A Woman of Virtue

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Word of God instructs us to honor our father and mother. Mother’s Day is a great way to show this to the women in our lives. Today is a special time--

We don’t want to be too sentimental about motherhood because:

(a) for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one; (b) for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible; (c) for some, mothers weren’t all that nice; (d) for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still not a bed of roses

We call it Mother’s Day but to exalt the character of all women who remain virtuous is really what we ought to do.

Our society is in deep trouble today. One of the impacts of LGBTQ+ is the de-feminizing of women and the feminizing of men. What is happening is the blurring and erasure of the differences b/t men & women—to the point that God’s creation of male/female with gender-distinctiveness is so quickly being rejected that our society cannot stand under that condition. Those who believe and teach that there are no substantive differences b/t men and women are guilty of devaluing the beauty and honor of true womanhood.

The enemy has been hard at work to pervert God’s design/creation in order to bring chaos among God’s creation. The prevailing opinion today is that humans are free to set the parameters for the family, the home, marriage, definitions of male and female, child development.

The corrupt (unregenerate) mind thinks that is has the best solutions to the problems that plague the home b/c it speculates what a man should be like, what women are to be like, what the home should be like, what’s right for moms, dads, children.

The goal for us is to set before us our understanding of the home, marriage, parenting responsibilities as they are framed within the parameter of God’s Word (authoritative).

Our society is in deep trouble b/c it is actively rejecting God’s Word. We can truly be lights to the fallen world as we order our homes around the teaching of Scripture. These homes will become more and more refreshing to a generation that is crooked and perverse.

Scripture brings to our awareness the qualities that make a woman virtuous.

Proverbs 31 (they say you can’t preach on Mother’s Day)

“Acrostic”—each verse begins with the next letter of the Heb alphabet. 10 attributes of the virtuous woman, the excellent wife, the godly mother.

1. Devoted to her husband (10-12,23)

Excellent wife—valiant, capable, competent strength. Demonstrates loyalty to her husband so that he trusts her. He is unsuspecting, has absolute confidence in her.

She does him good (truly a complementary relationship). Every day of her life.

When our kids are in school, we usually introduce ourselves to other parents as “I’m the father/mother of so-in-so.” Vs 23 indicates that b/c of the virtuous character of his wife, the husband is known b/c of her: “you’re Pam’s husband...”

Complete devotion to her husband—behind him 100%.

2. Delights in her work (13)

In the ancient near east—women would gather materials for making clothes. The wool had to be weighed, combed and washed. After flax was pulled out, it had to soak in water and then dried. Pieces of bark and wood were removed. The fibers were pulled by crooked, blunt hooks to split and arrange them. Short fibers were removed as tow—this all she did with delight. Generally speaking, work doesn’t always produce joy, delight and a feeling of favor toward it—but b/c of her character, this woman does. Her attitude says “work is good” and it benefits the family.

3. Diligent in her tasks (14,27)

Ships carry cargo—generally from far away lands. Do what she needs to do, go where she needs to go to bring food to the family. Today that usually means, getting in the car, going to the grocery store and putting the food in the cupboard. But remember—this woman had to walk—sometimes great distances to get food.

Vs 27—Good steward of family resources/diligent manager of the home. She doesn’t squander money and certainly is not lazy b/c there’s always something to be done.

4. Discipline in her routine (15-20,24)

· At home (15-18)

· Helps the poor (19-20)

· In the market place (24)

Up at the crack of dawn, goes to bed late b/c again, there’s much to be done. She has her priorities in line—family, needy, community.

Physically fit—doesn’t mean she has a Pelaton (or spends hours at the gym)—she’s fit b/c she is a diligent/disciplined worker.

5. Dresses with care (21-22,25)

· Outwardly (21-22)

· Inwardly (25a)

In the high altitudes of Palestine—temps were very cold. Her family is warmly dressed with fine clothing (scarlet). Only the costly, fine wool could be dyed (cheaper material couldn’t be). Her family and herself are clothed with expensive clothing b/c she works hard. That’s the reward for her labor.

6. Determined to live one day at a time (25b)

The enemy of every person in some respects is “the coming day”—she laughs at it—mocks it, smiles. Why? Circumstances don’t bother her. She is willing to trust God with her future, her family’s future. There is no concern b/c her God is God.

7. Dedicated to godly speech (26)

When she speaks, wisdom comes out. The instruction of her children concerning the things of the Law were tempered with grace, kindness, love. She really does practice what she preaches.

8. Depends upon the Lord (30)

Charm=deceitful “charm” is bodily form and appearance. Those things deceive. What looks attractive on outside may not indicate what is on the inside. Beauty is vain “vapor” breath—emptiness—no substance. Others spend a great deal of time with the outward appearance but this virtuous woman is dependent upon the Lord who looks at the heart and not on the external aspects of a person. She fears God, dependent upon Him and she is praised as a result.

9. Derives a reputation for spiritual excellence (10, 28-29)

“excellent” strength, efficiency—translated able, army, valiant, capable. Refers to the ability to fulfill one’s responsibility and is also a mark of moral/spiritual strength (this is why her husband trusts her. She is a rather rare individual—not that she doesn’t exist, but those in whom these qualities are found, command affection and praise from her children and husband.

10. Deserves appropriate reward for her labors (31)

She is obviously materially rewarded, her family benefits from the fruit of her labor. The result—a timeless eulogy. Her works, deeds, labor, love will continue to praise her…speak well of her even after she passes from this world.

Here she is—the virtuous woman. And maybe you feel like “I give up—this isn’t a woman, she superwoman.” In a sense, you’re right. There’s really nothing natural or coincidental about these characteristics of this woman.

But the key to embracing these for yourself…vs 30.

Prov 2:1-5

· Treasure the Word of God

· Earnestly pray to God

· Seek after God, His kingdom/righteousness

The promise: You will discern…discover…

And people will say “many daughters have done nobly but you excel them all.”