The Woman of Virtue

There is this great saying that we all probably learned when we were younger:

Practice makes perfect. Or another version was “Perfect practice makes perfect”. Adding this qualifier to the phrase made sure that we took note of how we were practicing. Especially in music, you can practice something completely wrong, and then when it comes time to lead the song, or perform the piece with someone else— You’ve gotten it completely wrong— and I’ve found that it’s even more difficult to relearn it again, because of what you’ve already ingrained.

Today we want to bring the whole process of our Quest for wisdom to somewhat of a summary. It’s been a good journey through some highlights of the book, the concepts of Words, Work, Wealth, Relationships, and a women of virtue.

The emphasis on this last section of the book is a wonderful summary of the lessons and virtues — personified as a woman who has put it all into practice— into action, for most likely a long period of her life.

There is a wonderful quote by author Stephen R. Covey:

“You will never talk your way out of a problem you behaved your way into!”

We all want to be wise, virtuous people. How can we really attain these attributes? Practice. Habits. Regular consistent attention to the trajectory that we are on. The Proverbs remind us that even little small changes, one way or the other, can drastically affect where we end up.

The woman in Proverbs 31 is not a biblical standard exclusively set for women. She is a personification of wisdom who shows us what wisdom looks like in action and calls all people, in every situation, to fear the Lord.

Wisdom is personified as a woman of virtue.

In the end of the book, chapter 31, we read about what literary experts and scholars would call a “straw person”. In fact, some scholars would suggest that Proverbs is uniquely bringing the entire book to this set of pinnacle verses as a “Personification” of wisdom herself. This is a neat writing strategy to describe someone in very specific ways, setting them up as an example to compare either ourselves or others to. Wisdom herself is described here—but isn’t that the beauty of wisdom? It isn’t actually wisdom unless you put it into action— unless you practice it! And so let’s just walk down through some of these passages to discover even more deeply what a life of wisdom, a person of wisdom looks like:

In Proverbs 1-9, wisdom and folly are personified as two women. Both have prepared a meal and are calling out to the simple man and inviting him to come in and eat with them (Prov. 9:4-6; 9:16-18).

Folly is also personified as a woman. (Proverbs 9:13-18)

Proverbs 31:10-31 is an “acrostic” poem in Hebrew. Each verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Jim is going to read this part of the chapter for us: [JIM SCHERER, Handheld mic]

Think of this as an “ode to the woman of virtue”, but it’s basically an ode to wisdom itself.

This ancient poem, written thousands of years ago, breaks modern stereotypes of women. Wisdom is portrayed and personified as a “woman of valour.” or virtue.

More than just portraying a to-do list for women, this passage reveals wisdom in action. It paints a picture of what it looks like when wisdom rules our life—

The woman of virtue displays wisdom in action.

There is a wonderful list of character traits found in the poem:

Wisdom works hard. (v.13, 17,19)

Proverbs 31:13 NIV

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

Proverbs 31:17 NIV

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

Proverbs 31:19 NIV

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

This last verse describes the work of weaving or making fabric and items from wool.

It’s often tedious and monotonous work. Weaving and sewing. It’s the description that she works with focus on whatever she is doing, and she has developed strength in her hands from doing it.

Wisdom generates wealth.(v. 18, 24)

Another way to say this, wisdom “adds value”. I was taught, maybe you have also, to be an asset to the context or organization that you are working in. Whether that is a job, your family, the church, any place we are— should be BETTER with us involved. I always love to serve in a way that improves a situation, brings order, or efficiency, or excitement and even enjoyment to the environment. This is a Spirit-Led aspect of being “present” with people and organizations.

Proverbs 31:18 NIV

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

Proverbs 31:24 NIV

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Did you catch the promotional gear? She makes sashes (or some translations “belts”) for the merchants! Why would she do that?

As a gift? Maybe— but more so the merchant could point to her work, and probably sell more of her goods because he becomes the “model” for everyone he contacts! Hello? She brands the salesman!

Apply that principle to your life—? Are you that thoughtful? Sometimes I don’t even think about things like that! But wisdom, through growing in our knowledge — will help us to think ahead like this.

Wisdom prepares for the future. (v. 21, 25)

Proverbs 31:21 NIV

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

This word for scarlet also means a double thickness of fabric. Some translations, like the CSB say “doubly clothed”— like a little guy sent out with an extra sweatshirt or coat on.

Proverbs 31:25 NIV

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

How many of us live in a stressful state? Due to all sorts of issues. I have lived with this stress, whether its financial, or my own sin, or just living a life too fast, trying to accomplish so much— and not having any security or peace. That’s what is wearing people out today— physically, emotionally, spiritually, we are living beyond our means in all these ways. Wisdom teaches us to serve and act in sustainable and prudent ways.

Proverbs 1:33 NIV

33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Wisdom brings honor to everyone around her. (v.23, 27, 28)

Proverbs 31:23 NIV

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

A wise person brings honor and positive impression to those around them. Because a wise person acts with forethought and excellence, those who are associated with them are immediately a beneficiary of that good reputation.

Proverbs 31:27 NIV

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:28 NIV

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

The people closest to us will reap the results of our wisdom, or our folly.

Wisdom is generous to the less fortunate. (v.15, 20, 14:31)

Proverbs 14:31 NIV

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

This applies on so many other levels as well. Owen reminded us a couple weeks ago, how important our view and conduct toward other people is to God. He suggested that how we relate to others is so powerful, and is a reflection of our ultimate maturity in Christ— and our level of wisdom.

Proverbs 31:15 NIV

15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

This type of wisdom— this dedication has to be rooted in Love. If you are doing these things for your family or those closest around you, thank-you. We don’t thank-you enough. Students— don’t ever take your parents or those serving you for granted.

Proverbs 31:20 NIV

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

Wisdom speaks words that are faithful and true. (8:8, v. 26)

Proverbs 8:8 NIV

8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

Earlier in the book, wisdom is personified and able to speak to us here—

Proverbs 31:26 NIV

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Wisdom always points us to the source of life.

At the beginning of the book of Proverbs, Woman Wisdom sounds out an invitation to the simple man to enter her house and find life. The book ends with a picture of what it looks like when a person chooses to enter her house, to metaphorically take on wisdom as a practice of life. God calls us to choose wisdom. To practice it. To walk with Jesus, ask Him questions, learn from Him through His words and His people.

Philosophers through the ages have tried to define wisdom in many different ways:

Basically it comes down to three core principles:

-Doing something (Action)

-Sharing your experience with someone else. (Relationship)

-Reflecting with them on the results and the next best action. (Meaning)

Action, Relationship, and Meaning.

Ultimately this poem, and the book of Proverbs, lead us to gaze at Jesus, who is the wisdom of God. The “woman of valour” is a metaphor. But we have a living, flesh and blood, embodiment of the wisdom of God in Christ (1 Cor. 1:24, Col. 2:2-3).

Colossians 2:2–3 NIV

2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The real challenge of Proverbs 31 is to choose Jesus—to pursue him, to gaze at his beauty, to learn from him, to rest in his perfect, complete, finished work on the cross, and to live out the life of wisdom through his Spirit, who empowers and strengthens us.

This invitation is for all of us—women, men, older, younger, married and single. May we find in Jesus all the riches of wisdom and understanding, and in seeking him, find our reward.

He calls us to Action. We are to “Do” our life everyday. He calls us to Relationship with each other, being vulnerable enough to trust and learn how to process with each other, He also

The essential thing "in heaven and in earth" is, apparently (to repeat it once more), that there should be long OBEDIENCE in the same direction, and thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living. - Friedrich Nietzche, atheist philosopher