Proverbs 31 The Virtuous Woman

10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are herclothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.

Does this woman sound to good to be true? Perhaps she is. Not all women have the same skills, this woman is described as an idealized woman. She is to blessed to be stressed! What is a virtuous woman? A woman who puts God first. What is the secret? Her knowledge gained from the Word of God. It's her manual that guides and teaches her.

There are four attributes in this passage, lets look at them; strength, ability, efficiency and wealth.

First, Strength~ She shows strength. She serves God as a soldier in God's Army. She is a God fearing woman. As a wife she shows support to her husband she offers and gives a listening ear to him. As a friend and a neighbor she offers her hands. Her strength comes from where?

Second, Ability~ She knows her abilitly. She sees NO limits. She knows that the Holy Spirit is her Helper. That is why everything she does seems to be done with ease. She is a spirit-fillied woman. What is her secret? She can draw from the well that never runs dry, the well of the Holy Spirit.

Third, Efficiency~ She knows how to balance all she must do......how?

Fourth, Wealth~ The qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman are rare. She is one to be found. Rubies and diamonds are precious stones and beautiful, but the Proverbs 31 Woman is even more so!

So, does the Proverbs 31 Woman apply to the full spectrum of women? YES! The lesson from this passage is not just about someone who has lots of skills and gifts and can accomplish lots, but about someone who has full reliance on God.

Ladies, do you have your full reliance on God? Are you doing and doing and doing and not putting God first in your life? Remember, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13