Characteristics of a virtuous woman

In the time we are living in there are so many ideas of who a woman should be and how she should carry herself. But we are going to go back to the Bible to see what God requires of us as women. Let us get into what it really means to be a woman of virtue.

Proverbs 31 speaks about a virtuous woman and we know that Ruth was recognised as a woman of virtue. Ruth was a Moabite woman who lost her husband. She could have gone back to her parents home and remarried, instead Ruth chose to follow her mother in law, Naomi back to her homeland. Ruth done this out of her loyalty and love for Naomi, without knowing what her future would hold. Ruth 3:11 we see that Ruth’s husband to be recognised that she was a virtuous woman and everyone in the town knew Ruth to be a virtuous woman. “Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.” There are so many characteristics to show that Ruth was a virtuous woman; she was humble, loyal, kind, obedient, loving, a hard worker. Those are few amongst the many characteristics of Ruth. What stood out the most is the sacrifice that Ruth made, to live amongst complete strangers and work to make her way even though she could have had a different life. There are not many women who would make that sacrifice, however Ruth was blessed because of what she done for Naomi, she received favour.

These are a few examples from proverbs 31 that tells us the characteristics of a virtuous woman;

• 'She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. '
• 'She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. '
• 'She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. '
• 'She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. '
• 'She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.'
• 'She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. '

This shows a woman who is resourceful, wise, hard working, gracious, trustworthy and a woman of integrity. Proverbs 31 does not just show how we need to carry ourselves but how to treat our husbands. It shows the role and positions we have as women in our husbands lives. Most importantly a virtuous woman loves the Lord and serves him. If you want to grow as a woman and learn to develop these characteristics ask the Lord to transform and prepare your heart.

Think about these characteristics and how they align with you. Think about what characteristics and ideas you might hold on the kind of woman you should be. Ask yourself do they align with what God requires of you?