A Different Look at Proverbs 31

by Mary Aldrich

Over a Women’s Bible Study on Proverbs 31 recently, we discussed ideas of how to make each verse more meaningful to us in our lives now. I got the idea to write a modern day application of the passage and what it means to me, using the acrostic idea present in the Hebrew that you can’t appreciate in English.

10. Are there any women out there who are capable, unflappable, strong and kind? If so, they must be so amazing as to be unbelievable! Let me tell you what I think they are really like:

11. Being her husband does not bring any worry or anxiety. He trusts her completely and is confident in her decision making and knows she will be wise.

12. Continually she is kind and pleasant to him and avoids anything that is not in his best interest or would hurt him.

13. Diligently she takes pleasure in her hard work and delights in new ways to be resourceful.

14. Everything she feeds her family is selected with care to find the healthiest, most frugal, and freshest ingredients, knowing that the extra time spent in getting the best will be worth it.

15. Family needs come first and she is motivated and energetic about meeting them. She is a self-starter and unselfish.

16. Gradually she makes wise long term investments knowing that her extra work now will benefit her family for years to come.

17. Her body is kept strong and in good shape. She considers it a priority to be in a healthy state so that she can keep up with the demands of her job.

18. In the night she is always available for her children’s needs — be they practical or spiritual. She’s also willing to put forth extra effort to make good quality products.

19. Just as quickly as she can, she increases her knowledge to benefit her family with her new skills. She’s willing to do repetitive work and can be depended on to take care of mundane tasks.

20. Kindness flows from her to everyone she meets. She ministers to others in need, shows hospitality, and is generous.

21. Living prepared, the unexpected is not feared. She plans for emergencies, prepares for the seasons ahead of time, and maintains her household calmly, rather than jumping from one disaster to another.

22. Most days she keeps her own appearance and clothing a priority as well, knowing that it is a positive influence and reflection on her family for her to appear “put together”. But she is frugal about it and can be creative with what she has in her wardrobe already.

23. Now her husband is a leader and is well respected, so she encourages him in his role and does not complain that he is gone extra hours of the day.

24. Often she is found creatively subsidizing the family income. She is organized, managerial, and can run a business with confidence and leadership.

25. Physical strength as well as emotional stability are immediately obvious in her. She stays mentally ready and spiritually in tune to things around her. Stability and cheerfulness will pay off for her in the long run.

26. Quietly she considers those she listens to.  When she speaks from her vast wisdom, experience, and insight, it is without judgment, containing the utmost gentleness.

27. Reliability is her trademark and she is forever keeping watch for what to work on next. There is no place in her life for procrastination, for she loves her work and has plenty of it.

28. Such an energy giver is she that her children and husband rave about her to others.

29. There are many women who have become great, but this woman is better than all the others.

30. Understand that greatness and beauty will fade with time, but a woman who loves God and shows that love unconditionally to others will be valued all her life.

31. Virtually everything she does and everyone who comes in contact with her will speak for her so clearly that she will never need to defend herself.

Mary is the mother of seven children, and resides in New Hampshire at a Bible school where she and her husband are full time staff.