Proverbs 31 Woman

What does “virtuous” mean according to Proverbs 31:10?

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10

The old Hebrew meaning for the word VIRTUOUS means “a woman of strength,” or a woman made strong by God-given wisdom and grace. It is the exact same term used in the Bible when describing good judges. There is an inherent meaning to it that says this woman is centered, resolute, firm, and steady, with good principles and moral character. This is the main point and bigger picture of the verses to follow… a woman of strength such as this is hard to find, yet it is what we are to strive to be!

Songwriters Luke Easter and Dee Cheeks wrote this thought-provoking portrayal of a strong woman versus a woman of strength:

A strong woman
works out every day to keep her body in shape . . .
but A woman of strength
kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape . . .

A strong woman
isn't afraid of anything . . .
but A woman of strength
shows courage in the midst of her fear . . .

A strong woman
won't let anyone get the best of her . . .
but A woman of strength
gives the best of her to everyone . . .

A strong woman
makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future . . .
A woman of strength
realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them . . .

A strong woman
walks sure footedly . . .
but A woman of strength
knows God will catch her when she falls . . .

A strong woman
wears the look of confidence on her face . . .
but A woman of strength
wears grace . . .

A strong woman
has faith that she is strong enough for the journey . . .
but A woman of strength
has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong . . .

Now do you see a picture of this virtuous woman, this woman of strength? Trusting in God, giving to others, clothed in grace, knowing that in this journey of life God has a plan and purpose for her life, that in the end, she will be made strong? She knows that in her weaknesses, His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This woman, not the perfect woman we associate so often with Proverbs 31, but this woman who has weaknesses and is being used by God to show His perfect strength… this is the woman Proverbs 31 is really about.

Although you may not see it, God is at work in your life, making you into a young woman of His strength. His strength is being made perfect right in the middle of your weakness, and you are worth more to Him than the most precious jewels you can ever imagine.