Proverbs 21:10-31 was written a long time ago but the principles are timeless. So what can we learn from this woman? The word virtuous” can be translated: noble, capable, excellent, good or worthy. We see from the second half of verse 10 that she was a “rare gem”. She comforts, encourages and does her husband only good (v 12). Ladies, our husbands need our praise and encouragement not our nagging!! (See Prov 27:15). Notice that she does him good all the days of her life (she is consistent).

We learn from verse 13 and several other verses that she works hard, work is not a dirty word for her! It also says she works willingly; she doesn’t complain. Along the same lines we see that she is not lazy (V 15,21,27), she gets up early to pray and provide spiritually and physically for her household. We are told that she uses wisdom in financial matters (v 16) and also speaks wisely (v 26). It’s already been stated that she makes a priority of her spiritual life but she is also developing her physical strength (v 17); this requires discipline and being intentional. She is prepared for the future (v 18,25) and is kind and generous (v 20,26). She is clothed with strength and dignity (v 24); these attributes come from within and develop over time.

What is the secret to her success which causes the Holy Spirit to dedicate almost the whole of one chapter of the Bible to this woman? The answer is found in verse 30, she fears the Lord! We all know only too well that outward beauty does not last but inward beauty which comes from our relationship with God lasts forever!