Few if any will ever measure up to the epitome of household wisdom as portrayed by the Proverbs 31 woman. Yet we can apply the wisdom exemplified to specific situations in our own lives. We should examine our own finances, work ethic, reputation, and character. We must strive to live wisely in the situation and among the people God has placed us.

This week we are going to look at the Proverbs 31 Woman. What makes her so excellent and more precious than jewels? We are going to find that a godly woman applies wisdom in daily living.

Passage Overview

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a poem. In Hebrew, the poem is an acrostic—the first letter of each line began with the successive letters in the Hebrew alphabet. This poem was and still is recited by Jewish husbands and children at the Sabbath dinner. The manner of the poem is also similar to a hymn written to extol a heroine, in this case the wise wife and mother.

However, the Proverbs 31 woman is more than just an ideal wife and mother. She personifies wisdom applied in daily living. One author states,

“The poem certainly presents a pattern for women who want to develop a life of wisdom; but since it is essentially about wisdom, its lessons are for both men and women to develop. The passage teaches that the fear of the Lord will inspire people to be faithful stewards of the time and talents that God has given; that wisdom is productive and beneficial for others, requiring great industry in life’s endeavors; that wisdom is best taught and lived in the home—indeed, the success of the home demands wisdom—and that wisdom is balanced living, giving attention to domestic responsibilities as well as business enterprises and charitable service” (Allen Ross, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, p. 1130).

Now that we understand the type of passage we are studying, we will study it in more detail. We will break this poem into 8 stanzas, beginning and ending with praise for this wise woman.

1. General Praise

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10-12)

She is a rarity. Who can find an excellent woman? She is like a rare jewel.          

She is excellent. The Hebrew word for excellent often means “strength,” “brave,” “competent.” ^[1] She has strength of character; she is a fully-capable woman.

She is trustworthy. Her husband can fully trust her. She increases his resources—rather than emptying them. He knows she will only do him good for her whole life.

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