Proverbs 31:10-31 - "The Church as the Virtuous Woman"

Proverbs 31:10-31

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 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."

This portion is often taken up as a description of personal character, but the context leads us higher. In the opening verses, King Lemuel is presented as a wise king taught by his mother, a type and picture of Christ. Beginning in verse 10, the focus turns to the king’s wife. This woman is not presented as a particular individual, but as one defined by her relationship to the king. Immediately, our thoughts are directed to who we are in Christ and to the church as His spouse.

The question is asked, “Who can find a virtuous woman?” (v.10). The question itself presupposes the answer. Such a woman is not found everywhere. She is truly a gift of God. In that culture, the father chose the bride for the son. In the same way, God the Father chose the bride for His Son before time. Those who are Christ’s are not so by chance or by possessing certain qualities. They were chosen and given to Him. This makes the question one of Grace.

The word "virtuous" means "excellent." It denotes strength, wealth, ability, valor, and dependability. None of this describes us by nature. But in the righteousness that the LORD Jesus Christ earned and established, and by laying down His life, these virtues are imputed. Just as a woman takes the name of her husband, so the bride of Christ bears His Name and stands represented by Him. He is her Head and her Representative.

The Scripture declares, “For her price is far above rubies” (v.10). This points us to the price paid by Christ to purchase His bride. In ourselves, we have no value. Yet by His finished work, we are of great value to God the Father. This humbles us and causes us to bow in adoration. Such a purchase could never be made with material wealth. It required a price of inestimable value. As the passage unfolds, we see that nothing this wife does brings distaste to her husband. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her” (v.11). This reflects not our trust in Christ, but His regard toward His bride. Nothing she does causes Him to desire to put her away. He has no lack, for all treasures are in Him, and what He gives her is used for His glory.

“She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life” (v.12). Though we know our sinfulness, in the Righteousness imputed to us, no evil can be charged. The sin debt has already been paid. That is the price far above rubies. Nothing we do can ever bring ill repute upon Him. His Love is unconditional. “If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:21). The relationship between Christ and His church is not one of duty but of Love. This Love produces peace, safety, and contentment.

Paul draws the same picture in Ephesians chapter 5. “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23). The church is not a place, but a people - the called out ones. God the Father sees the bride in the Head. Christ loved the church and “gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). This is the Source of her virtue.

The woman is described as industrious, willing, and diligent. “She worketh willingly with her hands” (Proverbs 31:13). Grace makes the bride willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). This is not labor of duty but of love. Everything she has is from her husband, and she seeks to use it for His glory. She cares for her household and reaches out to others. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor” (Proverbs 31:20). Having known poverty herself, she shows compassion. Her household is clothed in scarlet, a picture of provision and covering. All that she has comes from her King.

The chapter closes with this testimony: “A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). This fear is reverent, not presumptuous. It honors the Husband and glories in Him. The works that are seen are the fruit of His Grace, and the praise belongs to Him. This virtuous woman, the church, is what she is because of her relationship to Christ.