Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Jesus tells a parable where he describes the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. Some of the virgins were wise and they took extra oil in case the bridegroom tarried while other virgins […]

Proverbs 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
This passage is discussing the benefits to a husband who takes the time to find a virtuous wife. One of the benefits is that a virtuous woman will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
You […]

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
Do you really understand that apart from God, you will never find HIS perfect will for your life? It does not matter all the things that you have done, you need God in order to find HIS direction for your life.
Proverbs […]

1 Corinthians 13:7 hopeth all things,
Love trusts. The word hope used in this passage means to expect or confide, hope for, and to trust. If you love someone, it means that you can confide in them and you trust that they will not violate that trust. In Proverbs 31, we are told that one of […]

Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
In Proverbs 31, Solomon was instructed to find a virtuous woman for a wife. In that passage, we are shown the character traits that are found in a virtuous woman. This passage demonstrates one […]

Ruth 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of the barley harvest and of the wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelt within her. One of the things that Ruth did to demonstrate to those around her that she was a woman of virtue has to do with how she followed the direction of her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth was a grown adult; she did not need Naomi telling her what to do and where to go. Ruth was smart enough to figure out that she could glean, why would she need the advise of Naomi.

Ruth 2:12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelt within her. One of the things that Ruth did which demonstrated to the community that she was virtuous was her trust in the Lord. Ruth not only made a decision to serve the God of Naomi, she also made a decision to trust HIM and to allow HIM to guide and support her life.

There is a difference between willing to follow God and being willing to trust HIM. Take a couple which has decided to take a long journey. As they get in the car, the passenger is agreeing to �follow� the driver by not taking their own car and going their own way. However, if the passenger is constantly second guessing the driver and saying things like �If I were driving I would have done this�, then the passenger is not demonstrating any trust in the driver�s ability to get them were they desire to go. The passenger may have agreed to go to the same place, but there is a lack of trust involved.

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelt within her. One of the things that Ruth did which demonstrated to the community that she was virtuous was her grateful heart. In this passage, we see that Boaz had just offered Ruth protection and provision if she continued to glean in his fields. Ruth did not respond in pride thinking that she deserved these good things from Boaz. Instead, Ruth humbled herself and thanked Boaz for his generosity.

Ruth 2:7b so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelt within her. One of the things that Ruth did in order to demonstrate to all who saw her the inward character of her heart was that she was diligent in her work. Ruth was gleaning in Boaz� field and when he showed up, he saw Ruth. He asked his servants who this woman was and his servants not only told Boaz who Ruth was, but also informed him on how diligent of a worker she was. Ruth had evidently been working for many hours in the hot sun, not taking any breaks and this really impressed Boaz� servants. They were probably not use to seeing gleaners who were diligent.

Ruth 2:7a And she said, I pray you let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves:

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelled within her. One of the things that Ruth did in order to demonstrate to the community that virtue dwelled within her was that she asked to glean in Boaz� field. According to the Law of Moses, it was her right to glean; yet Ruth did not assert her rights but instead, humbled herself by going to the individual in charge and requested that she be permitted to glean.

By asking for permission to do what she had the right to do, Ruth gained favor with the head of Boaz� field. They knew who Ruth was and why she was there and as such, they did not build up any resentment towards the foreigner who was gleaning in the field. If Ruth had just showed up and started working, the head of the field would have seen her but not known who she was and naturally would have allowed some resentment of this foreign woman who chose to glean in the field he was responsible for.

Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelled within her. One of the things that Ruth did to demonstrate to Boaz and the community that she was virtuous occurred when she arrived in Bethlehem. Ruth diligently sought for a way to support Naomi and herself. Ruth did not go out and beg, but instead, she must have taken the time to understand the law how she was entitled to follow the reapers in the field and pick up that which they dropped.

Ruth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was known in the community as being a virtuous woman. The question then is; what did Ruth do that added virtue to her life that was evident to all that she was virtuous? The first thing Ruth did was she chose to follow God and forsake the false gods of her people. Ruth had a hard choice to make, she could either go home and be with her family and friends in her own comfort zone, or she could go to a new place to serve the God of her mother-in-law.

Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Ruth had just obeyed her mother-in-law by going to the threshing floor by night to let Boaz know that she was willing for him to do his duty as the next of kin. Boaz was willing to perform the duties of the next of kin even though Ruth was a foreigner because he had seen Ruth demonstrate the inward character of virtue. Boaz not only had seen Ruth�s virtue but he knew that the community also had recognized Ruth as a woman of virtue. Boaz knew that where Ruth was from was not the most important ingredient to a good marriage but the content of her heart is what he needed to examine.

Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Your life does affect those whom God places around you. The decisions you make whether they are right or wrong will be either a blessing or a curse to those whom God has placed in your life. You do not live on an island where your choices only have a consequence to you and your life. Instead, even that which is done in secret, God will reveal to the world. If you choose to do that which is right in the eyes of God, then God will be able to bless you and bless those around you. However, should you choose to do that which is right in your own eyes, not only will God have to punish you but the choices that you make may have severe consequences on those who are near to you.

Proverbs 31:31b and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Virtue is not something you add to your life that does not make a difference. Virtue is not a decoration that causes others to look at you but has no eternal impact. Instead, when you take the time to add virtue to your life, it is more like a total remodeling of a house. You change who you are so that the results of your life will make a difference upon those around you. Adding virtue to your life is not a simple one step process but instead it is a life-changing event that you must constantly examine to ensure that you are living your life so that your Creator is well pleased.

Proverbs 31:31a Give her of the fruit of her hands;

Solomon was instructed to seek a virtuous woman to be his wife. His mother showed him the things he should be looking for in order to recognize the virtuous woman. His mother informed him of the benefits of having a virtuous woman. Now his mother admonishes Solomon that he is not to prevent his virtuous wife from receiving glory for the inward character that she has developed in her life.

The virtuous woman is going to have an impact not only in her home, but also in the community. While Solomon benefited by being married to a virtuous woman, his mother instructed him to permit his wife to have impact in the community. Solomon was to allow her to enjoy the fruit that was a result of her godly character.

Proverbs 31:30b but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Christ commanded us that we are not to fear man but that we are to fear the One who created us and has the power to take not only your life but also your soul.

The virtuous individual understands that their thoughts must be upon that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and a good report. It is not easy to keep the cares of this world from crowding your mind. However, it is by God�s grace that you can control your mind and do what is right in the eyes of God.

Proverbs 31:30a Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain:

The virtuous woman understands that it is not the outward appearances that are the most important thing but rather the inward manifestations of the heart. A virtuous woman is more concerned about the condition of her heart knowing that the inward beauty will affect her outward appearance. If she concentrates her attention to that which man sees yet has an ugliness of heart, that inward ugliness will ruin any outward beauty.

Outward beauty can be deceitful because what one sees on the outside does not reveal the inward character. If all one did was look at the outside of an individual to determine if they had character, then they could easily be deceived. Imagine looking at a businessman and seeing that he is financially well off. You could say to yourself, that man is so successful; he must be a man of character. However, what you do not know is that the man often visits prostitutes. That man�s outward appearances may be desirable, but the condition of his heart is such that his life is in vain and you are the one who is deceived.

Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Many people sacrifice their entire life to be the best at something. Sports figures spend hours in training in order to get a little bit faster, a little bit quicker and a little bit stronger then their fellow competitor. In the business world, you see CEO�s battling it out to see who can bring their shareholders the most amount of money so that they will be recognized as the best and receive a high salary. No matter what it is that you are doing, most people desire to excel to be the best that they can be.

Proverbs 31:28b her husband also, and he praiseth her.

The woman who has chosen to allow virtue to permeate her life has chosen a high calling for her life. She is not like every other woman. She has chosen to live her life so that others might succeed. She has chosen to live her life so that when others look at her, they understand that there is something different about her.

According to the Law of Moses, if a husband felt that his wife had been unfaithful he was allowed to bring his wife before the priest who would make her drink a mixture of holy water and dirt. If she was faithful, then God would allow this mixture to have no consequence upon her life, however, if she had committed adultery, then the mixture would be her curse.

Proverbs 31:28a Her children arise up, and call her blessed;

Solomon received many benefits by carefully examining the character of the woman he desired to marry. Solomon�s mother taught him that if he took the time to examine the character of the woman he desired to marry, he would be blessed in many different ways. However, Solomon would not be the only person who would be blessed because he found a virtuous woman. Solomon�s wife also would receive blessings because she took the time to add virtue to her life. The virtuous woman who has willingly given of herself to make others in her life great will receive the blessing that her children recognize what she has done in their life.

Proverbs 31:27b and eateth not the bread of idleness.

The eighth benefit that Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that she would continue to be a diligent woman. One of the many characteristics that Solomon was to look for in his future wife was that she was a diligent woman. Just because a person is diligent today, does not mean that they will be diligent tomorrow. However, Solomon was not simply looking for diligence in a wife, he was looking for virtue and one of the qualities he was looking for virtue would be found in diligence.

If a person just has diligence, they can quickly not become diligent when they grow weary or they just become board with what they are doing. However, a person who is virtuous understands that they are accountable to God and thus fills their thinking with the things of God. As a result, their diligence does not just come from their liking what they are doing; they demonstrate diligence because it is a way of life.

Proverbs 31:27a She looketh well to the ways of her household,

The seventh benefit that Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that his wife would care about how their children turned out. �Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: � As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.� (Psalm 127:3-4). A warrior with arrows is capable of seriously weakening the enemy prior to the attack. A wise man understands that if he trains up his children in the way they should go, he can do more damage to the enemies of God by carefully sending his children out into the world to properly reflect God�s glory.

Proverbs 31:26b and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

The sixth benefit that Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that the words of his wife would naturally be filled with kindness. Solomon was to be a wise man and examine the life of his bride to be very carefully in order to ensure that virtue filled her entire life. Jesus told us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth does speak. Because the virtuous woman has filled her life with virtue, kindness is the fruit of her mouth.

The virtuous woman has demonstrated prior to her marriage that she is an independent individual who is able to properly manager her affairs so that she is not idle. One would naturally think that just because this virtuous woman was so self-sustaining prior to marriage that she would naturally lord over those around her. However, the law of the virtuous woman is the law of kindness and mercy. She has an excellency of spirit that enables her put God and others first. While virtue enabled her to be diligent and to not waste the time, talent and treasures that God had given her prior to her marriage, virtue also did not allow her to become proud of her achievements.

Proverbs 31:26a She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

The fifth benefit Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that his wife would demonstrate wisdom. Solomon once wrote that �He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.� (Prov. 13:20). By choosing a virtuous woman as a wife, Solomon would not be marrying a woman who would encourage him to do wrong but would encourage him to do what is right.

While Solomon was taught that he was to marry a virtuous woman, Solomon allowed himself to marry many strange women and �when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.� (I Kings 11:4). Solomon may have been the wisest man who ever lived, but he departed from the instruction of his mother which greatly diminished his ability to finish the race that God had set before him.

Proverbs 31:25b and she shall rejoice in time to come.

The fourth benefit that Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that his wife would not allow herself to worry about the future. The virtuous woman understands that God is in control of her life. While she could worry about her future, the virtuous woman instead has a strong gladness.

When you add virtue to your life, you fill your mind with those things that are true, honest, just pure, lovely and that are a good report. Because your mind is thinking about those things that are right in the eyes of God, the cares of the world will seem distant to you. Virtue gives you the moral strength to lay aside the things that do entangle you here on this earth. By adding virtue to your life, you now have the strength to obey Jesus� command to �Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.� (Matt. 6:34).

Proverbs 31:25a Strength and honor are her clothing;

The third benefit that Solomon would receive by marrying a virtuous woman would be that she has a strong mind. In addition to the strong mind, her inward character will produce an outward appearance that Solomon would find beautiful. The virtuous woman has demonstrated that she is a woman of high character and there are blessings attached to those who do that which is right in the eyes of God.

Because the virtuous woman took the time to pursue inward character, God has developed in her a hidden strength that will give her a maturity that will enable her to help others. The virtuous woman has experienced much, and this experience will help her when it comes time to �teach the young women�. It was traditional during this time of history that the young ladies did not receive a formal education; nonetheless, her experiences gave her wisdom and a mental strength. The most important thing was not a formal education but instead was a heart that was dedicated to doing that which is right. Because of her right attitude God has ensured that she was not lacking mentally.

Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

The second benefit that Solomon would receive by marrying a virtuous woman would be that she would not change just because she was married. The virtuous woman prior to her marriage was an active individual who learned several trades and was diligent to work rather then remain idle while waiting for a husband. Now that she is married, she continues to be diligent and finds ways to use the skills that she learned in her youth to help support her family. The virtuous woman does not quickly forget the traits that increased her worth in the eyes of her suitor.

Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Solomon was given many characteristics of virtue that he was to look for in a woman he desired to marry. In addition to the list of outward manifestations that Solomon should look for, he was also given a list of results that would occur in his life should he demonstrate wisdom by marrying a virtuous woman. The first benefit of marrying a virtuous woman was that his stature in the community would increase.

You become what you associate with. If you hang around those who are slothful, it will be hard for you to avoid eventually becoming a sluggard. If you hang around those who are diligent, then you should eventually become a more diligent individual. A virtuous individual has many quality characteristics, by associating with a virtuous person, it will change your life as you allow your life to change.

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

The thirteenth characteristic of virtue Solomon was to look for in a woman he desired to marry was that her possessions were quality. Clothing that was silk and purple at that time was the best clothing one could wear. While she is wearing the best quality clothing of her time, Solomon was to contrast that with her house were he was to examine whether she also adorned her house with quality possessions. Coverings of tapestry often referred to a carpet that was placed upon the ground that others were able to sit upon while visiting. The virtuous woman would care about the way she dressed, but she also would care about those who came into her house to ensure that her house had proper furnishings to make her guests comfortable.