THE BIBLE AND THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

 THE BIBLE AND THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN 

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Prov, 31:10-31

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The expression of the Scripture,...”a virtuous woman”{Prov. 31:10-31KJV} or “a wife of noble character {NIV} who can find?” deeply indicates that womanhood lacks fellows who qualify as ideal wives, who are worth far more than rubies, whose husbands have full confidence  in, and lacks nothing of value{vs. 10-11}. Cultures and institutions in today’s world have yardsticks which set forth models for the ideal woman, but none of these can, in any way, suit GOD’S STANDARD for womanhood or be taken as complementary code to what the LORD GOD has put in for humanity, as the Bible remains the only document that gives credence to ideal or virtuous woman.

GENERAL REMARKS

(i)              A virtuous woman has the full confidence of her  husband and lacks nothing of value, { Prov. 31:11}

(ii)            A virtuous woman brings good, not harm, to her family, all the days of her life, {vs. 12}

(iii)           A virtuous woman is known for her timely provision of food and other necessities for her family, {vs. 14- 15}

(iv)           A virtuous woman sets about her work vigorously and remains strong in her tasks, {vs. 17}, etc.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN AND THE WITNESS OF THE PEOPLE

Virtuous women are not easy to come by, but easy to spot out. This is because their noble character distinguishes them from the ever increasing number of women who lack the virtue they possess. The testimony of the people as it concerns Ruth fits the aforestated, which the Holy Scripture, in the words of Boaz ascribes to her, when he says,...”all my fellow kinsmen know that you are a woman of noble character”, { Ruth 3:11b} This shows that people know the qualities of a virtuous woman, and by implication know those who are not, and so, women who think otherwise, are by this, enjoined to turn a new leaf, for a better future. To this end, therefore, this lesson states that:

(i)                    People know that a virtuous woman is not that type who run after men for immorality, {Ruth 3:10}

(ii)                   Everybody is aware of the qualities of a virtuous woman {vs.11}

(iii)                 A virtuous woman shines as light among other women,, {vs. 11}

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN AND THE CONFIDENCE OF HER HUSBAND

A virtuous woman wins the confidence of her husband by her trustworthy character, since she allows no deceit in her life and marital relationship. Confidence is built by trust, and trust is built by honesty. Therefore, a woman who is not honest to her husband is not a virtuous woman, and so, cannot win the confidence of her husband. This suggests the reason why the Bible talks of the virtuous woman as....worth far more than rubies {Prov. 31:10b}, and...“lacks nothing of value,” {vs. 11}. This does not designate her as flawless, but shows she is a woman of a high level of moral profile and human quality. Based on the above, this lesson opines that a virtuous woman wins the confidence of the husband:

(i)              Because of her trustworthiness to her husband, {vs. 11}

(ii)            Equally because her husband has tested and proven her a trustworthy person,{vs. 11}

(iii)           Not because of her outward adornment, but because of her uncompromising chastity and unfailing beauty

(iv)            of a gentle and quiet spirit, {vs. 11; 1Peter 3:1-4}

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN AND HER DOMESTIC ROLE

The virtuous woman...”is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family and portions for servant girls. She considers a field and buys it out of her earning, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously.: her arms are strong for her tasks, {Prov. 31: 14-17} Now, notice that a virtuous woman...”brings her food from afar” {vs. 14}, stressing her ability to do everything humanly possible to fend for her family legitimately. She gets up early to provides for the members of her household {vs.15}, which shows she is punctual to duty  and does not delegate her GOD-given domestic assignments to someone else, as well as serves all without discrimination,{vs. 15}. She considers a field and buys it out of her earnings”...{vs. 16}, an indication of her ability to support her husband in his own role. She sets about her work vigorously; he arms are strong for her tasks, {vs17}, which implies her relentlessness on duty. The brief biblical analysis above on the activities of the virtuous woman serves as a divine yardstick for today’s woman. In this connection, therefore, this lesson also stresses that, for a woman to be termed a virtuous woman, she must be:

(i)        Well grounded in domestic duties and good work,[Prov. 31:12-17}

(ii)      One who supports her husband in fending for her family, {vs. 12-17}

(iii)     A woman of tireless and productive hard work for the family, {vs. 12-17}

In conclusion, please observe that, a virtuous woman, who the Bible also cites as a wise woman, builds her own house but the foolish one destroys hers, {Prov. 14:1}. The foolish woman in this contest is a representation of every woman who is not virtuous, and implies that such women really never build their homes, but destroy them. Are you one of such women? THE TIME TO CHANGE IS NOW!