What does the Bible say about a good woman? This question has intrigued many throughout history, as the Bible offers numerous insights into the qualities and characteristics that define a virtuous woman. In this article, we will explore the various verses and teachings that shed light on this topic, helping us understand the true essence of a good woman as seen through the lens of Scripture.
The Bible presents a multifaceted view of a good woman, emphasizing her faithfulness, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. One of the most notable passages describing a good woman is found in Proverbs 31. This passage, often referred to as the “virtuous wife” or “excellent woman,” offers a comprehensive list of virtues that define a woman of God.
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 seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands in delight. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
She is like a merchant ship, bringing her food from afar. She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the poor; yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen garments and sells them; she delivers girdles to the merchant.
Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently, but you excel them all.”
The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the poor; yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen garments and sells them; she delivers girdles to the merchant.
Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently, but you excel them all.”
The passage in Proverbs 31 highlights the various aspects of a good woman’s life, including her dedication to her family, her wisdom, her hard work, and her compassion towards others. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that a good woman is not just defined by her appearance or her role in society, but by her character and her commitment to living a life of faith and service.
In addition to Proverbs 31, the Bible offers numerous other verses that describe the qualities of a good woman. For example, 1 Timothy 5:9-10 emphasizes the importance of a woman’s faithfulness and hospitality:
9 Do not let a widow under sixty be put out of the church because she is not married, not a widow for more than ten years, or a bad behavior, but she must be faithful in every way.
10 She must also have a good reputation among the outsiders; she must be a wife of one husband, and must manage her household well.
These verses emphasize the importance of faithfulness, hospitality, and the ability to manage a household well, which are key qualities of a good woman.
In conclusion, the Bible offers a comprehensive view of what it means to be a good woman. Through verses like Proverbs 31 and 1 Timothy 5:9-10, we are reminded that a good woman is defined by her character, her dedication to her family and community, and her commitment to living a life of faith and service. By seeking to embody these qualities, we can all strive to become the virtuous women that God intends us to be.
