INTRODUCTION:

The fact that God even speaks of a virtuous woman tells us that we need to study the subject.  Because women in olden times could be called virtuous means women today can be of the same character.  And because God gives us a description, a pattern, a blueprint of this woman, means he expects every woman to imitate or follow what is written of her.  Make no mistake, God has not, does not, and will not ask more of a person than he or she is able to perform.  Not only has He described this woman in such a way that no one could miss her, but He has promised to walk with her and be with her every step of the way.
In Genesis 2:18 we read:
  “And the Lord God said, It is not good
           that the man should be alone;
  I will make him an help meet for him.”
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam.  He then removed a rib from his side and fashioned a woman, perfectly suited for Adam’s needs--and God’s glory.  In Genesis 2:22 we read that God himself “brought her unto
 the man.”  It was God who instituted the marriage arrangement, and it was God who gave away the first bride.  How fitting and proper it is that the first miracle performed by Jesus was at a marriage ceremony in Cana of Galilee.  Yes, God still approves of marriage--a man to a woman, for life.   Adam didn’t have Proverbs Chapter 31 to read.  But you and I do.  Genesis 2, Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5,6 and Colossians 3 ought to be required reading for every couple contemplating marriage.  A study of and meditation on these chapters will help the parties decide if they are truly ready to commit to a serious lifetime contract.  God is not pleased with people who offer empty vows.  Listen to the words of the preacher.
    “When thou vowest a vow unto God,
     defer not to pay it;
    for he hath no pleasure in fools:
    pay that which thou hast vowed.
    Better is it that thou shouldest not vow,
    than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
        (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5)
 

DISCUSSION:  

I. SHE IS NEEDED NOW BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE MEANS TO THE HOME.

 A. The woman described in this chapter is not only taking care of her own needs, but 
  reaching out to:
  1. Her husband (vv. 11,12).
  2. Her household (vv. 15,27).
  3. Her maidens (v. 15).
 B. The virtuous woman is not a second class citizen with no connection, but all of the activities 
  of the home revolve around her.  She is not attempting to become the “head of the home.”    She knows God has placed man in that role (Ephesians 5:23-25).  But she also knows she 
  plays a vital part to insure the happiness of the home.  She is satisfied with the place God has   given her in the home, church, and society.
 C. The virtuous woman performs her duty happily because she’s doing it not for worldly and 
  earthly praise, but “as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).  She knows nothing of punching a 
  time clock at home.  She is always on call from sun up to sun up.  I cannot picture the home 
  running smoothly and efficiently without her.

 SHE IS NEEDED NOW BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE MEANS TO SOCIETY.

A. The second thing one notices about this woman is that she is a  worker.
    “She seeketh wool, and flax, and
    worketh willingly with her hands.”
       (Proverbs 31:13)
 B. One thing that has hurt our society is “laziness.”  It seems to be almost an epidemic.  
  So many are asking for a handout, a free ride.  They insist that the rest of society 
  care for them, rather than use the physical abilities they have been given. And when 
  the hand that feeds them is not there, or is late, they will join the long line of complainers.
  1. “Go to the ant thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).
  2. “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy
   sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9).
  3. “The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way: a lion is in the streets.  
   As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful man upon his bed.  
   The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to
    his mouth.  The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can 
   render a reason” (Proverbs 26:13-   16).
  4. “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant...And 
   cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and 
   gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:26-30).
 C. But the virtuous woman doesn’t know the meaning of lazy.  She is so busy that she 
  doesn’t have the time to look it up.  She would never side with those who are lazy.  
  The virtuous  woman not only works at home, but if needed, she can handle herself in 
  the workplace.  It would be great if women who desired to stay home and care for the 
  family could do just that.  But many circumstances require them to seek employment 
  outside the home.
 D She doesn’t just work, but she works “willingly.”  She doesn’t  have time for making 
  excuses.  She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty or ruin her manicure.  She’s not ashamed 
  to  perspire (sweat, for us men) in front of others.  She will turn in the kind of work effort
   that she expects of others if she owned the business.
 E. As you read the description of the virtuous woman, you can’t help but notice almost every
  verse shows her doing something.  How many of these can describe you?  Can you place
  your name in every place you read the word “she”?  If not, then  strive to do so.

III. SHE IS NEEDED NOW BECAUSE OF HER COMPASSION.

 A. Though a very busy woman, the virtuous woman is never too busy to feed the poor, help 
  the needy, nor ease someone’s burden.  The scripture reads:
     “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
     yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
       (Proverbs 31:20)
 B. She will look at all she has, and say, “I have enough to share.”  Her constant inquiry is,
  “What would God have me to do?”  She is willing to lend a hand because she knows 
  the roles could be reversed, and she could be begging.  The virtuous woman has  read 
  her Bible and learned of God’s grace, and it has changed her for the better.  She has read,    memorized, and meditated on words like:
  1. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the
   world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).
  2. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men        should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the
   law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
  3. “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I was 
   thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye 
   took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye 
   visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35,36).
  4. “For ye have the poor with you always, and when so ever 
   ye will ye may do them good” (Mark 14:7).
  5. “But whosoever hath this world’s good, and seeth his
   brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of 
   compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in
    him?” (I John 3:17).
 C. Therefore, her compassion provides a much needed salve to a cold, cruel, and 
  uncompassionate world.  Don’t you want to be like she is?

IV. SHE IS NEEDED NOW BECAUSE OF HER WISDOM AND INFLUENCE.

 A. Hers is not a worldly wisdom.  It comes from the word of God.  The scripture reads:
    “She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
    and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
        (Proverbs 31:26)
 B. The virtuous woman is able to give good advice and counsel to her household and 
  her maidens.  There are some things better left to her attention because she can do a 
  much better job.  There may be men today who are blinded by pride and will not 
  ask advice from their mate.  My advice to myself and them is,  “When it comes to 
  running the home, let’s ask our mates for advice!”  When advice is good and sound, 
  let’s follow it.  There are two examples from the Bible worth noticing at this point.
  1. When Sarah told Abraham to cast out the bond woman, 
   God said to Abraham,  “Do what she said.”  Hear the scripture:
     “In all that Sarah hath said unto thee,
     hearken unto her voice.”
        (Genesis 21:12)
  2. There was the occasion of the marriage in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus and Mary 
   were there. When the servants ran out of wine, Mary appealed to her son for help.    Then she advised the servants.  Hear the words of Mary:
    “His mother saith unto the servants,
    whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”
        (John 2:5)
 C. Mary gave the advice of the ages.  This is the sum of all Bible  teaching.  Jesus would later   ask the question, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
   (Luke 6:46).  She opened her mouth with wisdom.  Mary was a virtuous woman.
 D. The virtuous woman is known also by her kindness and influence.  She is not filled with 
  bitterness and hatred.  She  responds to life’s challenges with kind words and kind deeds.     According to Proverbs 31:26, kindness is a “law” by which she must live.  She is not a 
  busybody.  She refuses to participate in conversations of gossip.  She looks for the good in   others.  Her influence and reputation for good precedes and follows her.  People welcome 
  her coming and are sad to see her go.  She will greet each day with this thought in mind:
     “And be ye kind one to another,
     tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
     even as God for Christ’s sake
     hath forgiven you.”
        (Ephesians 4:32)

V. SHE IS NEEDED NOW TO RECEIVE HER PRAISES.

 A. Good works and good people are due their praises.  They should be praised here on earth, 
  and shall be rewarded in heaven.  Hear what is said of the virtuous woman:
    “Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
    her husband also and he praiseth her.
    Many daughters have done virtuously,
     but thou excellest them all.
    Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:
    but a woman that feareth 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)
 B. Praise and honour should be heaped upon her while she is able to bask in it.  If she is doing   her best, let her know it.  The beauty of the virtuous woman is not founded upon the latest   fashions, hairstyles, cosmetics, or physical features.  She is beautiful because she fears the   Lord (I Peter 3:3-5).
 C. Her husband and children will remind her how much they need her.  They will avoid doing   anything that will shame her or cause her to be broken hearted.  They will gladly proclaim,   “She is my wife” and “She is my mother.”  She is a virtuous woman!

I didn’t have to look far to find examples of the woman described in this chapter.
Dedicated to my mother, Edith Elizabeth Reid Harvey, who raised a big family almost on her own, and gave us good advice on how to behave when we left home.  Thanks Mom.  I love you!
Dedicated to my wonderful wife, Queenie Elizabeth Reid.  She is able to cook dinner, wash a load of clothes, wash dishes, set the table, vacuum, answer the phone, give orders to our three children and myself, and write checks to pay the bills--all at the same time.  Thanks Queenie.  I love you.
Dedicated to Mary Jones, of the Duluth Church of Christ.  She is a faithful sister and co-worker in Christ.  Her price is far above rubies.  Well done, Mary.
Dedicated to all wives and mothers who are satisfied with the roles and the responsibilities God has given them.

         Thomas Jefferson Reid
         714 Lookout Court
         Lawrenceville, GA 30243