The Proverbs 31 Woman

In light of the recent year, I sat down last night and began some new goal setting. I wish I could find the workup I did last summer on said goals, but it seems to have disappeared (along with an entire book of stuff I wish I could find!). In any case, one must always begin with long term (5-10+ years) goals, and work backwards, creating mid-range and short-term goals that align with life plans. In the spirit of evolving towards a better person, one of my life goals is to become the Proverbs 31 woman. Let's see how I'm doing...

Am excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
Well, I don't have a husband, but it is something that I pray for in the future. I want to be the kind of wife that is supportive, complementary, and respectful of the headship of my husband, as he is respectful of the headship of God.

She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This woman is not afraid of work, spends her money wisely, and profits from her investments.

She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She takes pride in her strength and success, all the while knowing that success is the result of effort.


She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
This woman is concerned with the plight of others. Clothing herself and others in the colors of red and purple, signifying the sacred nature of her home. The veil in the temple of the Old Testament was woven in red and purple, colors which traditionally signify purity (as through the blood of Christ) and royalty.


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 belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
This woman seeks to be a positive reflection upon her husband, working diligently and projecting peace and prosperity. She approaches the future with grace and hope, knowing that her ways are assured in the Lord.


She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
This is where I fall the most short. I do not always speak wisely, and I sometimes have to bite back sarcasm. Idleness is my biggest downfall, and I'm known to be lazy.


Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
It's not that I desire to be blessed and praised by others, but to be pleasing in God's eyes. A woman should toil diligently in the kingdom of God, taking care of the charge He has given her, ever working towards the strength and presence espoused in Proverbs.

A parallel of biblical womanhood is that of biblical manhood as found in Job 31. This is not my focus, however. I will work on me, and let God take care of the rest.