“Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman? (Proverbs 31:10-31)”
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:8
St. Mark 9:30-37
If we have listened to the opinions of those who have said that the Bible does not say
much about women or only says what is pejorative, we have not read the Bible carefully enough
or we have only focused on our favorite verses. This passage in Proverbs provides a depiction of
the virtuous woman, the’esheth ḥayīl in Hebrew. The word ‘virtue’ is well chosen here, for the
word means a power or capacity for excellence over a range of actions, and certainly this woman
is competent, and not simply in matters of insignificance, but in a range of activities that make
her husband and family prosper in every way. The twenty two verses in 10-31 are known in
Hebrew literature as an acrostic poem. Acrostic poems use the letters of the Hebrew alphabet for
the introductory word or words of each successive line or section of the poem. There are twentytwo letters in the Hebrew so each of these twenty-two lines begins with the next letter of the
alphabet. This manner of composition serves as an aid to memorization and chanting. It is no
doubt a passage of poetry that is worth remembering for everyone. This acrostic mnemonic
device cannot be replicated in English. By the way, this acrostic poem is written by a woman.
At the beginning of this chapter in Proverbs 31, we are told that the proverbs in this chapter are
the prophecy of a woman, the mother of King Lemuel. We do not know who king Lemuel is; his
name is not found in any of the biblical lists of the kings of Israel or of surrounding nations. He
is likely a contemporary of Solomon who is responsible for the authorship of much of Proverbs.
This is only one of the chapters in the Bible which was written by a woman. She wants her son
to rule well and his rule will be greatly enhanced or diminished by his wife.
Lest we think this virtuous woman leads a cloistered and boring life, let us identify her
activities described in this poem. She gathers wool and flax and is able to spin and weave with
her hands. She is a business woman who purchases produce from afar; the phrase “merchant
ships” indicates she is an international trader. She prepares for her family early in the morning
and she is fair with her servant girls as they receive their provisions. She is a business woman
who purchases a field and makes sure that it is productive. She is gracious to the poor in the city.
She is not afraid of snow, for her family is clothed with the best garments. Her own garments
are of finest cloth, silk and of purple color, so her busyness does not mean she is haggard or
poorly dressed. She chooses her husband well. He is a man who sits in the gates of the city – in
biblical times this meant he served as a judge and leader of the city. “She opens her mouth with
wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (vs. 26). She excels many daughters in
excellence.
For her responsible actions, she is blessed and praised by her children and husband.
King Lemuel’s mother concludes by saying “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a
woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” This verse forms a capstone to the whole
poem and chapter. The fear of the Lord is essential to this productive and blessed life. Her
price, as Lemuel’s mother says, is far above rubies.
The poem does not say that because she works at home she does not conduct business
outside the home. The poem does not say because she works with her hands that she does not
work with her mind – she is wise and careful of speech. The poem does not say that because she
cares for dress and food and provisions that she does not rule others, for she rules her children
and servants, her household, and even participates in the rule of her community. It does not say
that because she cares for others that she is not allowed to care for herself, to dress well and to
receive of the fruit of her hands, including the blessedness of rest. The advice of King Lemuel’s
mother is a forceful message to everyone.
Let us rejoice in the mothers and wives who are virtuous women. Let us encourage our
daughters to be the same. Let us encourage our sons to look for the best and to be willing to pay
a great price for women who fear the Lord.