A Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

V - valuable beyond description. (10)

I - improves those around her. (23)

R - relevant choices in life. (22, 24)

T - thoughtful about the future. (21, 25)

U - understanding of others. (20, 26)

O - offers her life to serve others. (13-19, 27)

U - unwavering focus on her family. (11-12, 28-29)

S - source of her beauty is her fear of God. (30-31)

1. Warm-up. Do you believe that in general our culture values women? Do you believe churches value women? Please explain your thoughts.

2. Read verse 10. "Excellent Wife" might better be translated "virtuous woman". What does that first question of verse 10 imply about virtuous women? Do you find this to be true in your experience? What does this verse teach us about the value of a virtuous woman?

3. Read verses 13-19. What characteristics of a virtuous woman do you find here? Is there a theme or main idea among these verses?

4. Read verse 20 and 26. What characteristics of a virtuous woman are described? Why do you think these virtues are important?

5. Read verses 11-12, 23 and 28. What do you learn about a virtuous woman in these verses? How does a virtuous woman relate to her family? What do you learn about a virtuous woman's value to those closest to her?

6. Read verses 29-31. What is the source of a virtuous woman's beauty? See also 1 Peter 3:3-4. How can a virtuous woman cultivate her beauty?

7. So what? What sticks out to you most about a Proverbs 31 or virtuous woman? For women, how can you cultivate godly virtue in your life as described in these verses? For men, how can you encourage the women (and future women) in your life to be biblically virtuous?