Modernized Proverbs 31:10 - 15

Let's start the journey in verse 10 and go onward from there to discover how we can take this old proverb and apply it to today's women.

Verse 10

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. "

What would quantify a female to be virtuous? 

It means having or showing high moral values. This definition would mean that she is nice, ethical, true, good, honorable, righteous and noble. It means that this female stands out amongst the rest. 

Because there are so many women who have low moral values, for a man to find one that doesn't compromise, he has found a jewel amongst the trash.

Verse 11

"The heart of her husband trusts in her and he will lack no gain."

I'm going to first point out that it clearly says, "husband", not boyfriend, lover, significant other, nor fiancé. This is because this is the description of a legally married woman, not some side piece. 

Her husband has no need to be grieved or spend his days worrying, she will do what is needed to help bless her husband and reduce his stress. She adds to his heaped blessings, but does not take away from them. This is a woman that is dependable and "has his six" when times get tough. This is a woman who would be described by many men as "being a ride or die" lady.

Verse 12 

"She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

She does not do anything that would even make her husband appear as anything less than a good provider, husband and father. This woman does not speak ill of her husband and ultimately cares for his well-being. She does not conspire to destroy him or his wealth because ultimately, he wishes to bless her with his wealth. She is not physically or emotionally abusive nor neglectful in any way.

Verse 13

"She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands."

She is a hard worker that seeks out the best quality products for her family. Wool may seem like something of low value but in reality, it meant status if you had livestock because sheep provided meat, milk, clothing and side income. She doesn't look at her gargantuan tasks with disdain but sets her mind to it and gets it done because her family must be provided for. I'd recommend everyone take a 5-minute break and watch videos on the start to finish of processing both wool and flax into various items. She thinks ahead because you wouldn't wear wool in spring or summer, nor would you wear flax in winter, so she is a woman of the seasons. 

Verse 14

"She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar."

She will go the distance to obtain what her family needs and bring it back home successfully. If she needs to travel 30-45 minutes to a local bulk buy store so that you can obtain hard to find items, then she will do it because it's well within her capabilities. 

Verse 15

"She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household, and portions for her maidens."

A woman who rises while it is still dark outside which suggests that she is focused, disciplined, and intentional with the hours she is given. She is not lazy, nor does she procrastinate or become passive. She takes charge of the day and leads her family through it. This is a woman who prepares meals for her household, but it's not just the physical food she provides but she is a spiritual and emotional provider for the household. This woman sees to the needs of any women she employs if she has a large house, whether it's a nanny, babysitter, house cleaner, or what have you. It's the woman's role within the home to see to the needs of an employed females that are involved in her family's upkeep. This woman shows that she is a leader amongst women who is fair, kind, and thoughtful making sure all her servants are shown dignity.