What Is a Proverbs 31 Woman? (And a Bit About Me)

Many modern women believe the Bible endorses women as men’s servants – or worse. Yet the Bible (both the Old and the New Testaments) actually give women a lofty place in society. There are no Bible "rules" indicating women should live as slaves to men. While we often hear about wifely submission, for example, it's often overlooked that the Bible calls for husbands to sacrifice their lives and serve their wives, just as Jesus Christ did for the church.

But if we only look in one place for what the ideal woman should be according to the Bible, we must look at Proverbs 31. Here we find not a slave, but a woman who is creative, multi-talented, and content. Here’s what verses 10 - 31 say:

"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"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.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."


If I had to break this down into a simple list, I’d do it like this:

A Proverbs 31 woman, a godly woman, a virtuous woman:

• Behaves in such a way her husband easily values and trusts her. She respects him. She doesn’t nag, doesn’t chip away at him, and only says and does things that build him up. She is his help-meet.
• She cares for her children. Her tongue doesn’t tear them down, she disciplines them, and she raises them to know God.
• She takes care of her family’s physical needs.
• She is industrious and does not complain about working hard. She uses her time wisely.
• She is a good steward with the family finances; she has business and money sense.
• She is giving and charitable.
• She plans ahead for her family’s needs.
• She’s not crass or rude and people can’t help but respect her.
• Her tongue is used in wisdom - for kindly and lovingly upholding God’s word.
• She obeys God.

In writing this blog, I do not boastfully put myself forth as a perfect Proverbs 31 woman. In fact, true Proverbs 31 women realize there is always room for improvement, and that Proverbs 31 is really not about holding up prideful achievements or impossible-to-reach goals. It's about striving to be the woman God wants us to be.

So it is with humility I document my journey to become a Proverbs 31 woman - through God's grace. And I hope this blog will help you, too, find the peace that can only come when we choose to obey and love Jesus Christ.

About Me
I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mommy of two who works as a writer and strives to be a Proverbs 31 woman. On this blog, you'll read about homemaking, child rearing, marriage, money matters, self sufficiency, God and more. You can learn about me at www.KristinaSeleshanko.com. Also check out my blog Christian Children's Book Review.

Contact: Want to send me a private note? Please email me at kriswrite at aol dot com.