The Song of the virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

Today is Mother's Day. Wishing all mothers and sisters around the world a joyful holiday!

According to surveys, the five most important holidays in the United States are, in order: Christmas on December 25th, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, Easter in March or April each year, Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, and Independence Day (also known as National Day) on July 4th.

The first three are related to God: Christmas commemorates the birth of the Lord Jesus, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to God for His care, protection, and blessings throughout the year, and Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Following closely is Mother’s Day, which ranks even before the U.S. Independence Day. This shows the important place Mother’s Day holds in people’s hearts.

A schoolteacher gave her class of second-graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does. The next day the teacher asked her students this question: "My name has six letters. The first one is ‘M.’ I pick up things. What am I?"

When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was surprised to find that almost 50% of the students answered the question with the word "mother."

Even elementary school students feel this way—what about college students?

Based on a questionnaire survey, 600 college students were asked to write down the most beautiful word in English literature. Out of them, 422 (70%) wrote the word: “Mother”!

Today I read the Bible’s description of a perfect mother, recorded in Proverbs 31:10–31, and gave it the title: “A Song of Praise for the Virtuous Woman”.

Proverbs 31:1–9 contains the teachings of King Lemuel’s mother to her son, King Lemuel:

Do not give your strength to women, lest you be led astray and ruined by immoral women.

Do not drink wine or get drunk, lest you forget the law and pervert the justice of the afflicted.

Verses 10–31 are considered the mother’s advice to her son on what kind of virtuous woman he should seek as a wife.

Proverbs 31:10–31 is a beautifully crafted Hebrew acrostic poem. In its 22 verses, the first letter of each verse follows the order of the 22 Hebrew alphabet letters, representing a complete A-to-Z portrayal of the perfect character of a virtuous woman.

Here is the English translation of Proverbs 31:10–31, following the structure of the Hebrew acrostic poem and aligning each verse with its corresponding Hebrew letter:

א (Alef):10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

ב (Bet):11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

ג (Gimel):12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

ד (Dalet):13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

ה (He):14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

ו (Vav):15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

ז (Zayin):16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

ח (Het):17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

ט (Tet):18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

י (Yod):19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

כ (Kaf):20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

ל (Lamed):21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

מ (Mem):22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

נ (Nun):23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

ס (Samekh):24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

ע (Ayin):25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

פ (Pe):26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

צ (Tsadi):27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

ק (Qof):28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

ר (Resh):29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

ש (Shin/Sin):30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

ת (Tav):31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

In addition to the acrostic style, this passage also employs various rhetorical techniques such as parallel structure, chiastic (inverted) symmetry, diction shifts, and metaphors/similes, all of which greatly enhance the vividness of the poem.

For example, Proverbs 31:19–27 follows a chiastic (reverse symmetry) structure, showing how the virtuous woman’s work with her own hands becomes a blessing to both her family and society:

• A. She works with her hands and helps the poor and needy (vv. 19–20);

  • B. She is not afraid of snow for her household (v. 21a);

    • C. She clothes her family in scarlet (v. 21b);

      • D. She makes tapestries and fine garments for herself (v. 22);

        • E. Her husband is respected at the city gate (v. 23);

      • D1. She makes fine garments and sashes to sell to merchants (v. 24);

    • C1. She is clothed with strength and dignity (v. 25a);

  • B1. She laughs at the days to come (v. 25b);

• A1. She speaks with wisdom and manages her household (vv. 26–27).

• 
  

Proverbs 31:19–20 also form a set of parallel lines with diction shifts, using two different Hebrew words for "hand" in a chiastic pattern:

“She stretches out her hand (yad) to the distaff, and her hands (kaf) hold the spindle. She opens her hand (kaf) to the poor, and stretches out her hand (yad) to the needy.”(Proverbs 31:19–20)

This clever use of alternating terms enhances the poetic elegance and theological depth of the passage.

(Excerpted from a comprehensive Bible commentary)

This poem is marked by concise and powerful language. The verbs drive the narrative, and the rhetorical devices enhance its beauty, together shaping the image of an ideal woman who embodies beauty, wisdom, diligence, and godliness.

As the opening verse declares:

"A virtuous woman—who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."(Proverbs 31:10)

Introduction: A Virtuous Woman Is Worth More Than Rubies

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.”(Proverbs 31:10–12, NKJV)

How precious is a virtuous woman? Her value surpasses that of rubies.

A 55.22-carat ruby was recently auctioned for nearly 250 million RMB.

American author Pearl S. Buck, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938, was the daughter of missionaries to China. Her given name, Pearl, was quite possibly inspired by the verse in Proverbs 31, which says the worth of a virtuous woman far exceeds that of precious jewels. Combined with her surname Buck (rendered in Chinese as “赛”), the name becomes especially vivid and meaningful.

“Who can find a virtuous woman?” This phrase can also be translated as: “Who can find an excellent wife?”

This isn’t to say such a woman doesn’t exist or is impossible to find, but rather to express: Who is fortunate enough to be blessed with such a wife? The idea is that when a wise man encounters such a gracious and virtuous woman, he should not hesitate to give all he has to marry her. She is worth every sacrifice.

However, if a foolish man were to marry a virtuous woman, he would not be able to keep her. He would squander the blessing, just like Nabal in the Bible. Though he had Abigail, a woman of both beauty and wisdom, his foolishness ultimately led to his death and the loss of that treasure.

I. A Help to Her Husband

The Bible rarely uses the term “virtuous” to describe outstanding women. One notable exception is Ruth, who is directly called a virtuous woman:

“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”(Ruth 3:11, NKJV)

Similarly, Proverbs 31 says:

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”(Proverbs 31:11–12, NKJV)

The Hebrew word translated “trusts” (בָּטַח, batach) means: to trust, to rely on, to be confident in, to feel secure. The Chinese Union Version uses  (rely on);the KJV uses “trust”; the NIV uses “has full confidence in.”

In most of Scripture, human reliance on oneself or others instead of God is rebuked. But here, the wife becomes her husband’s secure trust. This aligns with God’s original design in creation:

“The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”(Genesis 2:18, NIV)

Human society has often placed women in subordinate roles, yet God’s design from the beginning was that the woman would help the man. And logically, the one who helps is often stronger or more capable in some aspect. For example, Scripture tells us God is our helper, and no one doubts that God is greater than man:

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’”(1 Samuel 7:12, NKJV)

The phrase “he will have no lack of gain” in Proverbs 31:11 can also be translated as “he will lack no plunder”. This military metaphor implies that the virtuous wife is like a victorious general, bringing home abundant spoils—she provides well for the household.

“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”(Proverbs 31:12, NKJV)

Her lifelong commitment is to benefit her husband—not with short-term acts of kindness, but with consistent, enduring goodness.

Throughout her life, she brings only good to her husband and never harm. This virtuous wife becomes the very embodiment of the “wise woman who builds her house” (Prov. 14:1), living out God’s original design:

“I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Gen. 2:18)

Because of her, her husband lacks nothing of value; she brings with her wisdom and strength from God, truly fulfilling the words:

“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Prov. 31:12)

But her help to her husband goes far beyond the home:

“Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.”(Proverbs 31:23, NKJV)

The city gate was the center for gathering, trading, and legal matters. It was there that the elders would meet to deliberate and govern public affairs. The phrase “is known in the gates” means he is respected by all. Because his wife so ably manages their household, her husband is elevated in public life, becoming a leader among the elders and a man esteemed by the community.

Just as Scripture says:

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.”(Proverbs 12:4, NKJV)

Because his wife is praised by many, her husband is honored by all. Indeed, the greatest boast a man may have in his lifetime is this: that he was blessed to marry such a virtuous and capable wife.

My wife has never, in all these years, said or done anything inappropriate that caused me embarrassment in front of others. In the forty years since I first met her, not once has she made me feel awkward or ashamed. I, on the other hand, have many flaws and have often caused her grief. There were times she left her parents’ home in tears because of something I had done, yet every time we returned home, she acted as if nothing had happened. She made sure I was treated with respect by every member of her family.

My father- and mother-in-law love me deeply, and so do her brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. I am more respected in her family than I ever was in my own.

One time, I ran into a seminary classmate who was passionate about prosperity theology. The moment he saw me, he said, “Jesus is amazing!” I asked, “Why do you say that?” He replied, “Two years ago, I spent $400,000 to build a new house near Washington D.C. I just sold it this year for $800,000.”

When I shared this with my wife, she gently said, “If I hadn’t kept reminding you from behind, you might have been led astray too.”

She has told me many times: “Because you are serving God, there are many things I wanted to do but chose not to—for fear it would hinder your ministry. So I gave them up.

”

Indeed, the husband is the head, bearing the responsibility of protector and provider. But the wife is the neck—she determines which way the head turns.

So, sisters, may I ask you:

• Has your noble character made your husband respected by others?

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• Has your capable management of the household given your husband strength and peace of mind?

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• Has your spiritual maturity made you a true partner to your husband in the faith, so that he has the opportunity, ability, and spiritual stature to take up leadership within the church?

• 
  

II. The Diligent Homemaker

One of the most outstanding virtues of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is her diligence in managing her household. From verses 13 to 25, the passage vividly describes her tireless and industrious work.

“She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.” (Proverbs 31:13–18, NKJV)

Wool and flax were essential materials for weaving, and the virtuous woman was skilled in textile work—an art highly respected in ancient times. Her craftsmanship was not merely for leisure, but a practical trade skill that helped sustain her household. She exchanged her woven goods for food, showing her resourcefulness in providing for her family.

Before dawn, she would rise to prepare meals and assign tasks to her maidservants. Her discipline and foresight reflect a life structured by love and responsibility.

She used her earnings from trade to invest in land, planting a vineyard with the profits of her labor. The phrase "she girds herself with strength" symbolizes her readiness for action—just as I, for example, always tighten my belt before stepping onto the pulpit to preach. But this woman doesn’t just gird herself with a belt—she girds herself with strength. This strength represents her inner determination and hardworking spirit. Her arms are strong, showing her capability and commitment to fulfilling her duties with energy and excellence.

"Her lamp does not go out by night" not only speaks of her tireless efforts but also suggests the joy and abundance that come from wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Her diligence brings both material provision and spiritual blessing. And by God's grace, her household shines with enduring prosperity—like a lamp that never goes out.

“She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.” （Prov 31:19-21，NKJV）

The word “hand” appears seven times in Proverbs 31:10–31, vividly portraying the diligence of the virtuous woman. In verses 19–20 alone, the word occurs four times:

“She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:19–20, NKJV)

The virtuous woman not only works diligently with her hands, but also stretches them out in compassion, caring for the poor and the needy with a merciful heart.

This passage paints a picture that reminds me so much of my own mother. I come from a large family—six siblings and two parents, a total of eight people. And for our entire household, all the clothes, shoes, socks, quilts, and sheets were handmade by my mother. She would spin the thread and weave the cloth herself, then dye it using traditional methods, cut and sew it into garments for each one of us.

For today’s younger generation, spinning wheels and looms may seem like relics from ancient times—but in my childhood, I witnessed firsthand how my mother labored day and night at her spinning and weaving. She never waited for the cold to come—each year, she would prepare warm clothes for the entire family well in advance of winter.

Just as Proverbs 31:21 says:

“She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.”

So too was my mother unafraid of the snow, because she had lovingly and diligently provided for us. Truly, she embodied the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman—skilled, wise, hardworking, and compassionate.

There’s an old English proverb that says:

“A man’s work is from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.”

But I’d like to revise it a little:

“A father’s work is from sun to sun, but a mother’s work is from night to night.”

Fathers rise with the sun and rest at sunset;

Mothers labor day and night, tirelessly and without pause.

When I was a child, I witnessed my mother’s unceasing diligence with my own eyes.

And after I got married, I saw the same tireless spirit in my wife—my “师母”—every single day.

When I was pursuing my PhD at Peking University Medical School, our son was just over two years old and living with my wife—my “师母”—back in our hometown in Henan. In order to give our child better access to education, I asked her to leave her job and come with our son to join me in Beijing. I enrolled our son in the kindergarten attached to PUMS, and Shimu began looking for temporary work—long before “gig jobs” became a trend.

She quickly mastered the Wubi typing system and got a job at the university's print shop. Thanks to her quick learning and deft hands, she became highly skilled in typing and typesetting. She worked with speed and precision and treated everyone with kindness and grace. Soon, many professors and graduate students came to her directly for their printing needs. Even though she wasn’t a formal employee, she was treated on par with regular staff because of her excellent performance.

At the time, I received a student stipend of 100 RMB per month. 师母 earned a little over 100 RMB, while our son’s childcare cost was 140 RMB per month—so we were still short. A friend gave me an inexpensive computer, and 师母 began typing graduate theses at home after work. During graduation season, she would often stay up the entire night working, only to head back to the print shop the next day without rest. I often watched her pull all-nighters, her eyes fixed on the screen, while I sat helplessly nearby.

Once, I shared a story with her. There was a village where a girl of ordinary appearance couldn’t find a husband because no one was willing to pay the customary bride price of one cow. Then one day, a young man from a neighboring village saw her inner kindness and offered eight cows to marry her. The girl was overwhelmed by love and affirmation—she blossomed with confidence and soon became the most beautiful woman in the entire village.

After telling her the story, I turned to 师母 and said, “You’re an eight-cow wife.”Hoping to flatter her, I was surprised when she didn’t even look up. She simply replied, deadpan: “Don’t fool me. I’m one cow doing the work of eight.”

“She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come…. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. ”（Prov 21:22-27，NKJV）

“She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple… She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. ”These verses show that the virtuous woman’s hard work brings not only abundance and blessing to herself but also beauty and dignity to others through her skill. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she faces the future with joy and hope. She diligently oversees all affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The diligence and labor of the virtuous woman are centered around building up her household. Her primary work revolves around her family—which is, in fact, God’s original design and intention. Is it a waste for a virtuous wife, who may be highly educated and talented, to devote herself to managing the home? Far from it. In fact, it is essential. What endeavor could possibly compare in eternal value and lasting reward to the investment you make in your family, your husband, and your children?

III. The Teaching of Wisdom

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.”(Prov 31:26, NKJV)

The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. Knowledge is the intellectual understanding of truth in the mind, while wisdom is the practical application of that truth in daily life. Some people may be very smart, but still lack wisdom—because the source of wisdom is the knowledge of God.

Biblical scholar Norman L. Geisler outlines the structure of Proverbs as follows:

1. Wisdom is valuable—seek it (Chs. 1–9)

2. Wisdom is practical—follow it (10–22:16)

3. Wisdom is admonitional—hear it (22:17–24)

4. Wisdom is ethical—do it (Chs. 25–31

   
   

Chapters 1 to 9 form the prologue of Proverbs, consisting of fifteen discourses on wisdom (Prov. 1:8–9:18).

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.（Prov 3:13-18）

“Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.”(Prov 4:8, NKJV)

In Proverbs chapters 8 and 9, wisdom is personified as a woman who speaks and invites all people to receive her:

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.”(Prov 9:4–6, NKJV)

In a profound sense, the virtuous wife described in Proverbs 31 is the embodiment of this wisdom.

Proverbs 31:26 highlights her wisdom and kindness: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

This verse shows that her speech is thoughtful and insightful, and yet always expressed with compassion. Her wisdom is not cold or harsh, but grounded in love and mercy. Her words carry teaching power and a warm, persuasive influence.

The wisdom of the virtuous woman is shown in many areas of life:

• In skillfully managing household resources, making long-term plans and preparations,

  
  

• In wisely arranging household affairs and generously helping the poor and needy,

  
  

• In teaching her children through example—her diligence, generosity, and piety are observed and remembered,

  
  

• In her practical skills—her work with textiles, her stewardship of land—she models a life worth imitating,

  
  

• In her relationship with her husband—her love, encouragement, spiritual companionship, and timely

  counsel contribute to his honor in the city gates, where he sits among the elders and participates in public affairs.

  
  

There is a true story. A young elementary school girl was scolded harshly by a female school bus driver for three straight minutes because she stood up on the bus to braid her seatmate’s hair, which violated school bus safety rules. Feeling very upset, the girl went home and tearfully told her mother what had happened.

The mother said, “Let’s take a bold action to respond to her.”

The daughter asked, “What bold action?”

The mother replied, “Let’s bake her a sweet treat she’ll love. Tomorrow, when you ride the school bus, give it to her and thank her for the hard work of driving you and your classmates every day.”

So the mother and daughter baked a sweet cake together. The mother wrapped it in a beautiful gift box, and the next day, the girl happily gave it to the bus driver, along with her thanks. The driver, realizing she had been too harsh the day before, felt deeply remorseful. Moved by the kindness and love of the girl and her mother, she stood up, hugged the little girl, and wept for a long time.

IV. Praise from Many

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.’” (Proverbs 31:28–31, NKJV)

This virtuous wife and mother is praised by many because of her excellent character.

First, “Her children rise up and call her blessed” shows that her children actively express their gratitude and respect for their mother. They are thankful for her tireless dedication to the family. Her wisdom, kindness, and godliness make them proud. Her loving care and wise instruction allow her children to feel the deep and enduring love of a mother. Her skillful management brings prosperity to the household, benefiting everyone, so they honor her as the source of their family’s blessings.

Secondly, her husband praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” This is perhaps the highest praise a husband can give to his wife. In modern poetic words, it can be described like this:

“My beloved, you surpass all others in grace and virtue. You are the rarest pearl, shimmering with unmatched radiance, and the most precious gem, sparkling with eternal brilliance in my heart.”

Next comes the commentary from the author of Proverbs, written in the third person: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30, NKJV)

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing" can also be translated as "Charm is misleading, and beauty is vain."

This is a complete rejection of the worldly perspective. Whether in ancient literature or modern fashion culture, women are often led to believe that youth and physical beauty are their greatest assets. But “charm is misleading”—"charm" and "beauty" fade away far more quickly than people imagine. They promise a lifetime of happiness but slip away halfway through; joy and hope burst like bubbles, leaving behind only the anxiety of fading youth. Outward beauty can only please the eyes temporarily, while inner beauty is not subject to the damage of time. A person is not lovable because they are beautiful, but beautiful because they are lovable.

As 1 Peter 3:4 says, "Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit," which leads to a lasting expression of beauty and honor. Therefore, “a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.” 

Finally, it is the Holy Spirit who calls all people to praise her: "Honor her for all that her hands have made, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:31, NIV)

The virtuous woman—a wise and capable wife, a kind and loving mother—is honored for her lifelong virtue and diligence, enjoying the fruit of her labor. She has faithfully managed her household and done good to those around her; now, her works bring her praise at the city gate. This woman of noble character—this wife and mother—deserves all the praise she receives! Because she fears the Lord, the Lord lifts her up and bestows upon her honor.

Just as the LORD Himself declares: “Those who honor Me I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30)

Conclusion: The Woman Who Fears the LORD Shall Be Praised

All the virtues, character, and praise that the virtuous woman receives stem from her ultimate and core quality: the fear of the LORD.

The central theme of the Book of Proverbs is the fear of the LORD. This truth is declared right from the beginning of the book: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)

It is echoed again in chapter 9 with even greater clarity: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom!” This is the heart of Proverbs—a principle repeated throughout the book to guide personal, family, and societal life in the way of wisdom. This theme reaches its climax in Proverbs 31:10–31, the beautiful passage about the virtuous woman, where the entire book concludes with a living portrait of a woman who fears the LORD. Her life bears the fruits of wisdom, kindness, and blessing. She is not only a practitioner of wisdom but also a living embodiment of the teachings of Proverbs—perfectly fulfilling the book’s core truth:“But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

In Titus chapter 1, when speaking on the qualifications for elders, I have encouraged that the list in Titus 1:5–9 should be considered the best standard for sisters to look for in a potential husband—a man who fears God. Likewise, today in Proverbs 31, I want to say that the virtues listed in Proverbs 31:10–31 represent the best standard for brothers when seeking a wife. Young men should seek a wife like the Proverbs 31 woman.

You may ask, “Where can I find such a perfect woman?” Indeed, Proverbs 31 describes an ideal woman, and it may be rare to find someone who fulfills every detail. But if you truly cannot find such a woman, at the very least, hold firmly to this one essential: she must fear the LORD. As long as a woman possesses this core quality, all the other virtues can be cultivated within the journey of marriage.

Remember: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30, NIV)

Praise the Lord!

Rev. Amos Ren

May 11, 2025 Mother’s day