Portrait of the Ideal Virtuous Woman

The virtuous woman is an idealized woman, a composite of many capable women. After all, not all people have the same skills. Some women’s strengths are in music or art. Others may be in mathematics, teaching, or business. Some are better managers and organizers than others. While some women may excel at coming up with ideas, others may be more skilled at creating or producing what has been invented by someone else. No one excels at everything.

Some women work for several years after high school or college before marrying. Others, for one reason or another, do not marry at all. Does this mean that unmarried women cannot be Proverbs 31 women? No. Marriage and motherhood are not prerequisites for the successful Christian female’s life. The essential characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman can be applied to the the single woman, too.

The model woman described in Proverbs is a portrait of ideal womanhood. The focus of this portrait is a woman’s relationship with God, not her specific abilities or marital status. The Proverbs 31 woman realizes that regardless of her natural talents or acquired skills, or all her accomplishments, her strength comes from God.

Who is a virtuous woman today? Proverbs 31 tells you that it is the woman who puts God first. The ideal woman of Proverbs 31 should encourage all women everywhere. Cultures change, but this woman’s God-inspired character still shines brightly across the centuries.

Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman

The majority of Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman who leads her home with integrity, discipline and giftedness. This wife and mother is a leader not because she tries to be one, but because of who she is.

Her Assets
She is trustworthy (v.11)
She is a positive influence (v.12)
She is a hard worker vv.13, 14, 19, 24-27)
She is a planner vv.21, 22)
She is protective(v.27)

Her Achievements
She meets the needs of her home (v.15)
She invests for her household (v.16)
She keeps herself in shape (v.17)
She helps her husband become successful (v.23)

Her Attitudes
Delightful (v.13)
Healthy (v.18)
Compassionate (v.20)
Unselfish (v.20)
Public (v.25)

Her Applause
From her family (v.28)
From her husband (vv.28,29)
From God's Word (v.30)
From her works (v.31)

Proverbs 31: 29 and 30 says "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all… a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

So, in the final analysis, what are you trying to hold on to… your role as a homemaker, housekeeper, mother, wife or is it to "fear the LORD" and live a directed life?
I know which one I'm striving for and I also know that in my pursuit of putting Him first, it's inevitable that I will become a better homemaker, housekeeper, mother and wife.