The Book of Proverbs closes with a striking portrait of an impressive woman—one whose character, strength, and wisdom are celebrated in a poem crafted by a mother for her son, a future king. This passage, often called “the woman of noble character” or “the woman of valor,” has been translated in many ways, each evoking different ideals of womanhood. The Hebrew word used to describe her is rich and multifaceted, encompassing strength, excellence, bravery, and virtue. Context is key to understanding what makes this woman truly impressive.
Rather than a checklist for women to live up to, this passage is a mother’s counsel to her son about what qualities to value in a wife. It’s not about imposing unrealistic expectations or burdens on women, but about teaching men to prize what is truly valuable—qualities that are often overlooked in favor of charm or beauty. The poem’s structure, an acrostic from A to Z, shows the care and intentionality behind this vision of womanhood.
The attributes highlighted—diligence, physical strength, generosity, fearlessness, kindness, and above all, godliness—are not just ideals for women, but virtues for all people to admire and pursue. The woman described is industrious, strong from years of hard work, generous with her surplus, fearless about the future because she trusts in God, kind in her words and actions, and rooted in a deep reverence for the Lord. These are the qualities that endure and bring blessing to families and communities.
Zooming out, this portrait is not just about marriage or gender roles. It is the culmination of Proverbs’ invitation to seek wisdom. The impressive woman embodies wisdom itself—diligent, courageous, generous, and godly. And on an even grander scale, the Bible ends with the image of the Church as the radiant bride of Christ, made beautiful and strong by His love and sacrifice. The story of Scripture is the story of a king who chooses a bride, and through His calling and grace, she becomes noble, brave, and wise. In Christ, the Church—His people—are called to reflect these same virtues, not by striving in our own strength, but by the transforming power of His love.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (ESV) —
> 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
> 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
> 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
> 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
> 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
> 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
> 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
> 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
> 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
> 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
> 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
> 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
> 22 She makes bed coverings 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; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
> 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
> 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
> 27 She looks well to 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 women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
> 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
> 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
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