Proverbs 31 is a wonderful passage in the Bible that describes the character and attributes of a virtuous woman. It's often referred to as the "ideal wife" or "model of womanhood." The passage reads:
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,
That he shall not lack any good.
She seeketh wool, and flax,
And worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants' crowns,
Her garments are of fine linen,
and purple is her clothing:
Strength and honour are her garment;
This is the vanity of all men.
Watch thou over thy household,
Neither sit thou among strangers,
Lest they that hate thee be encouraged, and say,
‘Aha! Aha! We have got him, we have gotten him!’
Give not thy strength unto women,
Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
It is a shame for her to be glad of the falling off of the righteous:
And she shall rejoice in the right rite.
For the husband is her own;
The wife hath not power over her own body,
But the husband hath power over his own body."
This passage highlights many wonderful qualities and characteristics that a virtuous woman should strive for, such as:
* Trustworthiness: Her husband trusts her completely, knowing she will always prioritize their well-being.
* Industry: She is diligent in her work, seeking out wool and flax to weave into fine linens.
* Wisdom: She is described as having "strength and honor" as her garments, indicating that she has a strong sense of self-respect and dignity.
* Loyalty: She prioritizes her household and family, avoiding strangers and potential danger.
* Modesty: She is modest in her appearance and behavior, dressing in fine linens and purple, which was a symbol of wealth and royalty.
This passage also emphasizes the importance of marriage and the roles of husband and wife. It highlights the fact that the husband has power over his own body, but not over his wife's. This is often interpreted as indicating that a woman's primary responsibility is to her household and family, while a man's primary responsibility is to provide for and protect them.
Overall, Proverbs 31 provides a beautiful and inspiring description of what it means to be a virtuous woman, and serves as a reminder to all women (and men!) of the importance of character, hard work, and loyalty in their relationships.
Proverbs about women's role in society can be found in many cultures and languages. Here are a few examples:
**Traditional views**
* "A woman's place is in the home." (English)
* "Behind every great man, there is a great woman." (German: "Hinter jedem großen Mann steht eine große Frau.")
* "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." (American English)
These proverbs often emphasize the importance of women in their domestic roles, such as caring for children and maintaining the household. They may also imply that a woman's primary responsibility is to support her family and community.
**Respect and value**
* "A woman is worth more than gold." (Yoruba proverb from Nigeria)
* "The strength of a woman is not in her feet, but in her head." (Kenyan proverb)
* "Women are the real architects of society." (Hindu proverb)
These proverbs express respect and value for women's contributions to society. They highlight their intelligence, strength, and importance as leaders and decision-makers.
**Independence and autonomy**
* "A woman should be free like a bird." (Polish proverb)
* "The most courageous act is still to think for oneself." (American English)
* "A strong woman is not one who says no when she means yes. She is one who says yes when she means yes." (Chinese proverb)
These proverbs promote the idea of women's independence and autonomy, encouraging them to think critically and make their own decisions.
**Equality and fairness**
* "Men are from heaven, women are from earth; both are needed for a good harvest." (African proverb)
* "The same sun shines on all faces." (Arabian proverb)
* "One half of humanity cannot rise to its highest accomplishment without the other half." (American English)
These proverbs emphasize the importance of equality and fairness in society, recognizing that women's contributions are essential to the well-being of both individuals and communities.
It's worth noting that these proverbs may not reflect the current societal views or values. Many cultures have made significant progress towards gender equality, and these proverbs may be seen as outdated or even harmful by some people.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a remarkable biblical figure known for her exceptional character, wisdom, and virtue. The passage describing her can be found in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Here are some notable characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman:
1. **Wisdom**: She is described as having "a heart full of wisdom" (v. 26), indicating that she possesses a deep understanding of life, people, and relationships.
2. **Fruitfulness**: Her husband has confidence in her and lacks nothing because she is always busy, "searching for wool and flax, and works with eager hands" (v. 19). This fruitfulness is not just limited to her domestic duties but also extends to her spiritual life, as she fears the Lord.
3. **Trustworthiness**: Her husband trusts her completely, as she is trustworthy and reliable in all aspects of their marriage (v. 11).
4. **Kindness**: She shows kindness and compassion to her family and community, "Cloth clothed with strength and dignity, and works with eager hands" (v. 25).
5. **Strength**: Despite the challenges she faces, she is strong in spirit and character, able to withstand difficulties without complaining or becoming discouraged.
6. **Generosity**: She is generous with her time and resources, as seen in her willingness to "open her arms to the poor and extend her hands to the needy" (v. 20).
7. **Beauty from within**: Her beauty comes from within, not just her physical appearance. Her inner beauty shines through in her character, actions, and relationships.
8. **Respect for her husband**: She respects her husband as her head and leader, honoring him with her words and actions (v. 12).
9. **Faithfulness**: She is faithful to her husband and their marriage, as seen in her dedication to managing the household and caring for her family (v. 27-28).
10. **Fear of the Lord**: Above all, she fears the Lord, which is the foundation of her character and actions (v. 30).
The Proverbs 31 woman serves as an inspiring example of a virtuous life, demonstrating how one can live with integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness. Her story has been passed down through generations, encouraging women to strive for similar qualities and characteristics.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a fascinating topic! Here are some inspirational quotes and insights from the passage in Proverbs 31:10-31:
1. "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10)
* Emphasizes the value of a virtuous woman, highlighting her character, wisdom, and inner beauty.
2. "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." (Proverbs 31:11)
* Reveals the harmony and trust between the couple, showcasing the wife's faithfulness and commitment.
3. "She is like the merchant ships, bringing food from afar." (Proverbs 31:14)
* Illustrates the Proverbs 31 woman's resourcefulness, ability to work hard, and willingness to go the extra mile for her family.
4. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:28)
* Highlights the impact of a virtuous wife on those around her, earning praise from both her children and husband.
5. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:29)
* Acknowledges that many women are doing good works, but the Proverbs 31 woman stands out for her exceptional character, wisdom, and accomplishments.
6. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)
* Contrasts worldly charm and physical beauty with the inner beauty that comes from fearing the Lord, emphasizing the importance of spiritual values.
7. "Give her the reward she has earned and let her works praise her at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:31)
* Concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewarding virtuous women for their hard work, dedication, and character.
These quotes offer a glimpse into the characteristics and behaviors that define the Proverbs 31 woman. She is a model of excellence in her relationships, work ethic, and spiritual life.
Here are some proverbs about women from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:
1. "Her husband doth well for her, and all the days of his life." - Proverbs 31:12 (This proverb emphasizes a woman's role in supporting her husband.)
2. "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time of afflection, when her own frame is marred with the bow." - Proverbs 31:25 (This proverb highlights a virtuous woman's inner beauty and strength.)
3. "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:31 (This proverb emphasizes the importance of a woman's hard work and productivity, as well as the value she brings to her community.)
4. "A wise woman hath built her house: but folly is the tearing down thereof." - Proverbs 14:1 (This proverb cautions against foolish or reckless behavior by comparing it to the destruction of one's own home.)
5. "Wisdom is better than strength: yet the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard." - Ecclesiastes 9:16 (This proverb emphasizes the value of wisdom over physical strength, but also notes that poverty can sometimes lead to a lack of respect for one's ideas.)
6. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." - Proverbs 31:11 (This proverb highlights a woman's role in creating a secure and trusting environment for her husband.)
7. "A virtuous woman, whofe feet holdeth fast the cords; which soever God commandeth her to do, she doth it with all her heart." - Proverbs 31:10-12 (This proverb describes a virtuous woman as one who is obedient and committed to carrying out God's will.)
8. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." - Proverbs 15:1 (This proverb emphasizes the importance of using gentle language in conflict resolution, rather than harsh or aggressive speech.)
Here are some proverbs and sayings from around the world that relate to a woman's beauty:
1. **"A beautiful woman is a joyful thing"** (Yoruba proverb, Nigeria) - emphasizing the happiness and positivity that beauty can bring.
2. **"Beauty is like a flower: it blooms in the soul"** (African proverb) - suggesting that true beauty comes from within.
3. **"The face that launched a thousand ships"** (Latin phrase) - referencing Helen of Troy, whose beauty sparked a legendary war.
4. **"A woman's beauty is not just her face, but her heart and soul"** (Chinese proverb) - highlighting the importance of inner qualities in addition to physical appearance.
5. **"Beauty is not just skin deep, it's bone deep"** (Native American proverb) - emphasizing that true beauty goes beyond superficial features.
6. **"A beautiful woman has a beautiful smile"** (Spanish proverb) - linking a person's outer beauty with their inner joy and positivity.
7. **"The eyes are the windows to the soul"** (Greek proverb) - suggesting that one's eyes reveal their inner character, which is closely tied to their physical attractiveness.
8. **"Beauty is in the hands of those who make it so"** (African proverb) - highlighting the power and creativity that women have in shaping their own beauty.
9. **"A woman's beauty is like a work of art: it takes time, patience, and practice to create"** (Italian proverb) - emphasizing the effort and dedication required to achieve true beauty.
10. **"Beauty is not just something you look at, but something you feel"** (Indian proverb) - suggesting that true beauty resonates with one's heart and emotions.
These proverbs offer a glimpse into various cultures' perspectives on women's beauty, highlighting both its external and internal aspects.
A wonderful topic! African proverbs often reflect the cultural values and wisdom of their respective societies, and many of them offer valuable insights about women. Here are some African proverbs about women that celebrate their strength, resilience, and beauty:
1. "When a woman says no, she means no" (Yoruba proverb, Nigeria). This proverb emphasizes the importance of respecting a woman's boundaries and decisions.
2. "A wise woman is like a river, she flows smoothly and calmly, but can be powerful and destructive when needed" (Zulu proverb, South Africa).
3. "The strength of a woman comes from her willingness to be vulnerable" (Swahili proverb, Tanzania).
4. "When you teach a woman how to fish, you feed her for a lifetime" (Yoruba proverb, Nigeria). This proverb highlights the importance of empowering women with skills and knowledge.
5. "A mother is like a tree that gives shade and shelter; she provides protection and comfort" (Maasai proverb, Kenya).
6. "The beauty of a woman is not just in her face or body, but in her character and spirit" (Hausa proverb, Nigeria).
7. "When a woman weeps because there are no men left, the earth mourns because all its people have perished" (Ghanaian proverb). This proverb emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's grief and pain.
8. "A woman who has not learned to be content with what she has will never be happy with what she is given" (Igbo proverb, Nigeria).
9. "The power of a woman lies in her ability to nurture and support others" (Siswati proverb, South Africa).
10. "When you empower a woman, you empower the entire community" (Kenyan proverb).
These proverbs showcase the diversity of African cultures and highlight the importance of respecting, valuing, and empowering women.
Proverbs 31:10 is another beautiful verse that speaks to the character and value of a virtuous woman:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
In this verse, the writer is asking who can possibly find a woman who embodies these qualities of virtue, purity, and moral excellence. The answer, of course, is that such a woman is extremely rare and valuable - "her price is far above rubies". Rubies were considered one of the most precious and valuable gems in ancient times, so this verse is saying that the value of a virtuous woman cannot be measured by anything less than the finest treasures.
This verse is often seen as a celebration of the beauty and worth of a godly woman, one who lives according to God's standards and reflects His character. It's not just about physical beauty or external appearance, but about inner qualities like integrity, compassion, wisdom, and loyalty.