Lesson: Virtuous Woman

A. INTRODUCTION (Proverbs 31:10-31)

There have been two influential women in my life; my mother and my wife. They have the 11 characteristics given in this chapter.

B. THE “A, B, C’S” OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

The 22 verses of the virtuous woman each begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet hence, “the A. B. C’s”. Using an alphabet was a form of teaching by rabbis. In these 22 verses are 11 characteristics of a virtuous woman. “The English word virtuous has a narrow meaning. The Hebrew word is wider, i.e. all moral qualities. Ruth is the only one called “virtuous” in the OT” (Ruth 3:11).

C. 11 CHARACTERISTICS OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

1. She will do . . . good” (v. 12). CHARACTER______ She does good to all--to her husband, children and others. She does

good because she is good.

a. Not good in herself. “None is good, save one, that is God” (Luke 18:19).

b. We become good in Christ’s righteousness.

c. We learn to do good works. “She (Mary) hath done a good work on me” (Mk. 14:6).

d. Definition of character: “Character is habitually doing the right thing in the right way.” - E. Towns

2. “She seeketh . . .” (v. 13).

PLAN AHEAD

A. A virtuous woman doesn’t just live for the present moment. She:

a. Knows what her family needs,

b. She thinks ahead,

c. She plans ahead. Those with no hope in the future are usually selfish, depressed, or callused.

3. “She worketh willingly” (v. 13). INDUSTRIOUS . She is a homemaker who will clean house, wash and do a thousand other jobs in the home. Young men should be warned against marrying a lazy woman.

4. “She riseth also while it is yet night” (v. 15). TIME-MANAGEMENT. There are so many requirements upon a wife or mother that she must use her time wisely. Since time is money and time is life . . . those who use their time best . . . get the most out of life.

5. “She giveth meat to her household” (v. 15). PROVIDER. A great mother/wife always can do more with less money. She can make better meals, provide better clothes, and make the house better --with less money.

6.“She considereth” (v. 16). DECISION-MAKING.

“Life is making decisions and making them work” - J. Falwell. All woman are faced with many choices, those who make the best decisions have the best life.

a. Define your problem clearly.

b. Gather as much information as you can.

c. Determine all the possible solutions.

d. Relate biblical principles to the problem.

e. Choose the best solution to your problem.

WOMEN WHO SOLVED THEIR PROBLEM

Woman Problem Scripture Answer

Rebekah Barren Genesis 25:20 PRAYER

Ruth No husband Ruth

WORKED FAITHFULLY

Eunice Unsaved husband II Tim. 1:5, 315

TAUGHT SON

Bathsheba Son overlooked I Kings 1:11

COUNSEL/MAN OF GOD

7. “She girdeth her loins” (v. 17). STATEMENT. It is said, “Clothes make a woman.” NO! The clothes she wears and the way she wears them will reveal her character not make her character. “Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of plating of the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel, but let it be the hidden man of the heart . . . even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (I Peter 3:3,4).

8.“She perceiveth” (v. 18). INSIGHT/INTUITION. A godly woman is wise. The Book of Proverbs says, “Give yourself to knowledge that you may gain wisdom.” The woman who is always learning will have great insight.

9. "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor" (v. 20). COMPASSION and CHARITY. The godly woman is concerned about the humanitarian needs of those outside her family, i.e. the homeless, hungry, and those needing clothing.

10. “She speaks with wisdom” (v. 26 NIV). WISDOM. Your mouth is a reflection of what is within. When we open our mouth, we show our wisdom or our folly. Therefore:

a. Don’t speak when you can listen.

b. Ask questions so you can learn.

c. Speak carefully and kindly. “In her tongue is the law of kindness” (v. 26).

11. “She looketh well to the ways of her household” (v. 27). CARE. A godly wife/mother will take care of her husband/family. She gives care to

a. Holiness,

b. Health,

c. Harmony,

d. Happiness.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.