Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
What is a virtuous woman? How can I become one? Is it possible for me to be a Proverbs 31 woman if I’m single?
Welcome to A Ruby in the Rough where we talk about these questions and a whole lot more!! Not only do we discuss questions, but we also seek to encourage each other in our journeys as Christian ladies.
God gave us women the passage in Proverbs 31 as a pattern or imaginary role model to follow. As a single young lady, I found myself wondering how it applies to unmarried women. I wanted it to be an important part of this blog (I think the name is pretty important anyway), but did it fit?
My parents pointed out to me that this passage covers all of the different phases of a woman’s life all rolled into one. Every part does not apply to every woman. For example, not every woman starts a business or plants a vineyard. God calls some women to be single, either their whole lives or just for a time. This does not mean that the Proverbs 31 passage does not apply to us, although some parts may not be relevant in the same way.
I hope to explore this topic more in depth here on the blog in the future, but for now, let’s discuss the process of being and becoming a virtuous woman. I believe that it is a process as long as the number of days God gives you on earth. The Proverbs 31 woman is not an actual person. She is a pattern for us to strive toward in the Lord’s strength.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
We will not wake up one day, look at ourselves in the mirror, and suddenly find that we have arrived. Well, we just arrived at the mirror, but not at the status of Proverbs 31 woman. Now, I do know some women, including my wonderful mother, whom I consider to be Proverbs 31 women. But, they can’t just sit down with their hands in their laps and be finished. There is still room for growth, even for them. If there is room for growth in older women, how much more is there room in me!
This is where the name of the blog, A Ruby in the Rough, was born. It is my desire to continue growing in God’s grace as he polishes my rough corners and creates something more precious than rubies. I know that there are many other ladies on similar journeys, and I hope that this blog will be a place where we can come together and encourage each other in the Lord.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
What is your favorite verse in Proverbs 31? I would love to have you let me know in the comments below!
I am so excited to see you blog up and going!! My favorite verse from Proverbs 31 is verse 26, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Looking forward to all you have to share. 🙂
Thank you so much for your help in getting the blog going, Rachel! Yes, I love how it says “law of kindness.” She makes it a rule not to speak if she cannot say something kind.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6
Such an encouraging post!!!! Thank you, Bethany!!!!
My favorite verse in Proverbs 31 is:
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord , she shall be praised.
” Proverbs 31:30
Thank you for commenting and being so encouraging in my new blogging endeavor, Anna!
That is a great verse! It reminds me of a Proverbs 31 coloring book I worked in when I was younger. In the picture for that verse, two girls were labeled Favour and Beauty, but the middle one was the one who feared the Lord, and she had a crown and stood on a box higher than the others.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Beautiful post, Bethany! I’m just now catching up on reading your posts, but I love your suggestions for cards. My favorite verse right now in Proverbs 31 is verse 25: “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” I’m struggling with finding God’s will for me, but this encourages me to keep trusting, because I will rejoice in a “time to come.”
~Grace
Yes, God has a beautiful plan for you, Grace! One thing my parents have been teaching me is that when I struggle with finding God’s will, He may be holding it back so that I will spend more time with Him. He knows that seeking His will is a good way for us to spend time in prayer getting to know Him, and then He can make His will plain to us once we have drawn closer to Him in the season of waiting. Keep looking to Jesus, and He will guide you into His perfect plan for your life! We all need to continue drawing near to God!
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8
What an interesting thought! That idea has never occurred to me, and I’m grateful you followed the Lord’s hidden guidance to mention it. I feel much more encouraged to get closer to Him now, and it will become an afternoon activity option! I would like to begin revisiting my devotion or notes from reading from the morning in the afternoon.
I’m thankful the Lord laid it on my heart to share that with you, and I’m also thankful to my parents for teaching me that!! Revisiting your devotions sounds like an excellent plan. It’s easy to read the Bible in the morning and then forget about it in the busyness of the day. I may have to try re-reading my key verse part way through the day too. Thank you for the idea!
There are so many good verses in this chapter, but I guess my favorite right now is this one: “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” A woman that feareth the Lord… I believe that is the key!
God bless you, Bethany!
Yes, fearing the Lord is where it all starts, and the Bible says that it is “the beginning of wisdom.” We can’t do the things listed in this chapter in our strength, so we must humbly look to the Lord for grace.
God bless you, Agape!