Do you know that verse from Proverbs 31, the one about the virtuous woman? Ever wonder what exactly King Solomon meant by that? The virtuous woman in the Bible is held up as a model of ideal womanhood and feminine virtue. But when you dig into that Proverbs 31 passage, you find she’s so much more. She’s industrious, entrepreneurial, nurturing, strong, and dignified. She’s a woman of valor who uses all her God-given gifts and talents to serve her family and community.

Read on to learn more about the Virtuous woman’s meaning and characteristics according to the scripture.

Virtuous Woman Meaning

What exactly does “virtuous woman” mean according to the Bible? The book of Proverbs describes her as a woman of noble character who brings her husband good and not harm.

Specifically, Proverbs 31:10-31 outlines the traits of a virtuous woman. She is trustworthy and hardworking. Verses 11-12 state: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her…She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

A virtuous woman is also industrious and resourceful. Verses 13-19 mention that “she seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands…She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.” She is business-savvy and contributes to her family’s income.

Moreover, a virtuous woman shows compassion for the less fortunate. Verse 20 says: “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” She is generous and kind-hearted.

In summary, a virtuous woman, as portrayed in Proverbs 31, is faithful, diligent, skilled, caring, and morally upright. She is a source of strength and honor not only to her husband but also to her community. Her worth is far above rubies. If you aspire to become a virtuous woman, follow her example – work hard, love deeply, and spread kindness wherever you go.

Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman According to the Bible

The Bible describes a virtuous woman as one who possesses certain Godly characteristics. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is a woman of noble character. According to the Bible, “A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! (Proverbs 31:10).”

Here are some characteristics of a virtuous woman according to the Bible:

Kindness and Compassion

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26)
“She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)

Diligence

“She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)
“She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.” (Proverbs 31:15)

Strength and Dignity

“Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)

Faith

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Wisdom

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26)

Entrepreneurial Spirit

“She considers a field and buys it; From her profits, she plants a vineyard.” (Proverbs 31:16)

Optimism

“She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.” (Proverbs 31:21)

Selflessness

“She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.” (Proverbs 31:15)

Hard Working

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” (Proverbs 31:13)

Good Woman

“Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, “There are many good women, but you are the best!” (Proverbs 31:28-29)

A virtuous woman is strong, capable and resourceful. She considers a field and buys it. From her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. A virtuous woman honors God in all she does. She fears the Lord and is praised for it. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The virtuous woman is the embodiment of a Godly woman: diligent, compassionate, courageous, and wise. She is an inspiration and role model for women.

How to Become a Virtuous Woman

To become a virtuous woman according to the Bible, follow these steps:

Love God with all your heart. A virtuous woman is first and foremost faithful to God. Study His word and make following His commands your top priority.
Love and respect your husband. The Bible says a virtuous wife is her husband’s crown. Treat your husband with kindness, compassion, and respect. Support him in all he does.
Manage your household well. Take care of your home and family. Make sure your children are taught good values and lessons. Handle responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and chores with excellence.
Reach out to the needy. A virtuous woman cares for the poor and less fortunate. Donate your time or resources to charities and people in need. Offer help to widows, orphans, and strangers.
Exhibit good character. Develop a gentle and quiet spirit, free of selfish ambition. Show patience, humility, discretion, and integrity in all you do. Let your inner beauty shine through your words and deeds.
Value wisdom and knowledge. Continuously seek to expand your mind and skills. Learn from the experiences and advice of others. Pass on your wisdom to help guide younger women.
Contribute to discussions. A virtuous woman offers wise and kind words. Her speech is seasoned with grace and brings blessings to those around her. Share your perspective to build others up in a constructive way.

Following these principles from Proverbs 31 and developing virtuous qualities will help you become the woman God created you to be. A woman of noble character who blesses her family and community.

Being a Virtuous Woman in Today’s World

As a modern woman, you may feel both inspired and inadequate when reading about this biblical ideal. But the truth is, the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 represents qualities and characteristics within reach of every woman: resourcefulness, resilience, compassion, creativity, leadership, and wisdom.

Being a virtuous woman in today’s world means embracing traditional values of kindness, morality and faith while also being a strong, independent thinker.

Show compassion

A virtuous woman is empathetic and caring. She volunteers her time for good causes and helps those less fortunate. She is generous with her words and actions.

Have integrity

Virtuous women are honest, trustworthy and have strong moral principles. They do what is right even when no one is watching. People can count on a virtuous woman to keep her word and follow through on commitments.

Value faith and family

For many, faith and family are cornerstones of a virtuous life. A virtuous woman honors her spiritual or religious beliefs and makes time to strengthen family relationships. She respects her elders and nurtures the next generation.

Be educated and independent

While valuing traditional roles, a virtuous woman in today’s world is also educated and able to think for herself. She takes advantage of opportunities to better herself through learning and life experiences. She has a mind of her own and the confidence to make her own decisions based on her values and life wisdom.

Her example transcends time and place. So next time you feel like you can’t measure up, remember you’ve got this. The seeds of the virtuous woman are planted in you, ready to blossom and grow. By embracing these qualities, you, too, can find purpose and meaning in life as a virtuous woman today. Focus on living according to your principles, treat others with kindness, and never stop learning and improving yourself.

What Does it Not Look Like to Be a Virtuous Woman?

A virtuous woman does not:

Focus on her outward appearance. She knows that true beauty comes from within. While she may take care of herself, her worth isn’t defined by how she looks.
Gossip or spread rumors. She knows the power of words and uses them to build others up, not tear them down. She is careful with what she says and strives to bring people together instead of dividing them.
Complain or have a negative attitude. She faces hardships and challenges with courage, faith, and perseverance. She chooses to be grateful and find the bright side even in difficult circumstances. Her positive and joyful spirit uplifts those around her.
Be idle or lazy. She is industrious and hardworking, using her time and talents to care for her family and contribute to the greater good. Whether through a career, volunteering, or helping those in need, she seeks to make a positive difference.
Dwell on past mistakes or failures. She learns from her experiences and moves forward with determination and hope. She forgives herself and others, shifting her focus to the present and future. Her resilience and optimism inspire people to become better versions of themselves.

A virtuous woman is humble, compassionate, and kind. She builds people up with her words and actions, spreading love and encouragement wherever she goes. Her strength, wisdom and selflessness are a blessing to all those who know her.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some questions about what it means to be a virtuous woman? Here are some common FAQs:

What does Proverbs 31 mean?

Proverbs 31 outlines the ideal virtuous woman in the Bible. She is portrayed as a woman of noble character who is trustworthy, industrious, and caring.

Why should I strive to become a virtuous woman?

By embracing virtuous qualities, you can have a profound influence for good in your home, community, and the world. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband and helps guide her family spiritually. She sets an example of faith, morality, and strength for other women.

Does being a virtuous woman mean I have to get married?

No, the virtues extolled in Proverbs 31, things like hard work, kindness, morality, and faith, apply to all women, regardless of marital status. While the passage uses the imagery of an ideal wife, the principles it teaches are meant for all. Focus on developing your character and serving God.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the qualities of a virtuous woman according to the Bible. She is industrious, righteous, and faithful. While the Bible outlines these attributes as ideals, don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall short at times. The most important thing is that you pursue wisdom and understanding, nurturing your relationship with God and your loved ones. Focus on continuous self-improvement by learning from your mistakes and the examples of inspirational women in the Bible. With hard work and faith, you, too, can embody the spirit of a virtuous woman. But also remember that you are enough, just as you are. God made you perfectly and wonderfully in His image.