INTRODUCTION:

A. Text:  Proverbs 31:10-31.
B. Definition:  Strength of Character = Virtue.
 1. Duty (vv. 11-16).
 2. Determination (v. 17).
 3. Courage (vv. 18-27).
C. Note verse 10.
 1. She is from the Lord (James 1:17; Proverbs 19:14).
 2. Note Proverbs 20:6.
 3. Her value in all realms of life cannot be over estimated.
D. She is VIRTUOUS because...

DISCUSSION:

I. SHE DOES HER DUTY (Proverbs 31:11-16).
 A. To her husband (vv.  11,12).
  1. Verse 11 shows that she creates such a happy home that her husband 
   is not tempted to materialism.  Look at Eve-- the help-meet becoming 
   a tempter!  Jezebel, Job’s wife, etc.
  2. To live for him is happiness (and vice-versa; see Ephesians 5:23-32).
  3. Does this not commend marriage rather than condemn it as so many do today?
 B. To the family (vv. 13-16).
  1. I Timothy 2:9,10.
  2. Her virtue is not practiced by being a “religious recluse” but through hard work.     She is full of energy.
  3. Verse 13, etc. shows that her work is willingly done.
  4. Verse 15 shows that her work is done continuously.
  5. Verse 16 shows that she works well because she thinks well.
  
II. SHE IS DETERMINED (Proverbs 31:17).

 A. She is totally committed to her duty in all areas.
  1. Ecclesiastes 9:10.
  2. I Timothy 2:15.
  3. I Timothy 5:14.
  4. Titus 2:3-5.
 B. She puts first things first.
  1. Ecclesiastes 12:13.
  2. Ecclesiastes 2 describes values that are the exact opposite of this woman 
   (see Proverbs 21:9).
  3. Matthew 6:33,34.
 C. She has many examples to follow.
  1. Ruth (Ruth 3:11).
  2. Hannah (I Samuel 1).
  3. Elisabeth (Luke 1:6).
  4. Mary (Luke 1:30).

III. SHE IS COURAGEOUS (Proverbs 31:18-27).
 
 A. Her work is of the finest quality (vv. 18,19;  Proverbs 14:1).
 B. She provides the needs of others (vv. 20,21,24).
  1. The poor (v. 20; Isaiah 58:10; Deuteronomy 15:7,8).
  2. Her family (v. 21).  None can accuse her of idleness (cf. I Timothy 5). 
   “Who can have the claim to a virtuous woman, who does not feel the 
   weight of family responsibility?”
 C. She clothes herself properly (v. 22).
  1. Matthew 5:28,29.
  2. I Timothy 2:9,10.
  3. I Peter 3:1-7.
  4. Isaiah 47:1-3.
 D. She is a crown to her husband (v. 23; Proverbs 12:4).
 E. Godliness is her goal (vv. 25-27).
  1. Verse 25.
   a. Strength - lifts her above difficulties.
   b. Honor - stamp of the Lord’s approval.
  2. Verse 25 - Rejoice; in past, present and future.
  3. Verse 26 - Wisdom (James 3:17).
  4. Verse 26 - Tongue = kindness.
  5. Verse 27 - Not idle (produces busybodies plus gossip).

CONCLUSION:  (Proverbs 31:28-31) - What is the result of all this?

A. Her children respect her (v. 28).
B. Her husband praises her (v. 28).
C. She has excelled (v. 29).
D. The Lord praises her (v. 30).
 1. Proverbs 11:22 - opposite.
 2. Virtuous?  One who fears (reverences) the Lord.
E. She shall be rewarded (v. 31).
 1. Proverbs 10:7.
 2. Revelation 14:13.
 
 

         Skip Andrews