Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. (Prov. 31:25, NKJV now and throughout.)
The Virtuous Woman (VW) invests. She doesn’t look for instant gratification or acknowledgment. She is a strong and honorable woman, which likely means she’s also emotionally secure. She won’t give in to the temptations of the here and now.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. (Prov. 31:26)
The VW has a kind heart (because out of the heart speaks the mouth, Matt. 15:18). She doesn’t chatter or gush, but speaks with intention, good intention. Her heart is revealed through her words.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Prov. 31:27)
The VW is an observer, likely attentive to details, especially to how her household functions. This could have extended to animals as well. She is pro-active which automatically means that she is not lazing around. There is no feeding time to laziness, not with running a household.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: (Prov. 31:28)
Children see many things in a family setting; the children of the virtuous woman are just as talkative and every time they do, they bless her in their words. Her husband is the same and praises (even boasts about) her. He always has something good to say about her.
“Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” (Prov. 31:29)
Many daughters do well and maintain these qualities (as we all know how not easy that is at times), but the virtuous woman excels them all. This exceling isn’t a destination, but something similar to climbing. To me, that means it is progressive, a work in progress.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fear Yahweh, she shall be praised. (Prov. 31:30)
Here are two qualities that many young women can get caught up in: charm (favor or grace) and beauty focus. It’s easy to use charm for selfish ambitious, which is deceitful. We also know that beauty is skin deep. Every young woman possesses beauty, but investing in maintaining that beauty is like a vapor, here and gone. True beauty and character come from within.
Everything starts in the heart. The woman who fears (is reverent of) Yahweh will be praised because it comes from her heart.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Prov. 31:31)
Like the law of sowing and reaping, the virtuous woman will receive what she sows. As we have seen in this entire passage (vv.10-31), the fruit of her hands (what she has invested into) could alone produce her praise. Her actions speak louder than words, and everyone knows it.
Examples of VW in Scripture That Came to Mind
The prophetess Deborah. Judg. 4-5. She was a strong and honorable woman.
Jehosheba. 2 Kings 11:2; 2 Chron. 22:11-12. She went above the call of duty in the crucial time of chaos.
The prophetess Anna. Luke 2:36-38. She dedicated her life in the Temple, fasting and honoring Yahweh.
Interesting Clues I Found
The Virtuous Woman doesn’t look for instant gratification or acknowledgment. She is a strong and honorable woman, which likely means she’s also emotionally secure. She won’t give in to the temptations of the here and now. She doesn’t chatter or gush, but speaks with intention, good intention. Her heart is revealed through her words. The VW is an observer, likely attentive to details, especially to how her household functions. Her family only has good things to say about her. Her actions speak louder than words, and everyone knows it.
Key Takeaway
Emotionally security is the one clue that serves ties everything together. When I am emotionally secure, I know my place in Yahushua. I know who I am and who I belong to; there is no need to prove myself. Therefore, my actions aren’t about me, they are about Yahushua, who I am seeking to emulate.
That’s what I see these verses. The Virtuous Woman isn’t out to make a name for herself. She doesn’t care to improve her reputation or status, or even gain acknowledgement from her works. She does everything mentioned in the passage (Prov. 10:10-31) because it comes from a heart of love. Emotional security is based in true love.
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