An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
The writer of Proverbs 31:10-11 chose to open Scripture’s most complete exploration of a woman’s life with both a question and statement. Both have resonated deeply while sparking a debate which is no more resolved today than perhaps, when it was written. This is the passage that introduces the well-known, but little understood, “virtuous woman.”
Every pastor, every teacher has an interpretation of verses 10-11 and the following passage. But what does the Scripture say? What does it really mean? What is virtue? What does it mean to be ‘virtuous?’ And why was this chapter included, seemingly as an afterthought in the last chapter of a book dedicated to wisdom?
In the study of what virtue is, I think it’s helpful to begin with what it is not.
Addressing Misconceptions
It’s unfortunate that too often a woman’s virtue is assumed to be held solely within the confines of her chastity. Defined as being without sexual ‘blemish’, a woman’s sexual purity or impurity is considered her most significant attribute. The more conservative the expositor, the more certain one can be that a virtuous woman is quiet, unassuming, unprepossessing, and largely hidden from view. She remains in the home, her economic dependence on her father or husband a public demonstration of her femininity. Her primary role is to serve. Her father. Her husband. The children. The church. Her life bears little to no distinction from her sisters in tribal Afghanistan. A country under Taliban rule, where women are once again free to leave their homes only on two occasions: to go to her husband’s home and to the grave.
However, as we delve deeper into this passage, we will discover that this perspective is cultural but not Christlike. It is conservative but not Godly. And while it may be preferred by some, it is a preference preceded by the presence of sin and the resulting male desire to rule women (Genesis 3:16). It is not one aligned with God’s plan for women as exemplified in Proverbs 31 or with Jesus’ example in the Gospel.
A Richer Life
A closer look at the Hebrew reveals that “excellence” or “virtue” in this context translates more accurately as “?ayil,” meaning “a woman of strength” or “valor.” And its meaning is the same as the one employed in Luke 8:46-48, when Jesus said that He knew someone had touched him because the “virtue has gone out of me.” Similarly, the context of Proverbs 31, ‘virtue’ conveys a woman of profound strength, capability, drive, and character—a woman who “strengthens her arm to work”, who embodies resilience and excellence in all aspects of life.
This is the Proverbs 31 woman.
Not a domestic savant confined to the home. Or one dependent on others for her daily bread. On the contrary, the Proverbs 31 woman is the embodiment of strength and independence—and the passage emphasizes her multifaceted strength and her active engagement in all aspects of life—economic, intellectual, emotional, psychological, and moral. Her “strength and dignity” are not just personal attributes but gifts she shares with her family and community. Through her efforts, she brings honor to her husband, raises her children with wisdom, and contributes positively to the society in which she lives and moves. It’s easy to see how redefining “virtue” as strength or valor, can yield a far richer life than when viewed solely through the lens of moral purity.
Conclusion
The qualities of a “woman of valor” remain as relevant as ever. Women are uniquely equipped with spiritual and practical strength and can offer an invaluable perspective to society and culture. But not if we are absent. And it is the absence of Godly women in leadership in education, the workplace, the church, and public policy that has left our society, churches, and families with significant gaps in moral clarity, wisdom, and compassion.
Women are uniquely equipped by God with both spiritual and practical strength. We bring an invaluable perspective and can influence these aspects of our society, creating a foundation for a just and righteous society. This is our first post of 2025 and our first in a series exploring the ‘virtuous’ woman we see in Proverbs 31. We hope you’ll follow along as we delve into Proverbs 31 as we uncover the biblical vision for women’s roles, their contributions, and their divine calling in every aspect of life.
