“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

The word Virtuous means: chaste or pure .You may be thinking… what is a virtuous woman? Well, the virtuous woman is very rare. She did not seek favor of men and women by her good looks, trendy clothes, or popularity. Also, her spirit of selflessness and chastity were prevalent. Are you now preparing to be a virtuous woman?

Being pretty, wearing nice clothes, and being popular isn’t necessarily bad, but that should not be what people think of when they see you!!

? In Proverbs 31:13-19,22,24,and 27 the virtuous woman demonstrates the value of hard work or working with her hands. Well, what kind of work did she do? Sewing, cooking, planting, weaving, buying/selling and yes … keeping her body in shape.

? In the verses 12,15,20,26-27 she provides the needs for others before her own. She provided for her family (husband and children), servants, the poor and needy, …and lastly herself.

? In Proverbs 31; 16,18,21 -22,24 the virtuous woman showed confidence in her judgment, her work, and her own appearance. (Note: The virtuous woman was not prideful in her skills, yet neither did she shrink from lack of confidence in what talents she did have. She did not hide under the facade of what some call “humility”, but was assured of her God given abilities and judgment.)

? In verses 11,23,25,28-29,30-31 we see the results or outcome of the virtuous woman’s character

The “Young” “Virtuous Woman – Proverbs 31: 10-31: What can I do to be a virtuous woman now?

? Verse 10: “Who can find a (young) virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”. The dictionary definition of “virtuous” is chaste; pure. Guard your heart at all cost!! Take utmost care that you keep yourself chaste and pure physically, mentally, and spiritually. God can and will use a CLEAN vessel unto His glory. A virtuous woman is so very valuable, yet so rare !!

? Verse 11: “The heart of her husband (or father) doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life”. The virtuous woman never speaks negatively about her parents to others. She obeys submissively with a good attitude. (This spirit will be valuable in marriage someday.) ? Verse 13:“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands”. She is learning to create beautiful things- she is not afraid to work.

? Verse 14:”She is like the merchants’ ship; she bringeth food from afar.” She is frugal and is learning about doing business in the world- she is building confidence and poise. ? Verse 15: “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” The virtuous takes care of her responsibilities even at the cost of her own convenience. Responsibility takes character and self worth- even if it is just being diligent in your school work, keeping your room neat, and chores done.

? Verse 16: “She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard”. Again, she is learning about the business world. She is preparing to make wise investments to aid her husband; probably with money she earns herself through home business.

? Verse 17: “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” She is not lazy and keeps herself in good shape. This will make her feel good about herself and she will be attractive to her husband someday.

? Verse 18,19: “She percieveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands to the distaff.” In verses 18-19 we see the virtuous woman should be developing many talents, she is thorough in her work as well as diligent. This, in turn, builds her confidence in her abilities.

? Verse 20: “She stretcheth out her hands to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Anyone, of any age can be this kind of person. She is not so self-centered that she cannot see the needs of others around her. She does not deem herself to be ” above ” or better than other girls that may not have what she has- she radiates kindness and a caring spirit.

? Verse 21,22: “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” Again, her responsibilities are always taking care of. She learns to sew and make clothing. It will be of very practical use once she is married with a family to take care of.

? Verse 23: “Her husband (or father) is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” If you are a virtuous woman, your father ( or later your husband ) will be admired among influential men for how industrious, talented, kind, confident, and hard working his girl is.

? Verse 24: “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” The virtuous woman can be a great blessing to her husband by developing skills and even learning to sell her work for profit. It is usually best if a young woman can learn to earn money from home so she can be there to raise the children and care for the home.

? Verse 25,26: “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” She is not known for spreading negative gossip or “always having a good story about somebody.” She does not respond to silly rumors nor does she participate in senseless chatter. Her conversation should always be fruitful.

? Verse 27-30: “She looketh well to the ways of her household (responsibilities), and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children (or parents and siblings) arise up and call her blessed; her husband (or father) also, and he (they) praiseth her: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a (young) woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Again, beauty is not the most important thing.

? Verse 31:“Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.“