Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Proverbs 31:10-31
The Book of Proverbs concludes with a tribute to the ideal wife and maximum mom. Proverbs 31:10-31 identifies several virtues of a good and godly woman.
- “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). As a ruby gleams from within, a virtuous wife’s worth shines through her honesty, wisdom, loyalty and prudence.
- “She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands” (Proverbs 31:12-13). She serves joyfully; convenience is not her most important factor.
- “She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household...” (Proverbs 31:15). She prioritizes her quiet time with God, and is sure to provide for those who serve her.
- “She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms” (Proverbs 31:16-17). Understanding the benefits of financial and physical maintenance, she invests her money and she invests in her health.
- “She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20). She is not selfish with her knowledge and resources; she is generous and knows how to minister to people who are hurting.
- “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25). Her confidence radiates in how she presents herself.
- “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants” (Proverbs 31:23-24). As her husband’s help meet, she is his enhancer, not his competitor. Adrian Rogers says, “A woman is to a man what wind is to a fire: she can fan it up or blow it out.”
- “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness”
(Proverbs 31:26). Because her heart is at peace, she speaks with dignity and grace.
- “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…” (Proverbs 31:28). Her children, husband and community are a testimony of her virtue.
Apply it to your life
Do you treasure the virtues of an ideal wife and maximum mom? Once we read Proverbs 31 as an idea to aim for (rather than as a standard to meet), we can see it as the blessing it was meant to be.
