A Worthy Woman

10 May 2009
Speaker: Ps Barnabas Boon
Text: Proverbs 31:10-31


We are all called to be worthy people and the Bible is replete with examples of worthy men and women. In Proverbs 31:10-31, we read of the Jewish epitome of a worthy woman. In verse 10, it praises her as a worthy woman whose price is far above rubies
The bible teaches us that the worthy woman is characterised by a number of wonderful characteristics.

First, she has faith.

Proverbs 31:30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But' a woman that fears Jehovah, she shall be praised.

Here we see a number of qualities that gives us insight into her faith. She knows Jehovah, the name of God revealed specially to Moses. While the Jews never speak of the name of God as Jehovah, the writer of the book of proverbs specifically mentions that she knows God as Jehovah just as Moses knew God as Jehovah. She does not major in the minors. There is no “Deceitful grace”. The outer aspects of faith such as grace can be faked.

However a worthy woman who has Jehovah God will be less likely to deceive. Her faith marks her as one who “Fears God”. It is written in the word that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The worthy women fears God and is on the way to have wisdom. She is mature spiritually. Vain beauty is faked beauty. But beauty that emanates from within is that which comes from the worthy woman. So let us cultivate true godliness. Beauty and grace is alright but all these must be subservient to a God-given beauty and grace.

Second, she is a woman of substance.

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

The words of “Mouth and tongue” establishes her personality. What we say reveals who we are. The tongue is a great revealer of our beings deep down. She also has the law of kindness in her words. What this means is that kindness that emerges from all that says is is consistent and just. The worthy woman ministers out of her being. There is no put on but a grown in. She is who she is and all that she says is consistent with her identity.

The next thing about this woman of substance is that of diligence and forethought. This woman of substance is a thinking woman. Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field, and buys it; With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. In considering to buy a field and planting it as a vineyard, the worthy woman shows us that she has brains. There is careful consideration and forethought before a commitment to commit large resources like buying a field. Planting a vineyard signifies a woman who has the ability to generate and sustain an income. One thought before we move on. Are we using all that God has given us so that we can apply ourselves to fruitful labour?

One more thing about this woman of substance. She is a diligent woman. Three verses describes her so:

• 31:14 She is like the merchant-ships; She brings her bread from afar.
• 31:15 She rises also while it is yet night, And gives food to her household, And their task to her maidens
• 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goes not out by night.

These give us a picture of toiling into the night while yet getting up early in the morning. She is diligent not only for herself but with those whom she manages. She toils to gather the right knowledge so that she is able to deal with the outside world of merchants and ships. Thus, are all the work that we do effective? Do we have enough of outside knowledge other than what impacts us in the home and family that helps us to navigate our way successfully in the world?

Third, the worthy woman is characterised by the quality of her relationships.

To her husband, she is one who trust in him and cooperates with him in his work outside. Proverbs 31:11, 23 and 28 reminds us of the proverb...that for every successful man there is a quiet diligent woman behind him who supports him and prays for him.

To her children, she is the epitome of love and a caring heart. Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed. Her children thrive because they are the recipient of her kind ministrations.

To others, she is the hand of mercy and compassion. Proverbs 31:20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. Those who come to her gates for help and succour will find they are never turned away.

Conclusion

This worthy woman has strength and dignity. She lives well in the present and triumphs in the future. Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laughs at the time to come. Indeed she will reap the reward of all who know her.