FAR ABOVE RUBIES: The Proverbs 31 Woman

REFERENCE SCRIPTURE PROVERBS 31: 10-21 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. BENCHMARKS FOR DETERMINING A VIRTUOUS WOMAN 1. As a Daughter of her Parents 2. As a Wife 3. As a Mother 4. As a Child of God 5. As a Friend, Associate 6. As a Citizen of her Nation 7. As a Business/Career Person or Professional THE ATTRIBUTES OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN ¡ She is trustworthy The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. vs 11 ¡ She adds value to her husband She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. vs 12 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. vs 23 ¡ She is enterprising She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. vs 13-14 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. vs 16 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. vs 19 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. vs 21 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. vs 24 ¡ She takes care of her household and ensures that it is well run She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. vs 15 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. vs 27 ¡ She constantly improves herself She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. vs 17 ¡ She has a good sense of judgement She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. vs 18 ¡ She is a generously person She extends her hand to the poor, yes; she reaches out her hands to the needy. vs 20 ¡ She takes good care of herself She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. vs 22 ¡ She is a woman of dignity Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. vs 25 ¡ She is a gracious and affirmative speaker She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. vs 26 ¡ She raises an appreciative family Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." vs 28-29 ¡ She fears God Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the lord, she shall be praised. vs 30