Because She's Worth It
(In praise of women)
Proverbs 31v10-31
INTRODUCTION
In Proverbs 31:10-31, women are exalted in their work. All women can apply this passage as they look for opportunities to smother someone. The passage should also encourage us all to praise God for the influence of women in our lives. Notice first that the woman in Proverbs 31 is…
A WONDERFUL WOMAN (vs.10-12)
A woman of noble character
Verse 10 says, “A woman of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” The CEV says, “A good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!” In God’s eyes and in our eyes… she’s worth it!
She is worth more than rubies
She is worth far more than rubies. The idea here is that of a dowry paid for a bride. In those days, people made investments with precious gems, and rubies were amongst the most valued. If you are a woman, strive to be like the one in Proverbs 31. Be grateful if you have such a woman—she is worth more than rubies!
Her greatest joy
Verse 11 says, “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.” The CEV says, “Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down.” The whole family is proud of her and wants to be with her as much as possible. Verse 12 supports this by saying, “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Her main concern is those around her—her partner, her children, her friends, and her social contacts. To do this, she works hard, and this leads to a further point in vs.13-22…
A WORKING WOMAN (vs.13-22)
Working for the Lord
Verses 13-14 says, “She selects wool and flax, and works with willing hands.She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.”She is careful, creative, and conscientious. In this way, she fulfils Colossians 3:23 when it says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
A busy woman
To enable her to do her work, v15 says, “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servants (modern appliances are today’s equivalent). This woman believes the care of her family comes before her own welfare.
Her industrious nature is seen further in v16 when it says, “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard.” Verse 24 adds to this when it says, “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.” She has a business on the side to bring in more money. She is a working mother, but she is not far from home.
Whatever her work, v17 says, “She sets about it vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” The NLT says, “She is energetic and strong—a hard worker.” The message says, “She rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.”
Dedicated to hard work
Verse 18 says, “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” She is dedicated to her work—even when the sun goes down. What she does at night is seen in v19: “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. Verse 20 says this allows her to open her arms to the poor and extend her hands to the needy.
Because of her hard work, v21 says when it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. They are warm and cosy. In addition, v22 says, “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. She does not dress in sackcloth, but has an eye for what is beautiful. This is why she’s worth it, and it leads to a grand conclusion in vs.23-31…
A WORTHY WOMAN (vs.23-31)
A respected man
Because of her support, v23 says, “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat with the civic leaders.” Behind every good man is a good woman, whether it’s wife, his mother, or someone else.
A spiritual woman
Verse 25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” She is well organised, and as another translation says, “She can face tomorrow with a smile.” She takes the words of Jesus seriously when he says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Her love for God and his word is also seen in v26, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Verse 27 summarises well when it says, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” 1 Timothy 5:10 says a godly woman is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, serving God’s people, helping those in trouble, and being devoted to all kinds of good deeds.” She is a woman to be praised—she’s worth it!
A woman to be praised
Verses 28-31 conclude by saying, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband too, and he praises her saying, ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.’”
Beauty is mentioned for the first time in v30, but it is fleeting. If a man chooses a woman for her physical beauty this will fade, but if she is chosen for her spiritual beauty, this can only grow. Speaking to women, 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” She’s worth it… so let us rise up and call her blessed, because a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised. Honour her for all that her hands have done.
In response, women should look in the mirror of Proverbs 31:10-31 and ask am I worth it?
Bernard Cartledge