The Proverbs 31 Woman

Every Mother's Day the Proverbs 31 woman is discussed in churches across the world. Now I don't know about you, but this description of a woman always makes me feel inadequate.

Often times, when I'm studying a particular verse or passage, I'll look at different translations. This helps put things into focus. When I looked up this passage in my Quest Study Bible, I came across the following breakdown of the passage.

Is the "Wife of Noble Character" a realistic model for today's women?

With poetic flair this passage shows that a godly woman can find fulfillment in her home, in the community, and in a career. This passage does not limit a woman's role to any of of these areas. Nor does it create unrealistic expectations for women, calling them to do everything in all of these areas. 

How is this woman a model for today?

This wife of noble character is  productive and ingenious. She can even be intimidating to women who would seek to follow her example. But while everyone can benefit from her example of initiative and hard work, the main lesson she offers is her outlook rather than her output.

All of this woman's qualities and accomplishments grow out of her fear of the Lord (verse 30). Fearing God is her central virtue, and this attitude toward God is as crucial for today's women as it was then. The fear of the Lord not only undergirds our growth in wisdom, but also draws us to the grace of Christ who forgives our sin and equips us for righteous living.

Another timeless virtue of this woman is her service to others: her husband, her children, her servants (v. 15) and the poor and needy (v.20). She serves them with eagerness (v.13), resourcefulness (v.16), and strength (v. 17,25). She is neither hindered nor demeaned by serving others. Rather, she is fulfilled by it, because godly service is the source of her nobility.