Scripture Text: Proverbs 31: 10-31 (Amplified version)
written by Kemi O.
Many christian women including myself strive regularly to be the excellent/ virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. This chapter in scripture talks about the ideal woman, that godly woman that any husband, child, friend, business partner, employer etc will love to have a relationship with.
To be candid, she is a hard role model to live up to, but i tell you sisters, it is not impossible to become this "Virtuous and godly woman". I assure you by the power of the Spirit of God which dwells in us today, we can become women of excellence. Let's take a look at these outstanding traits of an excellent woman described in Proverbs 31:10-30 that has made her to stand out and caused her to excel and rise above all others Prov 31:29. In fact it appears that she even excels above great women of old such as Ruth, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah and even Queen Esther.
Any christian woman who knows and adapts these features in their lives can become an excellent, godly wife and mother. Her ministry can grow under the nurturing hand of a faithful and loving God for it tells us in II Peter 1:3 that He has called us to His excellence and so it is His desire for us to be excellent women serving Him faithfully and wholeheartedly. Excellent in God's eyes does not mean "perfect" but it simply means a woman who puts and seeks God first in everything she does and put Him above everything and everyone in her world. She is a woman who wants to live a life that pleases the Lord and she ensures that He is at the center of her life (i.e in her home, ministry, marriage, business, work etc). The book of Proverbs 31 lists all the characteristics/traits of such a woman and how she lives her life for God.
In verse 10, it tells us that the excellent woman is capable, intelligent and virtuous, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies and pearls...
Now, let us take a look at these 10 traits/qualities that makes the Woman of Excellence.
1. She is a trustworthy woman , Prov 31:11
" The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
For a marriage to be successful, trust is essential, i believe we all agree on that and it does not take a relationship expert to tell us. The woman of excellence is completely transparent with her husband, she is honest with him at all times regardless of the circumstances. Her huband's heart is completely at peace because he knows that she will not bring havoc or disgrace upon him and their home. He can trust her with the affairs of the home when he is not around. He is confident that when he is away from home for business, work, ministry etc, he is sure that she will be faithful to him and the marriage.
As a military spouse, I am prone to hearing a lot of disturbing stories about fellow spouses who commit the act of adultery while their husbands are deployed overseas or nationally. Not only do these women cheat but also make decisions that negatively affect the finances of the home. It is so sad to see this happen especially in the military and a lot of times when these husbands return home, the marriage is literary in shambles. It is so important for the husband to be able to trust his wife completely, especially in situations where he is on a dangerous mission or in a life threatening situation, that way he is able to concentrate on staying alive, doing his job well and coming back home in peace to his family and not worrying about what his wife is doing in his absence.
2. She is a caring, protective and supportive woman, Proverbs 31:12
"She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her."
The woman of excellence is caring, protective and supportive of her husband, she does everything in her power to protect his interests. She lends a listening ear when he wants to talk about what happened in the office whether good or bad. She is concerned about everything that is important to him and supports him no matter the decision he makes on an issue. She is not an obstacle or hindrance in his life, she is there to support him in his career, business ventures, ministerial work etc.
3. She is a skillful and industrious woman , Proverbs 31:13-14
"She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country]."
The woman of excellence is skillful, is quite busy, no time for idleness. She works willingly with her hands and does so with a heart of gladness. She invests in quality items, both food and non-food products that her family needs.
4. She is a hardworking & dedicated woman. Prov 31:15:27
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.(E)
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
The woman of excellence is a dedicated and hardworking woman . She is an effective manager for she manages her household in an organized and timely manner. She is not only concerned about her husband and children but also her maid servants under her roof. She is the first to wake up and begin work and the last to go to bed. She also ensures that her entire household are well cared for and has no time for idleness.
5. She is a prudent, wise and industrious woman. Prov 31:16:18
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
The woman of excellence is careful and cautious in her spending. She does not do anything in haste without seeking the advise of her husband. She is then confident that every purchase she makes is valuable to her family and of good quality.
6. She is compassionate, kind and always ready to help. Prov 31:20
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
The woman of excellence is concerned about the needs of the less priviledged in the community. She is always ready to help the poor and the needy in any way possible. She serves willingly with a kind and loving heart and does this sometimes by volunteering at homeless shelters, local soup kitchens, donations of basic needs as well as monetary gifts to individuals or outreach ministries. The woman of excellence also is willing to visit the sick in the hospital, prisoners in jail etc.
7. She is a home maker, Prov 31:21-22
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
The woman of excellence is a home maker. she creates an atmosphere of warmth of love for her family and guests. Even in times of difficulties, she is prepared and ready to embrace what comes next in her life and that of her household.
8. She is respectful and submissive to her husband, Prov 31:23
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
As a result of her godly and virtuous character, the husband of the woman of excellence is recognized and respected by friends, neighbours, church members etc.
9. She is clothed with strength from Lord and rejoices all the time, Prov 31:25
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
The woman of excellence cannot easily be shaken in times of adversities. She has no fear of the future because her faith is in the Lord and she knows with Him by her side, she can weather every storm that comes. She does not let anything or anyone steal her joy for in the midst of every storm she has peace and therefore rejoices always in the Lord.
10. She is a woman of wisdom and counsels with kindness, Proverbs 31:26
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
When the woman of excellence opens her mouth, she speaks with wisdom. She weighs her words carefully before speaking it out and does so with boldness and gentleness. She is not easily intimated and so therefore does not speak to impress anyone regardless of their social status. When she speaks the truth, she does so with kindness and rebukes in love, she is not judgmental or uncaring with her words.
Prov 31: 28-31
The woman of excellence is a wonderful mother and wife. She teaches her children the word of God, nurturing them and disciplining them with wisdom and care. Prov 22:6
She is respectful and submissive to her husband Eph 5:22 and she strives to be supportive in everything that concerns or interests him. A woman of excellence stands by the decisions her husband makes, however when she sees that the decision may not be in the best interest of the family, she does not argue with him but rather, go to the Lord in prayer seeking counsel and direction on how to handle the situation.
She is a woman who serves the Lord with all her heart and continually seeks His will for her life each and every day.
She is truly a woman to be praised because she reverently fears the Lord.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I commit every woman that will read this message and their homes before you this day and I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will empower them to be women of excellence to be greatly used by you in these last days to do exploits in your name.
Oh Lord bless our marriages, children, careers, ministries, businesses etc and cause us to excel greatly in all that we lay our hands to do in Jesus name. Amen.
written by Kemi O.
Many christian women including myself strive regularly to be the excellent/ virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. This chapter in scripture talks about the ideal woman, that godly woman that any husband, child, friend, business partner, employer etc will love to have a relationship with.
To be candid, she is a hard role model to live up to, but i tell you sisters, it is not impossible to become this "Virtuous and godly woman". I assure you by the power of the Spirit of God which dwells in us today, we can become women of excellence. Let's take a look at these outstanding traits of an excellent woman described in Proverbs 31:10-30 that has made her to stand out and caused her to excel and rise above all others Prov 31:29. In fact it appears that she even excels above great women of old such as Ruth, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah and even Queen Esther.
Any christian woman who knows and adapts these features in their lives can become an excellent, godly wife and mother. Her ministry can grow under the nurturing hand of a faithful and loving God for it tells us in II Peter 1:3 that He has called us to His excellence and so it is His desire for us to be excellent women serving Him faithfully and wholeheartedly. Excellent in God's eyes does not mean "perfect" but it simply means a woman who puts and seeks God first in everything she does and put Him above everything and everyone in her world. She is a woman who wants to live a life that pleases the Lord and she ensures that He is at the center of her life (i.e in her home, ministry, marriage, business, work etc). The book of Proverbs 31 lists all the characteristics/traits of such a woman and how she lives her life for God.
In verse 10, it tells us that the excellent woman is capable, intelligent and virtuous, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies and pearls...
Now, let us take a look at these 10 traits/qualities that makes the Woman of Excellence.
1. She is a trustworthy woman , Prov 31:11
" The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
For a marriage to be successful, trust is essential, i believe we all agree on that and it does not take a relationship expert to tell us. The woman of excellence is completely transparent with her husband, she is honest with him at all times regardless of the circumstances. Her huband's heart is completely at peace because he knows that she will not bring havoc or disgrace upon him and their home. He can trust her with the affairs of the home when he is not around. He is confident that when he is away from home for business, work, ministry etc, he is sure that she will be faithful to him and the marriage.
As a military spouse, I am prone to hearing a lot of disturbing stories about fellow spouses who commit the act of adultery while their husbands are deployed overseas or nationally. Not only do these women cheat but also make decisions that negatively affect the finances of the home. It is so sad to see this happen especially in the military and a lot of times when these husbands return home, the marriage is literary in shambles. It is so important for the husband to be able to trust his wife completely, especially in situations where he is on a dangerous mission or in a life threatening situation, that way he is able to concentrate on staying alive, doing his job well and coming back home in peace to his family and not worrying about what his wife is doing in his absence.
2. She is a caring, protective and supportive woman, Proverbs 31:12
"She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her."
The woman of excellence is caring, protective and supportive of her husband, she does everything in her power to protect his interests. She lends a listening ear when he wants to talk about what happened in the office whether good or bad. She is concerned about everything that is important to him and supports him no matter the decision he makes on an issue. She is not an obstacle or hindrance in his life, she is there to support him in his career, business ventures, ministerial work etc.
3. She is a skillful and industrious woman , Proverbs 31:13-14
"She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country]."
The woman of excellence is skillful, is quite busy, no time for idleness. She works willingly with her hands and does so with a heart of gladness. She invests in quality items, both food and non-food products that her family needs.
4. She is a hardworking & dedicated woman. Prov 31:15:27
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.(E)
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
The woman of excellence is a dedicated and hardworking woman . She is an effective manager for she manages her household in an organized and timely manner. She is not only concerned about her husband and children but also her maid servants under her roof. She is the first to wake up and begin work and the last to go to bed. She also ensures that her entire household are well cared for and has no time for idleness.
5. She is a prudent, wise and industrious woman. Prov 31:16:18
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
The woman of excellence is careful and cautious in her spending. She does not do anything in haste without seeking the advise of her husband. She is then confident that every purchase she makes is valuable to her family and of good quality.
6. She is compassionate, kind and always ready to help. Prov 31:20
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
The woman of excellence is concerned about the needs of the less priviledged in the community. She is always ready to help the poor and the needy in any way possible. She serves willingly with a kind and loving heart and does this sometimes by volunteering at homeless shelters, local soup kitchens, donations of basic needs as well as monetary gifts to individuals or outreach ministries. The woman of excellence also is willing to visit the sick in the hospital, prisoners in jail etc.
7. She is a home maker, Prov 31:21-22
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
The woman of excellence is a home maker. she creates an atmosphere of warmth of love for her family and guests. Even in times of difficulties, she is prepared and ready to embrace what comes next in her life and that of her household.
8. She is respectful and submissive to her husband, Prov 31:23
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
As a result of her godly and virtuous character, the husband of the woman of excellence is recognized and respected by friends, neighbours, church members etc.
9. She is clothed with strength from Lord and rejoices all the time, Prov 31:25
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
The woman of excellence cannot easily be shaken in times of adversities. She has no fear of the future because her faith is in the Lord and she knows with Him by her side, she can weather every storm that comes. She does not let anything or anyone steal her joy for in the midst of every storm she has peace and therefore rejoices always in the Lord.
10. She is a woman of wisdom and counsels with kindness, Proverbs 31:26
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
When the woman of excellence opens her mouth, she speaks with wisdom. She weighs her words carefully before speaking it out and does so with boldness and gentleness. She is not easily intimated and so therefore does not speak to impress anyone regardless of their social status. When she speaks the truth, she does so with kindness and rebukes in love, she is not judgmental or uncaring with her words.
Prov 31: 28-31
The woman of excellence is a wonderful mother and wife. She teaches her children the word of God, nurturing them and disciplining them with wisdom and care. Prov 22:6
She is respectful and submissive to her husband Eph 5:22 and she strives to be supportive in everything that concerns or interests him. A woman of excellence stands by the decisions her husband makes, however when she sees that the decision may not be in the best interest of the family, she does not argue with him but rather, go to the Lord in prayer seeking counsel and direction on how to handle the situation.
She is a woman who serves the Lord with all her heart and continually seeks His will for her life each and every day.
She is truly a woman to be praised because she reverently fears the Lord.
Dear Lord, I commit every woman that will read this message and their homes before you this day and I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will empower them to be women of excellence to be greatly used by you in these last days to do exploits in your name.
Oh Lord bless our marriages, children, careers, ministries, businesses etc and cause us to excel greatly in all that we lay our hands to do in Jesus name. Amen.
4 comments:
I love this thanks. may we all strive to be excellent women to be used by God in this world.
Sheila M.
Houston,TX
great article.. thanks so much for posting.
May the Lord continue to give you the wisdom and knowledge to share more.
God bless
Myra R.
Ogden, UT
Love this, am blessed!
Funke
Nigeria
AWesome message. Thanks Minister of God for this article.
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