Many is the time I’ve heard a Mother’s Day sermon preached on this passage. Maybe you have too. And there is no question that one considering marriage does well to consider the kinds of attributes displayed in this passage when choosing a prospective mate. One must remember however this is a collective of ideals. All will fall short in places. AND, women should keep in mind those passages which outline the character traits of a godly man before opting for someone to be one with. There are some pretty high standards to be found for men as well.

All that said, I think we may lose something of the broader application of this passage if we only see it in terms of human marriage. Along with the likes of the Venerable Bede, John Gill, Wordsworth, Ambrosius, Augustine, Harry Ironside, Robert Hawker, Peter Lillback and others – I see here something of great importance in describing what should be the nature of Christ’s Bride – The Church. Read that way, the passage gives us much to consider if the Church is painted with these colors.

Think about it –

Proverbs 31:10–11 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

‌Can Christ trust us that He will gain from our efforts? That we are committed to His interests?

‌Proverbs 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

‌Do we do Him and His cause good? Or does His work or reputation suffer at our hands?

‌Proverbs 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

‌Are we industrious for the Kingdom? Or just making do?

‌Proverbs 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

‌Do we go to great lengths to get His choice Word for our souls?

‌Proverbs 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

‌Do we labor secretly to see to it His Word is prepared for ourselves, His household, and for those who are close at hand?

‌Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

‌Do we seek the growth of the Kingdom and set in motion plans to make it happen, that the Fruit of His vine might increase?

‌Proverbs 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

‌Have we strengthened ourselves in the Lord? And clothed ourselves in His righteousness?

‌Proverbs 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

‌Do we perceive how eternally valuable what we have in Him is – this ministry of the Word? Does His Word light us at all times?

‌Proverbs 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

‌Are we busy producing the bare thread of what becomes the garments of righteousness?

‌Proverbs 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

‌Are we generous to the lost and those in need?

‌Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

‌Do we not fear evil and “cold” seasons because we have prepared well in Him? Prepared our hearts to trust Him at all times and in all things?

‌Proverbs 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

‌Do we make room for times of deep intimacy with Him? And do we adorn ourselves with the good works that make us attractive to Him?

‌Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

‌Have we protected Christ’s reputation in the marketplace?

‌Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

‌Are we about the business of getting the garments of salvation out among the people?

‌Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

‌Are we strong in our relationship with Him and not fearful of the coming judgment because of it?

‌Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

‌Are we making the Gospel known, and communicating it in kindness and compassion for the souls of men?

‌Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

‌Are we mindful of the orderliness of His Household, and not disengaged or lazy in our labors within it?

‌Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

‌Will those who come to Christ rise to bless our efforts on their behalf? Will the other saints? Will he?

‌Proverbs 31:29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

‌Are we admired by Him for how we have attended Him in faithfulness?

‌Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

‌Have we been more occupied with making ourselves beautiful outwardly to the world, than about what pleases Him?

There are churches which specialize in charm – in appealing to tastes. And churches which specialize in the temporary beauty of the hour, being outwardly attractive. But the Church God praises, is the one that fears Him above all. This does not mean we ought to be purposefully unattractive or repellent, but it does mean fearing God will give us a sweet aroma and a beauty in the eye of the One we wish to please most.

‌Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

‌If our reward is the fruit of what we’ve done in His name – will it prove sweet, satisfying and abundant?

Is the Church, are we – His excellent wife? Heavenly Father, make us so by Your Spirit.