Chapter 31
We all know someone whose quiet strength sticks with you long after they’re gone. Proverbs 31 is like a wise mom’s advice about a woman who’s impressive—not because of fancy clothes or titles, but because she owns all of herself. She’s a caregiver and a businesswoman, juggling both without guilt or apology.
What’s amazing is that God chose to highlight a woman’s worth in a culture that didn’t value women much at all. That’s a powerful reminder not to box people into society’s limited roles—everyone has immense value in God’s eyes.
Today, women are often told they have to pick between career success or home life. But this woman shows us the opposite: she embraces every talent God gave her—from running a household to making business deals—and she does it all with wisdom and grace.
Though focused on a woman, this chapter speaks to all of us. It calls us to live fully in every gift God’s given, without ranking some as better than others. Whether you lead a team, mentor a friend, or care for your family, every role matters.
Jesus honored women who served faithfully and loved sacrificially, showing that true greatness is about embracing who God made us to be. So Proverbs 31 isn’t just an old poem about a “perfect woman”—it’s a call for all of us to use our gifts fully and joyfully.
If she had a modern job title, it’d be “Chief Everything Officer”—because juggling all those roles, with a smile (even when the Wi-Fi goes out), is nothing short of heroic.
The Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel–an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! 3 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel–it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! 7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.