Untitled Sermon (24)

The Book of Proverbs (Volume Two) (II. The Proverbs of King Lemuel (Chapter 31))

1. The price of a virtuous woman (31:10)

A virtuous woman (a woman of spiritual and moral excellence) is so rare, who can find one? When one is found, she is far more valuable than rubies or other earthly riches.

2. The characteristics of a virtuous woman (31:11–27)

a. She is trustworthy (31:11)

Her husband trusts her to manage the family finances when he is sick, absent, or occupied elsewhere.

He has no need for unjust gain to fill up the family coffers depleted by the extravagance of a profligate wife.

b. She lives to promote the welfare of her husband (31:12)

She selflessly lives to promote her husband’s character, his reputation, his health, his wealth, and his happiness.

c. She is industrious (31:13)

She, with her own hands, makes the clothes worn by the members of her family.

d. She sets a good table (31:14)

She shops wisely and keeps new and appetizing dishes on the table.

e. She is an early riser (31:15)

She prepares a nourishing breakfast for the members of her household and assigns tasks for her maids (female servants).

f. She buys a field and plants a vineyard

g. She works with her whole heart (31:17)

She girds herself that she may give all of her strength to her labors.

h. She is watchful (31:18)

She knows that the fruits of her labors are valuable and may be stolen, so she leaves her candle burning at night.

i. She provides suitable clothing for herself, her family, and her needy neighbors (31:21)

This she does with her own hands.

j. She dresses well (31:22)

She makes her own clothes and dresses herself with clothes fitting her station in life.

k. She promotes her husband’s honor (31:23)

A part of his honor comes from his character, his reputation, and his wealth, to all of which things she has contributed.

l. She adds to the family wealth (31:24)

She makes cloth and articles of clothing and sells them to the merchants, thus contributing to the family income.