PROVERBS 31 (PART II)

“The Virtuous Woman” Part II
CHARACTER TRAIT COUNTDOWN #20-10

I.                   Intro

1.     This is the beginning of the description of the virtuous woman.  We will look at the first half of them today, and the second half next time. 

2.     Ladies, would you rather have a full time career or be a stay at home mom?  Neither one is better than the other.  According to this chapter, the virtuous wife does both.

3.     In that culture, women didn’t work.  The men worked and the women bore and raised children.  That’s why the virtuous wife is so special.  She takes care of the home but she also works!  She is truly a fascinating woman.

4.     Top 20.  That is the number of character traits the virtuous wife has.  Guys, these are the characteristics you want to look for in a wife.  Ladies, these are the characteristics you want to have to obtain a godly husband. 

II.                 Proverbs 31:10

1.     “who can find a virtuous wife” (v.10):

A.    First off, finding a virtuous wife is rare.  Her worth is far more than the most precious jewels in the world.  Finding her is finding the greatest gift this world has to offer.

B.     Virtuous can also mean ‘excellent, valiant, noble, and strong.’  Ladies, don’t you want to become that woman?  Guys, don’t you want to find that woman?

C.     In this day and age, it’s hard enough to find a marriage partner who calls themselves a Christian.  And it’s even harder to find a marriage partner who takes their Christian life seriously.  So how much more difficult it is to find that partner who is virtuous, excellent, and valiant?

D.    It can be done.  Ladies, don’t think this is impossible to reach.  It’s just a matter of your will.  Are you willing to become this woman?  Are you willing to let God shape you and mold you into the virtuous wife?

III.              Proverbs 31:11-12

1.     “heart of her husband trusts in her” (v.11):

A.    Character Trait #20:   She is good at being trusted.  Her husband does not have to worry about her flirting with other guys, or leaving him for someone else.  She satisfies all of his needs so that he lacks nothing.  Not to be too graphic, but guys don’t have a whole lot of needs. 

2.     “does him good and not evil” (v.12):

A.    Character Trait #19:   She is good to her husband.  This does not mean she doesn’t make any mistakes, it simply means her heart’s desire is to always please her husband, even if that requires sacrificing her own needs.  She has his best interest at heart at all times.  She does not wait for her husband to fulfill his end of the deal, she does what she knows is right even if her husband doesn’t.          

IV.              Proverbs 31:13-16

1.     “seeks wool and flax…works with her hands” (v.13):

A.    Character Trait #18:   She is good with her hands.  Buying wool and flax means she makes things from scratch, both clothes and food.  She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.  She doesn’t let her husband have all the fun working with his hands, she works hard too.  She definitely does not sit around all day watching TV and browsing Facebook. 

2.     “brings her food from afar” (v.14):

A.    Character Trait #17:   She is good at finding deals.  She is willing to go the extra mile to find the right things at the right prices.  She doesn’t mind running those errands because she knows her household needs it. 

3.     “rises while it is night…provides food” (v.15):

A.    Character Trait #16:   She is good at managing her time.  She doesn’t sleep in every day and waste half the day.  She gets up early if that’s what it takes to make sure her family and servants are provided for.  She is willing to sacrifice her own sleep for the sake of others.  Remember, she’s not just providing for her family, but also her servants.  She treats them as if they are family.

4.     “buys a field…plants a vineyard” (v.16):

A.    Character Trait #15:   She is good with saving and investing money.  She buys a field after she first considers if she has enough money and it’s a good investment, etc.  She doesn’t just compulsively spend money for no reason.  You would never see her wasting her money at the mall because she doesn’t have time for that sort of thing.  She thinks before she buys.  She definitely isn’t foolish with money, but is very wise in how much she spends and what she spends it on.

V.                Proverbs 31:17-20

1.     “girds herself with strength…her arms” (v.17):

A.    Character Trait #14:   She is good at keeping herself in shape.  She doesn’t lay around all day.  She goes to the gym and she strengthens her body so that she can serve God and her family better.  By keeping herself in shape, she is killing three birds with one stone: she makes her husband happy, she extends her life, and she will have more energy to serve.

2.     “merchandise is good…lamp does not go out” (v.18):

A.    Character Trait #12:   She is good at earning money.  She is already good with saving money (v.16), but she knows how to earn money as well.  In this day in age, women almost have to work to provide for the family.  The cost of living is too high for a man to provide the only income.  The virtuous wife is willing to work, even if it means late at night.

3.     “hands to the distaff…holds the spindle” (v.19):

A.    Character Trait #11:   She is good at hands on skills.  She isn’t limited working at a fast food restaurant or being a secretary.  She teaches herself a skill where she can make a lot more money.  She doesn’t have to rely on her husband to have a skill, she has her own set of skills to provide for the household. 

4.     “hand to the poor…hands to the needy” (v.20):

A.    Character Trait #10:   She is good with helping those in need.  She isn’t inconsiderate of the poor.  If she sees someone in need, she helps that person.  She has compassion on those less fortunate.  And it’s not just warm feelings towards them, she does something about it.  Most of the good that is done for the poor and needy has been done by women (virtuous women).