Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31
Proverbs 31:20
“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
The woman that proverbs is describing in this verse is a giver. Her hands are always open, available, free to give to the poor. This woman doesn’t just have her family on her mind she also reaches out to the poor and needy as well.
This type of woman is always accessible. Even though her dedication is to her family, she stretches herself more by volunteering for charity work. This woman doesn’t focus on herself she places her focus on others. Because of these reasons a virtuous woman is commended by all.
A virtuous woman is loved by all and praised by husband and children. “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”–Acts 9:36-42.
Women, do you reach out to help others? Are your hands open to the poor, or are you close-fisted with your possessions? Do you willingly reach out to find and give to those who are in need? Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31
Proverbs 31:26
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
An excellent wife is one whose words are a blessing to all those who hear them. A virtuous woman is graceful in speech and action and she is admired and given recognition. People realize that as soon as her mouth opens to speak wisdom pours forth from it.
A virtuous woman knows the right words for any celebration. This woman is careful and only speaks after examining her answer to a question or problem. This woman carefully thinks through her responses before she responds to questions or problems. A virtuous woman will use wisdom before she opens her mouth even though she has her own skills and achievements. Even with her own abilities and accomplishments, she is still wise and kind in her speech.
A virtuous woman will build you up when you are distraught, commend you when negative people try to tear you down, and take time to reminisce with you about past times to revitalize you.
In the Bible there is the story of a woman named Ruth. They called Ruth a virtuous woman. “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”–Ruth 3:13.
The book of Ruth reflects the love, commitment, loss, and fortitude of this woman. Ruth was a direct ancestor of Lot who was Abraham’s nephew and a gentile. Ruth had many challenges in her life. Her husband passed away, she never had children, and she was living with her widowed mother-in-law. Ruth embodied loyal love. Ruth was a woman of noble character. After the death of her husband, Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi and traveled wherever she went. Ruth had great faith. Her faith and belief in God that he would provide for Naomi and herself was solid. They introduced Ruth to a man named Boaz, and she proved to be a woman of integrity with Boaz. Ruth showed incredible character in obscurity. Boaz was a single wealthy man and Ruth went to work for him in the fields. Boaz fell in love with Ruth and she went from a lowly field worker to being Boaz’s wife. The book of Ruth shows the workings of divine providence. The book reveals the extent of God’s grace. God fully accepted Ruth into His elect people and recognized her with a role in continuing the family line into which his appointed king, David, and later His Son, Jesus, would be born. After Boaz married Ruth, she became pregnant and had a son they named Obed. This man Obed became the father of Jesse. Now Jesse was the father of David who was in the direct family line of Jesus Christ. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31