Virtuous: A Devotional for WomenSýnishorn

Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman

Key Verse:

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies..." - Proverbs 31:10

Reading:

Proverbs 31 is pretty well-known among Christian women as the kind of woman we desire to be. However, while we love her and aspire to be her, we must remember that she is meant to be the ideal, rather than the standard that we have to attain or die trying. When I was looking at this scripture and trying to figure out how in the world I would summarize it all, I realized that it's kind of structured perfectly into five categories.

First, her relationship with her husband. It says that she does her husband good all the days of her life, he trusts in her, and is a better person as a result. Have you ever known a guy who was happier, kinder, and whose life was better put together after he married his wife? As a wife, you shouldn't tear your husband down; you should help him grow into a better man and Christian. This doesn't mean that you must do everything he asks of you or only live to please him. It means that you should always show him love, but prioritize God. When you do both of those, you grow as a woman, and your relationships grow.

Secondly, how she takes care of herself. She makes sure she is clothed nicely and clean, but more importantly, she clothes herself with strength and honor. When she opens her mouth, she shows wisdom and kindness. This doesn't mean that you can never have a bum day where you wear sweats. Every person will have days when they aren't looking their finest or acting their finest. However, you should try your hardest to take care of yourself and reflect Jesus with how you act.

Thirdly, how she treats others. It says she takes care of others the poor and the needy. God calls us to love everybody but specifically here it says that we should be intentional about the poor and the needy.

Fourth, how she takes care of her household. She looks ahead and makes sure that they have food. She makes sure that they have clothing and that they're dressed well, and she doesn't eat the bread of idleness. This doesn't mean that a woman cannot work, but if she has a household, she must take care of it. It also says she plans the day before, not the day of. Planning isn't just something a woman should be doing, but also men. There is wisdom in planning ahead and being intentional about your time. A Proverbs 31 Woman is diligent and industrious. She looks for opportunities to benefit her family and her household, and her community.

Finally, a Proverbs 31 woman has reverence for the Lord. This is where a woman's real beauty comes from. Although you should care for yourself, physical beauty fades while the beauty of dedication to the Lord does not. We should prioritize God above all else and honor Him with all of our actions. When we do this, all the other qualities a woman should have become easier and more joyful.

Reflection:

1. Believing: Do you believe God can help you be a Proverbs 31 Woman, no matter where you are in life, no matter what has happened in the past?

2. Personal Barriers: What is preventing you from being a Proverbs 31 woman? How can you change it?

3. Living It Out: How can you begin living out these qualities in your own life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to become the Proverbs 31 woman You desire us to be. Strengthen our faith and fill us with Your wisdom, kindness, and reverence. Guide us to care for our loved ones, to be diligent in our duties, and to extend compassion to those in need. Transform us by Your love and grace, and let our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this Plan from the free Christian Leaders Institute's course called Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God. Christian Leaders offers over 200 free courses that are both biblical and online.

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