Proverbs 31:10-31.
The real question being asked here is -: WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?
Prov 31:10 asks a very valid question – Who can find a virtuous woman? I am sure that all the men would have a solid answer to this. They would all want to each have a Virtuous woman for a wife. So the challenge is on the woman to strive hard for the qualities of a virtuous woman.

INTRODUCTION – WHO IS A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?

I will like to start with examples of 3 significant bible role models:

1. HANNAH – In the book of 1 Samuel chapters 1&2 we are told the story of an unhappy, childless and provoked woman. She had to endure taunts from her husband’s second wife who had many children while she had none. Although very loved by her husband, her mate despised her and provoked her all the time. Despite this she kept her faith in the Lord and observed religious ceremonies. She was a prayer woman and had integrity (a word that is fast disappearing in many people’s dictionary). One day the Lord met her needs (for she was a VW) and her prayers were answered. She paid her vow to God and got manifold blessings for doing this (1Samuel 2:1 – 10). See v5: “…Even the barren has borne seven, She who has many children has become feeble…”

2. ESTHER – A king once sought for a wife amongst all the pleasant and beautiful young virgins in his kingdom. Why? He needed a new queen to replace his arrogant and dissobedient queen who refused to obey his command and disgraced him openly. The King’s anger was greatly kindled and he promptly removed Vashti as queen. There was a man by name Modecai who brought up his orphan niece by name Esther. She was fair and obedient and beautiful (Esther Chapter 2) see v20b: “…for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him”.
Esther won the King’s heart and she was made queen instead of Vashti – see v17: “The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favuor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti”.
This same virtuous woman Esther later helped save her people from Haman’s their enemy, and Modecai her Uncle was greatly rewarded (Esther 8: 15-16).

3. RUTH – This is a story of love, great endurance, patience and world class virtue. A Moabite woman (the Moabites are usually in conflict with Israelites) was married to a Jew who later died. She followed her mother-in-law, took care of her and served her faithfully. When told to return to her people, she declined and with great obedience, love and faith followed the mother –in-law, and loved her God (Ruth 1) – see v16-17: “But Ruth said: “ Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Ruth was very obedient, listened to her mother-in-law (Ruth 3:5-6), kept her virtue (Ruth 3:10) and was hardworking (Ruth 2:3). She later found favour with her mother-in-law’s kinsman named Boaz, a very mighty man, who confirmed that he has heard only good reports of Ruth (Ruth 2:11-12). She ended up as Boaz’ wife, see Ruth 3:11: “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman”.
It didn’t just end there for the lineage of Jesus Christ was traced to Jezze the grandson of Ruth.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN:
Proverb 31:10b sets a standard to answer the question asked in 10a: “…For her worth is far above rubies”. A ruby is a very expensive precious stone and compares to saphire, emerald and diamond. Red in colour, it denotes beauty, strenght, durability and pricelessness.
Proverbs 12:4 tells is of the major role of a VW: “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband”…,
In the story of creation we are told that God planned and made woman same nature as the man, to be a helper. She is “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh (Genesis 2:23). So in effect …a man must leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (v24).
The Virtuous woman is therefore:
• A companion to the man, to encourage, support, inspire and assist him
• A confidant, to comfort and fellowship with him
• A Partner in procreation
• A spiritual partner, will assist the man in loving and obeying God and in ministering to God.
A virtuous woman is hence known best by her husband & children(Prov 31:28). …

To be concluded in Part 2.

See Part 2.

Evangelist Adekunbi Akin-Taylor
July 2009