Virtuous womanBy Sheila Lockhart
“Who can find a virtuous woman, for her worth is far above rubies” – Proverbs 31:10.
The “Virtuous Woman”, Proverbs 31:10-31
Many of us, being women of God, strive at being the “Virtuous Woman”. We are the wife, mother, and companion to our immediate families. Not to mention, the homemaker, taxi cab driver, and all of the other extra activities that go along with the job. In contrast, there are many women who back away from this passage of scripture, because they feel that her shoes are too big to walk in.
Although the “Virtuous Woman” wears many hats, so to speak; by applying her principles to your life, you too can be successful at becoming a Virtuous Woman and bringing balance into your family, home, community, and ministry.
Outside of the Holy Bible as a whole, Proverbs 31:10-31 is a biblical foundation that all women, both married and single can live by.
In this excerpt, I will share with what I have studied and acquired on the character and conduct of the, “Virtuous Woman”.
As you read and study, you will learn how to apply this passage of scripture to every area of your life, so that you can reap the abundant living that God has purposed and designed for you as a mighty woman of God!
What Does It Mean to be Virtuous?
To be virtuous is to be moral, ethical, honest, noble, right, pure, and chaste just to list a few.
Following are some brief definitions of each of the synonyms of the word VIRTUOUS:
A virtuous woman is to be moral, this means that all of her dealings are precise; whoever she does business with must view her as a person with integrity. She is meticulous, therefore she observes her surroundings and whom she chooses to become close to and invite into her home. She is a woman of privacy, a woman who carefully guards her heart and her anointing.
A virtuous woman is to be ethical, she is mindful of her conduct, and decent in her attire. Although her concern is her inner beauty, she definitely makes sure that her outer appearance is appropriate for the setting. From her head down to her baby toe, including her fragrance, she wells suits the occasion. She is also a woman of etiquette; everything that she does is graceful. She is respectful and she demands to be respected, she is humane which causes her to be compassionate in giving. When she gives, she does it from her heart because it is her ministry.
A virtuous woman is to be honest, she can be trusted, and she is committed to her assignment or task, no matter how small or how big. She doesn’t view it as being minute or immense; whichever one takes precedence is what she will commit to doing first. She is honorable and worthy and well known in her community.
A virtuous woman is to be noble, aristocratic; this means that she is one of a kind. She is precious. She is not a fake and there is no facade, what you see is what you get. She stands out in a crowd. She will let you know what is on her mind, but it will be decent and in order and with love of course. Most admire her, while others envy; but it is because of her unique ability of being meek and gentle, while at the same time firm in her beliefs.
A virtuous woman is to be pure, to sum up the many definitions of this word, she is to be sanctified and set apart. She lives a holy life before the Lord.
A virtuous woman is to be chaste, she is not loud or vulgar, she is meek and humbled, and she knows how to conduct herself wherever she goes, she is a woman of elegance.
Although some may depict her as being a weak woman, that is quite the contrary. This woman was a strong woman, verse seventeen says that she sets about her work vigorously and her arms are strong for her tasks.
A virtuous woman builds up her husband instead of tearing him down. She makes him known in the gates of the community.
There is a big responsibility of acquiring the title of “Virtuous Woman”, but it is attainable. And even through my studying of her character, I have not yet arrived; but I will! J
This passage of scripture was given to me approximately 6 years ago and as I read it, I had to meditate on it constantly and literally see myself in the scripture. It is a part of my daily confessions. You see, just as with drama or acting, you have to study to become the part. If you do not study the character, then how will you know the characteristics of the part? God’s word says in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God”.
Get into the scripture, take each verse and dissect each word. Meditate on it until it manifests into your spirit. What you put in your spirit will come out of your mouth and your actions. When I first started to study this passage, the Lord told me to take the first verse and meditate on it until I grasped the real meaning of it. “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her worth is far above rubies”. I thought, “hmmm, a ruby is an expensive and rare jewel and this scripture is not talking about just one, but many”. Therefore, this woman is a rare find, there are not many like her. To take on her character would be impossible without living a holy and acceptable life before God.
Do you desire to be a virtuous woman? If your answer is yes, then get before the Lord and ask Him to search your heart and remove anything that is not pleasing to Him. Ask Him for a deeper relationship, a more intimate relationship with Him.
You also need to yoke up with like-minded people, I desire to be virtuous, therefore; I seek the Lord for virtuous mentors and ask Him to bring those individuals into my life. We must be careful of who we associate with, not to belittle anyone, because God is no respecter of person; but we do have to discern the types of spirits that we allow around us. As I stated earlier, we have to guard our anointing, it is such a blessing to be around others that have the same goals and desires as you do. Others that will pray and agree with you on accomplishing those goals, and that will press through until it is reached.
With all of this in mind, I challenge you to start researching this character and to see the difference in your life.
This is just a brief synopsis of my research on the “Virtuous Woman”. As I learn more I will share more.
God Bless!
Sheila M. Lockhart is a mother of four who was formerly a member of Antelope Valley Christian Center in Lancaster, California for eleven years where she served faithfully in the music, dance, drama, publication, and prayer room ministries. She is a member of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, California, where she worships and receives the Word of God.
