The Power of Proverbs 31: A Sisterly Guide to Virtuous Living

Hey Sunshine,

As I’ve been reading through Proverbs 31, I’m amazed by the wisdom and guidance it offers for living a virtuous and abundant life. This passage has been a huge inspiration for me, and that’s how “Virtuous Businesswoman” came to be. I’m so excited to share with you some of the ways it has impacted my life and how it can impact yours too!

Trustworthiness and Reliability

The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is trustworthy, reliable, and faithful. Proverbs 31:11-12 says, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Whether you’re married or not, these virtues can enrich any relationship or endeavor. Being trustworthy and reliable isn’t just about marriage; it’s about integrity in all aspects of life. It’s about being someone others can count on, bringing goodness and not harm to those around you. In friendships, professional relationships, or personal pursuits, these virtues form a strong foundation for building meaningful connections and achieving your goals.

Hard Work and Entrepreneurship

This woman is also hardworking and entrepreneurial, always looking to improve her skills and increase her productivity. Proverbs 31:16-19 says, “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” This principle extends from traditional homemaking tasks to modern life, including real estate investments, business ventures, and financial strategies. Just like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, we can apply these timeless principles to excel in our own endeavors, whether in the boardroom or the marketplace.

Prioritizing Well-Being

Next, the virtuous woman prioritizes her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Proverbs 31:21-22 says, “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.” This verse isn’t just about preparing for winter; it’s a metaphor for self-care. The “snow” represents life’s challenges, and being prepared means she’s taken care of herself and her household. The “scarlet” and “fine linen and purple” symbolize her inner beauty and strength, cultivated through self-care. This verse teaches us the importance of prioritizing our well-being to be strong and resilient in the face of challenges. In a world that often values productivity over people, she reminds us to take care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, which benefits those we care about and those we aim to positively impact.

Kindness and Generosity

What really stands out to me about her is her heart for others. She’s kind, compassionate, and generous, always looking for ways to serve and bless those around her. How fulfilling and blessed must she be to make this a priority and have the resources to do so! Proverbs 31:20 says, “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” She’s a true example of living out faith and philanthropy practically. We can all take a cue from her and choose just one person a week to make a difference for.

Balancing Life’s Roles

Another thing that resonates with me is her ability to balance different aspects of her life. She’s a wife, mother, business owner, and community leader, yet she prioritizes her time and energy in a way that honors God and blesses those around her (Proverbs 31:10-31). This is something I strive for in my life, and I know you do too. Seeking first the kingdom and righteousness must have been her priority, which came with organization, management, and execution of each of her roles.

Final Thoughts

I could go on and on about the wisdom of Proverbs 31, but ultimately, it’s a passage to savor verse by verse for its fullness. It reminds us that living a virtuous life isn’t about following rules but about honoring God and blessing those around us.

So, how can we apply this to our lives? For me, it means being more intentional about building strong relationships with loved ones, pursuing passions with excellence, and taking care of my physical and mental health. It also means being more mindful of serving and blessing others, whether through volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being a good friend and neighbor.

I challenge you, sis, to join me in striving to live a life that honors God and blesses those around us. Let’s commit to being women who are trustworthy, hardworking, kind, and compassionate. Let’s make a positive impact in our communities and bring joy and love to those around us. Share how you plan to share your virtue!