Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

Today, we’ve made it to the last chapter of the Book of Proverbs, the infamous Proverbs 31. This chapter of the Bible is well-known for great reason as it includes the description of the wife of noble character (v. 10-31). The chapter is often quoted and referenced in describing what has come to be known as the “Proverbs 31 Woman.”

The first nine verses include a challenge from a mother to her son when she encourages Him to defend the rights of the afflicted and to speak up for those who cannot speak for or defend themselves. This is certainly not just appropriate for King Lemuel and those in leadership, but rather for every one of us to speak up for those who need a voice. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the wife of noble character who is hard to find and priceless and of great value. While the passage describes a godly wife, there’s so much for us all to learn from this chapter. Whether you are male or female, old or young, married or single, student or grandparent, take note of some of the characteristics we can all strive for in life and character.

First, we see how hard she works (i.e., v. 13, 15, 17). Contrast this with the sluggard seen many times in prior chapters of Proverbs. She’s not idle, she rises early, and she stays up late. How are you doing at your work? Whatever season of life you’re in, would others say you work hard?

Second, we see how well she serves those around her. She serves her family (v. 15) and “extends her hands to the needy” (v. 20). When we serve like this woman, we serve like Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45).

Third, we see how faithful the woman is in all she does. She plants a vineyard (v.16), planning for the future. Bad weather doesn’t hold her or her family back because she’s faithfully planned ahead (v. 21). In doing this, she’s like our Lord, who, even when we’re faithless, is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

Last, and we could say much more about her, she fears the Lord. We see repeatedly in the book of Proverbs that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. She is extraordinarily wise in every way. Again, every one of us has much we can learn from this wife of noble character.