The Virtuous Woman

The book of Proverbs describes the virtuous woman (wife) in a way that suggests a pattern for me. I completed a study sometime ago where I compared some of the virtues described in Proverbs. Ruth and Esther are the examples I used but clearly these virtues are evident in other women in the Bible. I offer in here for anyone that might be interested in a topical study on the virtuous woman.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The first element is that ‘her husband trusts he with all he has.’ (vv.10-12) She is faithful. Second, she works diligently (vv. 13-19). I hope justification by faith don’t ever blind us to the merits of hard work. Thirdly, she has true compassion, (v.20). This is an element of godliness throughout the Bible. Fourth, her clothing is strength and honor (vv. 21-25). Compare to the clothing of the saints in Colossians 3:12-14, and the Bride in Revelations 19:7,8. Fifth, her words are full of wisdom and kindness. She is gracious and offers useful advice not criticism and scorn. Sixth, her family praises her (vv. 27-29). It’s interesting how profoundly important appreciation is. Finally, her beauty is not superficial it proceeds from the fear of the Lord (vv.30, 31). This element could be a study in godliness all by itself, but the fear of God is the primary emphasis throughout Proverbs.
Ruth and Naomi
Ruth demonstrates her faithfulness with a pledge to Naomi that is one of the most deeply moving pledges all of Scripture (Ruth 1:5-18). She works hard gleaning the fields to provide for herself and Naomi (2:2). She was moved with compassion at Naomi’s hardship (1:20,21). Ruth gets cleaned up, anointed, and dressed (3:3). Then she goes to the threshing floor seeking the kinsman redeemer (3:9-13). Boaz redeems her finally, marrying her, making her and her family full members of the covenant of promise (4:7-12). The final chapter shows the genealogy of the royal line. This lady was King David’s great-grandmother (4:13-22).
Esther
Ester obtains grace and favor from the king (Esther 2:16,17). Esther works for twelve months preparing her for her role as queen (2:12). Esther’s uncle Mordecai is in danger so she is moved with compassion and promises to speak to the king on his behalf (4:15-17). Esther puts on her royal robes and makes her husband proud at the 1st feast where she makes her début (5:1-8). She wisely waits for just the right moment to make her petition to the king (7:1-10). Her efforts save the Jews from what would have been a horrible slaughter (8:1-17). The poetic justice of Morenci’s enemy falling into the very trap he had laid has always been my favorite part of the book (Chapters. 9, 10).
The Early Church
For anyone wondering if this is just a little history lesson, compare the virtues of the women above with the Church in Acts. Jesus entrusts the Gospel to the Church (Acts 1:4-8). They go straight to work upon receiving the promise (2:42-47). The lame man at the Temple goes from wretched to walking (3:3-7). They are covered in grace and power (4:33). They are told to continue teaching and proclaiming the Gospel (5:20). The fruits of their ministry are mature Spirit-filled ministers (6:3). The work continues where the church continues to build itself of in the faith as living members though the ministry of the Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22; 4:11-16).
This brief exposition is boiled down from a much larger one, hope you like it.