The Proverbs 31 woman has captured hearts for thousands of years. But here’s the thing: she’s not meant to make us feel bad about ourselves. She’s actually showing us what’s possible when we put God first in our lives.
Maybe you’ve wondered what it really means to be a virtuous woman in today’s world. Well, these 25 quotes from Proverbs 31 will give you some solid answers. They’re not just pretty words; they’re practical wisdom that can change how you see yourself and your purpose.
Table of Contents
The Most Powerful Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman Quotes
1. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)
This first quote hits me right in the heart every time. In ancient times, rubies were some of the most valuable things you could own. But God says a virtuous woman is worth even more than that! This isn’t about what you do for work or how much money you make; it’s about your character.
2. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” – Proverbs 31:11 (KJV)
Trust is so hard to build and so easy to break, isn’t it? This woman had built such strong trust with her husband that he never had to worry about her loyalty or faithfulness. For those of us who are married, this is such a beautiful goal to work toward.
3. “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:12 (KJV)
Notice it says “all the days of her life,” not just when things are going well or when she feels like it. This kind of consistency comes from having your heart rooted in God’s love.
4. “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” – Proverbs 31:13 (KJV)
I love this verse because it shows she wasn’t lazy! She looked for work to do and did it willingly. In our modern world, this might mean approaching your job with enthusiasm or finding ways to serve your family joyfully.
5. “She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.” – Proverbs 31:14 (KJV)
Just like merchant ships traveled long distances to bring valuable goods, she was willing to go the extra mile to provide for her family. Maybe today this looks like researching the best deals or learning new skills to help your household.
6. “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” – Proverbs 31:15 (KJV)
This woman was up before dawn taking care of everyone! Now, I’m not saying we all need to wake up at 4 AM (trust me, I’m not a morning person either!). But there’s something beautiful about putting others’ needs before your own comfort.
7. “She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.” – Proverbs 31:16 (KJV)
Wait a minute, did you catch that? She was buying real estate and starting her own business! This Proverbs 31 woman wasn’t just staying at home; she was an entrepreneur. She thought carefully about her investments and used her own earnings to expand.
8. “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” – Proverbs 31:17 (KJV)
This sounds like she was getting ready for battle, doesn’t it? In biblical times, “girding your loins” meant getting dressed and ready for action. She prepared herself both physically and spiritually for the work God had given her.
9. “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.” – Proverbs 31:18 (KJV)
She had high standards for her work and wasn’t afraid to put in extra hours when needed. The phrase about her candle not going out means she worked late when necessary to ensure everything was done right.
10. “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” – Proverbs 31:19 (KJV)
These were tools for making thread and cloth, skilled work that took patience and practice. She developed practical skills that benefited her family and could also provide income.
11. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” – Proverbs 31:20 (KJV)
Even though she was busy with her own family and business, she still made time to help others. Her compassion for the poor shows that her success didn’t make her selfish; it made her more generous.
12. “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.” – Proverbs 31:21 (KJV)
She planned ahead! When winter came, her family was ready. The mention of scarlet (expensive, quality fabric) shows she didn’t just provide the bare minimum; she made sure her family had good things.
13. “She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” – Proverbs 31:22 (KJV)
This verse shows us that taking care of your appearance isn’t vanity; it’s part of honoring God with your whole life. Purple was a color associated with royalty, showing she dressed with dignity and beauty.
14. “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” – Proverbs 31:23 (KJV)
Because of her excellent character, her husband was respected in the community. She didn’t compete with him or try to overshadow him; instead, her goodness enhanced his reputation.
15. “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” – Proverbs 31:24 (KJV)
Here we see her business skills again! She manufactured products and sold them to merchants. This virtuous woman was clearly running multiple business ventures while managing her household.
16. “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” – Proverbs 31:25 (KJV)
This is one of my favorite verses! Instead of worrying about the future, she faces it with confidence because her character is solid. Her “clothing” of strength and honor is more valuable than any designer outfit.
17. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” – Proverbs 31:26 (KJV)
When she speaks, people listen because she combines wisdom and kindness. She doesn’t use her words to hurt or gossip; she speaks in ways that help and heal others.
18. “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27 (KJV)
She pays attention to what’s happening in her home and stays busy with purposeful work. “The bread of idleness” means she doesn’t waste time or be lazy when there’s work to be done.
19. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” – Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)
The ultimate reward! Her family doesn’t take her for granted; they recognize her value and express gratitude for all she does. This is the fruit of a life well-lived.
20. “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” – Proverbs 31:29 (KJV)
This praise from her husband shows that while many women display virtue, she stands out because of her comprehensive godly character.
21. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)
This is the key to everything! External charm and physical beauty can be misleading and don’t last. But a woman who fears the Lord has beauty that never fades and deserves lasting praise.
22. “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” – Proverbs 31:31 (KJV)
Her good deeds should be recognized publicly. She shouldn’t hide her light under a bushel; her excellent work deserves acknowledgment and honor.
23. “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
This modern translation emphasizes her noble character as what makes her so valuable. It’s not about perfection; it’s about having integrity and honor.
24. “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:12 (NIV)
The consistency here is amazing not just sometimes, not just when it’s convenient, but every single day of her life.
25. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
What a beautiful picture! Because her foundation is solid, she can actually laugh at whatever the future might bring. That’s the kind of confidence that comes from trusting God completely.
The Real Beauty of the Proverbs 31 Woman
What I love most about the Proverbs 31 woman is that she’s not trying to be someone else. She’s using the gifts and opportunities God has given her to serve others and glorify Him. She’s strong but not harsh. She’s capable but not prideful. She works hard but also knows how to rest and enjoy life.
Some women worry that following this example means they have to be perfect or do everything. That’s not it at all. The Proverbs 31 woman shows us what’s possible when we fear the Lord and trust Him with our lives.
Her legacy continues to inspire women today because her character is based on timeless principles, not temporary cultural practices. Whether you’re single or married, working outside the home or not, young or old, these principles can guide you toward becoming the woman God created you to be.
RELATED: 10 Virtues of a Proverbs 31 Woman Every Christian Should Embrace
FAQs
What does it mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman today?
Being a Proverbs 31 woman today means living with godly character, wisdom, and purpose in whatever role God has given you. It’s about fearing the Lord first and then letting that relationship influence how you treat others, approach work, and manage your responsibilities.
What’s the most important quality of the Proverbs 31 woman?
The most important quality is that she feared the Lord (verse 30). All her other virtues flowed from her relationship with God. When we put God first, He helps us develop the character and wisdom we need for everything else.
