Smiling at the Future: An Introduction to the Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31)
Welcome to this Bible study series where we explore Proverbs 31, specifically the section we know as “the virtuous woman.” Throughout these lessons, we’ll discover how we can apply biblical principles to our daily lives, recognizing that the Lord is in control of all things.
It is my prayer that as we advance in this study, you can see how the Lord is in control of all things, how we can surrender our lives to Him, and that as we do so, we can, like this virtuous woman, smile at the future because we rest in knowing that our sovereign God is in control.
Proverbs 31:10-31
I invite you to take a moment to read the passage and reflect on the following questions:
What do you know about this passage?
What do you know about this woman?
As we read this passage, we may feel identified, we can see areas in our lives where we might resemble or are similar to this woman. But perhaps more frequently, we may feel that we don’t even come close to measuring up to this woman.
Before we begin evaluating our lives according to this passage, we must remember several fundamental principles when studying the Bible.
The Doctrine of God’s Word
Before diving into the study of the virtuous woman, it’s necessary to remember these four characteristics of God’s Word:
- It is our ultimate authority
- It is clear and understandable
- It is necessary to know God’s revelation
- It is sufficient to direct our lives
The Context of the Book of Proverbs
To better understand this passage, we must examine the context of the book by answering the questions that Jen Wilkin teaches in her book Women of the Word.
Who wrote the book of Proverbs?
Primarily Solomon, with contributions from other wise men, including the words of King Lemuel in chapter 31.
When was the book of Proverbs written?
During Solomon’s reign, with the final compilation during Hezekiah’s reign.
For whom was the book of Proverbs written?
The people of Israel who seek wisdom and instruction, we can read about the audience in chapter 1.
What is the literary style or genre of the book?
The style of the book is wisdom literature or proverbs. Proverbs are teachings that give us life principles. Contrary to what many people think when they read the book of Proverbs, proverbs are not promises, they are life principles.
What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?
To teach wisdom and the fear of the Lord as a fundamental principle.
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding.
Proverbs 1:1-2
The Purpose of Proverbs
Let’s take a moment to understand these four words to better piece together what we’ll be meditating on and reading in the upcoming lessons about the virtuous woman.
Proverbs
Proverbs are wise sayings that mostly use comparison and contrast. These sayings are instructions that have authority and are shared because they are understood to be principles that should govern human life and teach spiritual truths.
I want to emphasize that these proverbs, being part of the Bible, which is our ultimate authority, have complete authority over any other Chinese proverbs, etc., that we might read elsewhere.
Wisdom
More than intellectual knowledge, it implies knowing what is correct and true. It’s more than common sense. Many people have common sense and may appear wise, but wisdom leads us to live under the Lord’s authority.
Discernment/Understanding
Deep comprehension that goes beyond theoretical knowledge, leading to practical transformation. An understanding that doesn’t just stay in our heads but moves to practice, changing my thoughts and the way I act, bringing prudence or good judgment to our lives.
Doctrine/Instruction
Teaching that produces concrete changes in our lives; these teachings bring correction and discipline. As we advance in our study of this portion of Proverbs 31, we will be taught, receive counsel, and receive correction, and we must prepare our hearts and minds to submit to the Lord’s discipline; a discipline that doesn’t imply punishment but correction, molding us to His word and principles to be more like Him.
Themes Covered in the Book of Proverbs
Generally, these are the subjects addressed in the book: God, man (specifically his character), relationships (which is the main focus of this portion about the virtuous woman), and how to handle our possessions and the world in general.
The Ideal of the Virtuous Woman
In this passage, we’ll see the ideal of a wise woman who has been taught, corrected, and disciplined and submits to that teaching from the Lord. This ideal is shared with us to understand it and through it be corrected and counseled about how we handle our relationships.
As we advance in the study, we’ll notice that we’re called to change attitudes and actions we’re taking so that we honor the Lord with our lives and can be called virtuous women.
Not simply to resemble this woman and fulfill a list of descriptors, but as we draw closer to this ideal, we’re approaching being more like Christ and will live for God’s glory.
Characteristics of the Virtuous Woman
The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is an example of many things. Here are some characteristics, and perhaps you can add more upon rereading the passage:
- An example of biblical femininity
- A model of a wife who pleases the Lord
- A demonstration of diligence and service
- An example of practical wisdom
- A display of confidence in the Lord
In short, she’s a woman who gives us an example of what it means to live confident in the Lord.
The Fear of the Lord
Reaching this ideal may seem impossible, but the key to advancing in this process is found in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” This fear of the Lord is:
- The beginning of wisdom
- The foundation for growing in virtue
- The basis for smiling at the future
Smiling at the Future
This series is titled “Smiling at the Future.” Verse 25 says: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.” As our fear of the Lord increases, as we grow in wisdom and begin to resemble this virtuous woman more, we’ll be able to smile at whatever comes.
When unexpected situations arise, whether difficult or good, but especially the difficult ones, we’ll be able to smile because our confidence is in the Lord.
To be able to smile, the first thing is to ensure we have our roles and priorities in the correct order. In the upcoming lessons of the study, we’ll cover each one and see the principles we should apply to our lives.
Priorities in Order
- The Lord
- The husband
- The children
- The family
- The employees
- The poor and needy
We must understand that we won’t be able to properly attend to any of those other categories if we don’t begin by growing our fear of the Lord. If we don’t start by attending to our time in the Word, if we don’t first strengthen our relationship with the Lord, it will be very difficult to attend to the rest of those priorities.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a virtuous woman begins with the fear of the Lord and develops through a close relationship with Him. It’s not about a checklist to complete but about a transformed heart that seeks to please God in every aspect of life.
In the upcoming lessons, we’ll delve deeper into each aspect of this exemplary woman, always remembering that our main goal is to become more like Christ, beginning with the fear of the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
- How is my personal relationship with the Lord?
- Am I putting my priorities in the correct order?
- What areas of my life need to align more with the model of the virtuous woman?
