Noble Character

Last week we took a look at the characteristics of a woman who is not a follower of Christ, this week I want to look more into the characteristics of a true Christian woman.  There is not a better set of scripture that show these characteristics then Proverbs 31:10-31, these verses describe a woman of noble character.  But what does it mean to have a noble character? Well, unlike last week’s blog, a woman with noble character will not be arrogant or proud, a woman of noble character will put others first, will be charitable, maintaining their integrity, and do what is right no matter the difficulty.  We can see these characteristics throughout Proverbs 31:10-31

 “10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Within these verses there are several characteristics that a Christian woman should aim to have.  The first of which I want to discuss is how a woman with noble character interacts with those close to her. Proverbs 31:11-13, talks of how she brings her husband good, how he has full confidence in her.  To have full confidence in someone means that you trust them completely to be reliable, trustworthy, and have the ability to succeed.  By saying that a woman has the full confidence of her husband means that he can leave her to her tasks, whatever that may be, and he will know that it will be completed.  Throughout the rest of Proverbs 31, you can see how this ability to act influences the woman’s family and household, this ability  

Whether or not we like to admit it, our actions not only influence the way others see us, but also how they see those closest to us.  The Proverbs 31 woman behaves in such a way that she brings not only respect for herself, for she is “clothed with strength and dignity” Proverbs 31:25, but also for her family.  The husband of the Proverbs 31 woman is held with respect among the city elders.  It used to be that sitting at the city gate is where the elders of the city would discuss the local affairs.  To have a seat here is a great honor, and through this understanding I was reminded of 1 Timothy 3:8-11 “8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” The beginning part of this verse is the characteristics of a man who is wishing to serve in the church.  However, by the end of the verse you see that not only is the characteristic of the man scrutinized, but also his wife.  A woman of noble character is worthy of respect by not gossiping, in control of their temper, and trustworthy in what they do. This idea is also stated in 1 Timothy 3:11”Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.” This puts into practice Proverbs 12:4 “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” As well as Proverbs 11:16 “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth”

I do want to make a note here for women who are reading this who have unbelieving husbands.  Through the scriptures we can see that by behaving as a woman with noble character, it is possible that you can win your husband over to the Lord.  This can be found in 1 Peter 3:1-6 “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.” The idea of submitting here is the same as submitting ourselves to God. As we submit ourselves to Him and allow Him to work in our lives we become sanctified, and as those around us, specific to this verse our husband, see the process of sanctification they can see the reverence for the Lord come through and possibly be saved.  I ask that you continue to strive towards God and see what He can do in your marriage.

I also want to add for those who are in abusive relationships, there is no evidence in the Bible that states that you must put up with it.  The usage of submitting is in that we accept that Christ is in control of our lives, when 1 Peter 3:1-6 states that we as women must submit to our husbands it is submitting to the role that He has designed for both men and women.  There is no reason to accept abuse and if you are in that type of situation, I hope that you are able to find help to get out of the situation. If you remember our study on Abigail, I would argue that Nabal was abusive, but there is always hope that there is a David there as well.  Be like Abigail and have the courage to remove yourself from the situation.

Continuing our look into the Proverbs 31 woman, the next characteristic that we can see is that she works willingly. In my younger years I was under the impression that God cared for men more than women. Sadly I would later on be told by others it was wrong that I was the main financial provider while my husband was in school, I had no clue that the Bible had a clear picture of being a women and her responsibilities. Imagine my surprise when Proverbs 31 was shown to me.  As JL has continually told me, if anyone believes that the Bible doesn’t care about women’s rights they need to look at Proverbs 31, while the world still did not recognize a woman as a credible witness, Jesus after the resurrection first revealed Himself to women to tell the good news.  In these verses, not only is this woman someone to be respected, but she is in charge of more than just the house and children.  I want to highlight a few verses that show this, “13 She looks for wool and flax. And works with her hands in delight.” Proverbs 31:13,“16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16, “18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night” Proverbs 31:18, and “31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:31.  By looking at these verses, you can see that the woman here is earning her own money by selling her made goods, the Proverbs 31 woman is an entrepreneur! She not only keeps an eye on the doings of her household, but also works to increase it.  Another interesting note when reading Proverbs 31, is that she is described as having strong arms for her tasks, this implies that she is a hard worker and is therefore living out Philippians 2:14 “14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing”. If you continually grumble or argue about the work that needs to be done, whether that is in a work setting or over household work, the job will almost always not be completed to the best of your ability.  As women of noble character, we need to complete every task without grumbling, for our work not only reflects upon ourselves but as seen above it is a reflection on our family.  We need to consider 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 “11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”

If you notice in the verses highlighted, as well as others in Proverbs 31, you can see that this woman continually works hard, she “does not eat the bread of idleness” Proverbs 31:27. This woman always has something to help with the family.  There is one thing that I want to point out here since I know  it is prevalent in today’s society.  But if you are a stay at home mom, or otherwise not working in the “traditional” work force, do not believe that you cannot be completing this aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman.  The Proverbs 31 woman also is the woman who is working to make sure that appointments are made on time, keeping things on a schedule, and caring for those around you.  This also does not mean that if you are working, that you cannot be completing this aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman as well.  I have met working moms who still make sure appointments are kept, things are right on schedule, and their families are cared for.  The important thing to notice here is that a woman of noble character does not complain about the work. And if you look at verse 28, you can see that through her hard work not only is her household cared for but her children call her blessed and she is praised.

This ability of hard work means that a woman of noble character will have no fear for her household, verse 21.  Through working vigorously, “she sees that her trading is profitable” (verse 18), she has the resources to care for her household and to not be worried about hard times or seasons.  But a woman of noble character does not lean on her own strength for this, she knows that everything is provided by God.  Matthew 6:25-34, “25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” It is through faith in God, that He cares for us, knows the desires of our hearts, and provides of us, that the woman of noble character has no fear for tomorrow and can “laugh at the days to come” (verse 25)

The next characteristic of a noble woman will stem out of her ability to provide for her family, and that is being charitable.  If you look at verse 20, you can see that she is caring for the poor and needy as well. She understands the words in Deuteronomy 15:11 “11 For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’”. This woman understands that there will always be those who need help, but she freely opens the doors for them.  She does this without expecting anything in return much like in Hebrews 13:16 “16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” her only reward for helping those around her will often times be that God is pleased with her actions. She is not shouting from the rooftops or making a big deal of how she is helping those around her, she is doing it simply because that is what God calls us to do.

The next characteristic of a woman with noble character is that “she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (verse 26).  A woman of noble character will have knowledge and her advice will be sound.  This knowledge isn’t book smarts or street smarts, it is the final characteristic described of the Proverbs 31 woman, and that is the fear of the Lord (30).  A woman of noble character understands that just like in Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” And in Proverbs 8:13 “13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” A woman of noble character understands that to get knowledge means to fear the Lord by recognizing that she has sinned and fallen short of what He has called her to be.  The fear of the Lord will lead to hating the characteristics of what we had discussed last week, pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech.  A woman of noble character knows that true wisdom will not lead to her being prideful of herself, instead she will give everything back to the Lord knowing that, “17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17.  She will see that having this wisdom will protect her as stated in Proverbs 4:6-7 “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” And it is through this knowledge that she will continually stand for what is right, no matter how difficult the situation is or what the outcome will be.

And as the description of a woman with noble character closes we can see that she is blessed just like Provers 3:13 states, “13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,” A woman of noble character is bless through her husband’s confidence, her children and her household, and most importantly with the knowledge of the Lord.  All of this allows her work to bring her praise from those around her. A woman of noble character gains respect of those around her, believers and unbelievers alike and it is this way that a woman can help bring others to the kingdom of God. By being like Wisdom and leading others down the path of righteousness. I want to leave you with this last verse, Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Seek the Truth and Encourage One Another

Alex