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Biblical People

Biblical People: The Woman of Proverbs 31

The book of Proverbs ends with a poem about a woman of noble character. Though she may be a real person, this passage reads more like an idealized ode to a wife of mythical proportions. 

Regardless, she is one busy lady, and I get tired just reading about all she does. She cares for her husband and provides for her family, she works hard with her hands and stays up late, she is an entrepreneur who turns a profit, and she even has time to help the poor. Because of her, her husband enjoys respect. 

Her children bless her, and her husband praises her. She’s esteemed for her character, dignity, strength, and wisdom. She receives honor and praise. Besides all this, she’s beautiful and charming, but she doesn’t concern herself with these temporary traits. 

Instead, she focuses on something lasting: her relationship with God. She reverences him, having a holy respect for who he is. Today we might understand this as a genuine love for God. Despite being busier than I can imagine, she still has time for her Lord. Think about it.

While many people look in disbelief at what this woman does, they miss the main point. Our focus should be on who she is: a godly woman who makes God a priority. 

Do we give God first place in our lives?

[Discover more about this remarkable woman in Proverbs 31:10–31.]


Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

By Peter DeHaan

Peter writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and make a faith that matters. Learn more at https://peterdehaan.com.