There are some things in life that are priceless. Money cannot buy them and poverty cannot take them away. One of these is a virtuous woman. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes such a lady. The writer asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Rich indeed is the man who has a virtuous wife. Fortunate beyond measure is the child who has a virtuous mother.
There are many marks of a virtuous woman that apply to all of us.
Loyalty. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her” (Proverbs 31:11). There is no more noble quality in life than loyalty. We should be loyal to God, loyal to our country, loyal to our friends, and loyal to our families. A virtuous person is loyal and true in all of life’s relationships.
Industry. “She worketh willingly with her hands” (Proverbs 31:13). A willingness to work is quickly fading from the American way of life. However, industry is a sign of strength, character, ambition, and self-discipline, and is a vital part of a virtuous life.
Charity. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor” (Proverbs 31:20). There is no more Godlike quality than compassion for the unfortunate. Comedian Bob Hope wisely said, “Anyone who does not have charity in his heart suffers from the worst kind of heart trouble.” Virtue and charity are inseparable.
Reverence. “Favour [charm] is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Only a fool says there is no God or lives as if he did not exist. The person who bows reverently before God can stand bravely before anything. A virtuous person has a reverence for all things holy.
Are you a virtuous person? You can be. God wants to help you to be. Call on him in prayer. Begin to read your Bible. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in you.