Proverbs 31:26a).
13. Kind
“and in her tongue is the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26b).
14. Great Mother To Her Children
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27).
15. Praiseworthy
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28).
16. Achiever
“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all” (Proverbs 31:29).
17. Fears God
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Proverbs 31:30).
Tips for Success in Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman
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How can you be successful as a Proverbs 31 woman?
Be consistent. Stay committed. Never lose hope in yourself. Continue to stay in prayer with God and follow His Word and His Will for you. You don’t have to be the perfect representation of the Proverbs 31 woman, as it is merely a guideline. As I said before, not everyone can fulfill these attributes in their lives if they have no children or are not married, or cannot work, for example. Proverbs 31 is a beautiful poem that gives us a great illustration of how we are to be strong, honorable and faithful Christian women to God first, then to our Husband. And that is how we should see it too.
Common Questions/FAQ About Proverbs 31:
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What Is A Proverbs 31 Woman?
- A Proverbs 31 Woman is someone who represents virtuous and Godly attributes that Christian women should aspire to be, and for men to look out for when finding their wife.
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What Is The Definition Of A Virtuous Woman?
- The definition of a virtuous woman is someone who possess virtue (or moral excellence); someone who is righteous or faithful.
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Who Is The Proverbs 31 Woman?
- There is no specific Proverbs 31 woman, but rather, it is a poem that illustrates some wonderful characteristics of a Godly woman that a man should look out for and pursue.
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What Was The Purpose Of The Proverbs 31 Woman?
- The purpose of the Proverbs 31 Woman, or Proverbs 31 in general, was to share the sound advice that Bathsheba gave to her son, King Solomon, in regards to finding a virtuous wife for him to marry. It was representative of a guideline of qualities/attributes that the women should possess.
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What Can We Learn From The Proverbs 31 Woman?
- There are many different things that we can learn from Proverbs 31, or the ideal Proverbs 31 woman, and that is, when we follow God and His Word, and His Will, then we can become strong in the faith, trustworthy, hard-working, dedicated, passionate, committed, faithful, and honorable to our work, to our family, and our friends, to our Husbands, and most importantly, to God. Even if we aren’t married, or we do not have children, we can still follow these scriptures as best as we can throughout our everyday life. No matter what though, as long as we are completely faithful and trusting in God alone, and do everything that will glorify God, and not our own selves, then we are on the right path.
- The Proverbs 31 woman is honorable to God and to her husband, she works hard, and is committed to providing for her family, as well as helping those in need, dresses modestly, and fears God above all else.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Proverbs 31
- We are imperfect beings, created by a perfect God, who has given us a chance of redemption, and to start afresh. God tells us in so many different ways in Proverbs 31 of how we should think, feel, be and act in all different areas of our lives.
- The most important lesson that we can learn from Proverbs 31 is that, we don’t all fit in to this specific idea of a Proverbs 31 woman, but that we can strive to adopting the same attributes into our own lives and with those around us, the best way that it suits us. As long as we remain faithful and honorable to God, and to our husband/family, and remain strong in the faith, and committed to our work, we will see such wonderful changes both on the inside and out. It will also make God so happy to see that we are dedicating our lives to bettering ourselves for His glory.
Want to learn more about Proverbs 31, and how to become a Proverbs 31 woman? Subscribe to get the FREE in-depth Proverbs 31 Study Guide! I go in-depth by sharing lots of information about Proverbs 31, by breaking up every single verse in the chapter to explain every single part of it! I also provide a FREE printable that highlights all of the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman! You can use this study guide and the printable as a supportive guideline into your journey to becoming a Proverbs 31 woman!
God Bless,
Sacha
Great article!
Thanks Shunny!
Proverbs is something that all of us women who love the LORD should seek to be. I really love the list you shared with scripture. Thank you <3
Thank you so much for saying Joanna! I am glad to hear you enjoyed what I had to say!
Great description, thank you! I loved this part: “we don’t all fit in to this specific idea of a Proverbs 31 woman, but that we can strive to adopting the same attributes into our own lives and with those around us, the best way that it suits us.” It sometimes feels hard to relate to the Proverbs 31 woman, but you’ve reminnded me that there is plenty in this chapter for me to apply. Thanks for making it relevant 😊
Thank you so much for letting me know Sara! Im so glad you enjoyed it! Yes thats a great point because it is so true. We don’t all fit into the perfect idea of a Proverbs 31 woman and that’s okay!