8 Essential Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman You Need To Be Her

My mission for One Exceptional Life is to help women rediscover God’s joy and peace amid the trials of life. Do you ever wonder if the virtuous woman struggles with a lack of joy and peace like you do? Joy and peace are attributes of the fruit of the Spirit that come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

So how should we as Christian women grow our faith to produce the fruit the Lord expects of us? The answer lies in pursuing the characteristics of a virtuous woman from Proverbs 31.

Proverbs 31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

Although he’s referred to as King Lemuel, King Solomon Is the suggested writer, with guidance from his mother, Bathsheba. Read 2 Samuel 11 for the entire story of King David and Bathsheba. What follows is a list of attributes of the godly woman that his mother suggested he seek in his future wife, and what we all strive for.

What is a Proverbs 31 Woman?

This guide lists attributes of a godly woman as she fears and follows the Lord.  Although this passage is addressed to women, it’s just as applicable to men. 

Both men and women must walk in the fear and wisdom of God so that they’ll be worthy and compatible with each other.  A virtuous woman isn’t necessarily married. She has these attributes before she’s married; she doesn’t become virtuous because she is married. 

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

My Bible dictionary defines virtuous as a ”wife of valor, strength, worth. It’s the same word used in Judges 6:12 for man of valor that the angel of the Lord called Gideon when He visited him.

Judges 6:12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

Having characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman of valor is an ideal goal. Don’t be intimidated by this perfect woman though.  Nobody possesses every single attribute. So don’t compare or condemn yourself, your BFF, or that puffed-up cashier at the grocery store because she falls short on any of these qualities. Instead, focus on the source of these attributes of a godly woman, which starts with the fear of the Lord and godly wisdom.

Attribute #1 – One of the Most Important Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman in the Bible

Since the foundation of the characteristics of a virtuous woman is wisdom and the fear of the Lord, let’s start at the end with Proverbs 31:30.

Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

As much as we hate to admit it, our outer beauty fades.  A woman who fears the Lord has wisdom and internal beauty that never fades.

True wisdom comes from God and is more valuable than anything we could ask for. This wisdom is pure, and gentle, and brings forth good fruits in our lives. Plus, it’s easy to get, because we simply need to ask. However, we must ask in faith and believe that God will give us this precious gift as He promised. Wisdom must come first, before our works. This will enable us to be virtuous.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: A good understanding have all they that do his commandments: His praise endureth for ever.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

We’re constantly tempted to trust in our bank account, our titles, how we look, or how much authority we have. Although the Proverbs 31 woman has these, she doesn’t put her trust in them, but in God. She fears Him, which means she honors, respects, and obeys His commands. 

All her virtuous qualities come from her devotion to the Lord. They’re the basis of growing the life we’re all inspired by today. God must be our foundation if we want to be women who cultivate lives of strength and legacy like the Proverbs 31 woman of valor.

Attribute #2 – The Proverbs 31 Woman of Valor is Trustworthy

The virtuous woman is a good wife whose husband trusts her. She also enriches the lives of those she meets because her character is filled with integrity. As godly women, we need to build our character with integrity, honesty, sincerity, loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, persistence, humility, etc.

‭‭Proverbs 31:11-12 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil All the days of her life.

Her husband trusts and has confidence in her because she protects his heart and his secrets are safe.  He seeks her advice and doesn’t have to fear that she’ll betray him. 

A biblical marriage portrays the relationship between Christ and His church. He calls His church to be faithful through everything. Likewise, He calls wives to be faithful to their husbands. We should speak, act, and live with wisdom. Therefore God will bless our homes, as shown in a marriage triangle which consists of God, man, and wife.  

A Proverbs 31 woman of valor does her husband good and not evil and continues to be a blessing. Her goodness and character grow through the years. We portray her as we keep our promises, protect our marriage covenant, and never think negatively about our husbands. Our loyalty shows respect for our husbands.

What a blessing it is to have a husband who trusts and believes in us. It means that he has a deep level of trust and respect for us and sees us as a valuable partner. A godly wife reciprocates that trust and respect with comfort, encouragement, and support. This kind of mutual trust and respect is necessary for a solid and healthy marriage that lives in security and stability.

The virtuous wife is such a blessing to her family and household that her husband is esteemed and honored among the elders of their community.

Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

One of the best characteristics of a virtuous woman is the fear of the Lord. #godlywoman #whocanfindavirtuouswoman #growyourfaith Share on X

Attribute #3 – She’s Hard-Working and Nurturing

Another of the characteristics of a virtuous woman in the Bible is that she’s a hard worker, cares for her home, and is dependable like a merchant ship.

Proverbs 31:13-15 She seeketh wool, and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; She bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens.

The virtuous woman knows how to seek and find what her family needs for their home She buys the best quality at the best value, whether it’s ingredients for food, supplies, or home décor to be the envy of the neighborhood. She’s a talented home manager who keeps a comfortable home and work environment. Sometimes she works for pay and sometimes she volunteers.  Our virtuous woman does both.

Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

As the guardian of her home and family, she’s observant of her family and their ways and keeps a watchful eye which means that she’s never idle. She gets up early to prepare breakfast for her household, and her servants (common in those days,) so they can be ready for their day. She shows compassion and leads by example, so her family and her servants respect her and happily serve her. 

Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms.

Her strength is shown by her actions. She’s productive, strong, and has willing hands. She’s eager to do everything it takes to care for her home and family. Her willingness to bring “food from afar” (Proverbs 31:14) shows her willingness to go the extra mile for what she needs.

Attribute #4 – She’s Resourceful and Productive

One of the characteristics of a virtuous woman in the Bible is that she is extremely resourceful. She can MacGyver solutions for any tough situation. We can do the same when we don’t give up, work hard, sing praises to God, and don’t grumble while we work. 

Proverbs 31:19 – She layeth her hands to the spindle, And her hands hold the distaff. 

The virtuous wife knows how to use the tools and technology available to manage her home effectively. A distaff is “a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning.” She willingly uses both hands to do her work and she’s not proud to think that working with her hands is beneath her. 

Proverbs 31:22 – She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; Her clothing is silk and purple. 

Proverbs 31:24 – She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant

The wisdom, diligence, and practicality of the virtuous wife leads her to not only provide the necessities for her family, but she sells extras to bring in income for her home. She loves her family, but she’s business-minded and sees a vision to produce quality products for other families as well. 

We aren’t all business-minded, so don’t take offense if these characteristics don’t apply to you. Finding simple and practical ways to use your skills to help your families is just as important.

She wisely manages her time and spends it on important tasks.  She works diligently to complete her daily activities and doesn’t dwell on what doesn’t fit within her goals as she works to carry out the will of the Lord. 

When asking, what is a Proverbs 31 woman of valor, we know that she doesn’t fill her day with busy work, she’s productive. She isn’t stressed out or exhausted because she manages her time well enough that she becomes better and stronger, not weaker and depleted.

Resourcefulness means knowing where to look for what our family needs and to get it at the best value. That can be the thrift store, a certain food market, trading with a neighbor, making it from scratch, or using Amazon Prime to have it mailed to you in two days.

What does a Proverbs 31 woman of valor in today’s world look like? Is she a prepper, homesteader, minimalist, or any other trend? No, although it could. She loves Jesus and loves the life He has called her to. 

Attribute #5 – She’s an Entrepreneur Who Chooses Her Investments Wisely

We already know that one of the characteristics of a virtuous woman is that she works willingly with her hands. She makes high-quality clothing for herself and her family and sells the extras to create income. She uses creativity to provide for her family and bring income into the home. Our Proverbs 31 woman seeks multiple streams of income.

Proverbs 31:16 – She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 

The word “considers” in Hebrew means to inspect, have inner thoughts, and to purpose in one’s heart. She’s diligent in making decisions without being impetuous.

The virtuous woman isn’t hasty in her decisions. She very carefully considers before she invests her family’s hard-earned money. She wants a project that will continue to provide profit for their future. She buys a vineyard, which is a difficult crop to grow.  But it has many long-term benefits. 

She would never buy a vineyard and let it sit there.  She plans everything out in advance; what and how to plant, weed, harvest, and what she’ll do with the results. She starts with a piece of land and makes it profitable.

She’s deliberate and creative in everything she does. She almost seems like a superwoman because she makes money while she tends to all her family’s needs. She isn’t the main breadwinner though, because that’s her husband is called to that, not her. However, her skills and ideas enable her to contribute. 

When we bought the land where we built our house, we walked all over it, to see how appropriate the land would meet our needs. My husband and I discussed the purchase, but we included the Lord in every part of our home plans and purchase. Make Him a part of every decision.

The virtuous wife is a perfect model for making decisions, especially those that have a long-term impact on our families! This is how she uses her wisdom and skills to do good for her family. 

Work is a gift from God.  She works with wool and flax so I have no doubt she praises the Lord through every task she does. We need to be thankful for the gifts God gives us too.

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Our focus is to be on God, not our husband, children, or anyone else. Work is a gift, not a burden, although it can sometimes feel like one. When housework seems like a chore, remember, that it’s still a gift.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 

Work your land, or your task at hand. Be diligent, willing, and eager to work. Then watch how God transforms your work, into His best for your life and your family!

Attribute #6 – Compassion and Generosity are Characteristics of a Proverbs 31 Woman

Our virtuous woman shows compassion to her family because she’s a trustworthy wife, an obedient child of God, and believes that service follows the fear of the Lord. We know this because of her obedience to loving the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind, and by loving her neighbor as herself (Matt. 22:36-40)

Proverbs 31:20  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

When she loves others, she prioritizes their needs above her own. I love the image this scripture paints.  She doesn’t give her excess, she reaches her hand out to those in need and pulls them to her like a mother does for her children, and like our Heavenly Father does with us.

She takes her responsibilities seriously, and extends her care beyond her immediate family, to her servants as well as her community.  She is generous as she gives her money, time, and energy, to anyone she sees that has a need.  She doesn’t have to, she wants to, and her wisdom tells her…

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

God honors our generosity when we give with a cheerful heart. So we should always look for opportunities to serve, love, and encourage others.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

True wisdom comes from God and is more valuable than anything we could ask for. #priceaboverubies #virtuouswoman #christianliving Share on X

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Another important quality to a godly woman is careful with the words we allow to come out of our mouth. She speaks with wisdom because she knows that her words will either bless or harm others. She allows God to guide her words, decisions, and actions so that she’s a good witness for Him.

‭‭Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The virtuous wife is an integral part of her church family. The church is where we worship, learn, grow, and serve others. The list of characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman, written before the church that Jesus started on the shores of Galilee, portrays her relationship with the Lord and gives her the mindset of how to live in a church family. A Proverbs 31 woman can also be a Titus 2 woman who teaches young women how to be good wives and mothers.

Attribute #7 – The Virtuous Wife is Prepared

Preparation is another one of the attributes of a godly woman. She has a plan to feed her family and clothe them, and a course of action for those times when life gets thrown a major curve. She knows what to do with a sick child and how to whip up food for unexpected company. 

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

Her reverence for the Lord, and the wisdom that flows from it, allows her to welcome God’s blessing. This allows her to clothe her household in the prestigious color of scarlet, which shows her place of rank in the community. Scarlet clothing also meant heaviness and warmth for winter.

We know that winter comes every year, so preparation means we have propane in the tank, and snow tires on the car, for starters. We can’t be prepared for everything. Emergencies and accidents happen. Car and homeowners insurance protects us and those in our path.  So does a blanket, flashlight, and water in the car as well.

Prepare as well as you can, then trust the Lord with the rest.  Be resourceful and know how to get what you need when you need it. Don’t wait until you run out of toilet paper, to go to the store and buy more.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.

The virtuous wife is a woman of courage. She knows what she can control and trusts God with what she can’t. Her preparation allows her to rejoice and laugh in the days to come, and because she trusts God with tomorrow, she can have peace for today.

She doesn’t allow worry, fear, or anxiety to take up space in her life.  Instead, she trusts the Lord, she puts her life in His very capable and loving hands. When we’re at peace, our families can have peace. This is why her children rise and call her blessed. She makes them feel secure so they don’t have to worry.

Attribute #8 – She Raises Godly Children

Our greatest job as women is to raise up godly children.

‭‭Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. ‭Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all.

Arise in Hebrew means to build or establish, strengthen, and succeed. So we build, establish, and strengthen our children in the Lord.

It’s our job to raise children who will follow the Lord and to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

We must raise our children to know the love and the power of God and teach them to walk by faith and know that God is in control. We must be the example they need so they want to follow and serve Him all the days of their lives.

We must teach them to have a heart of gratitude, to say thank you, to be respectful of others, and to appreciate their food, clothes, and the gifts they’re given. I’m sure we’ve all seen children (or had them) open a gift and say “I don’t like that” without a single shred of gratitude. We all have teaching moments like that. 

Teach them to help around the house and to share in chores, not to be their maid. I’m thankful that I taught my kids to help with laundry, cook, and clean up after themselves as soon as they could handle the tasks. Because when I became unable to take care of those after my amputations, they had become capable teens. Our household continued to run the way it always had.

Teach them kindness, to hold the door for others, and to show compassion to strangers. Let them help you when you make a meal for someone.

Don’t just send them to church, go with them. Teach them to study the Bible and have a prayer life. Show them what it looks like to have a relationship with Jesus by your actions. Be the witness they need, so they will want to follow Jesus, be saved, and serve Him. Lead by example.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Whether it’s dishes, laundry, picking up after them, or caring for sick children, it’s all part of a mother’s job. But every action is an example of how to love others, the way God loves us. The goal is that one day, your children rise up, and call you blessed. Oh, sure, you’ll get frustrated. You’ll trip on toys and step on legos. But the life of a mother is a true blessing!

As we raise our godly children, When our husband praises us with words that encourage, reward, and nourish us, he shows us his gratitude for our hard work to raise disciples, manage our home, and live a great life for Christ.

How to Get the Characteristics of a Proverbs 31 Woman?

1. Make Jesus Your Lord and Savior (Because in Him we find all the virtues that we need).
2. Study God’s Word and His principles
3. Work on yourself 
4. Study other virtuous women in the Bible
5. Seek first His Kingdom and do ALL to His glory
6. Depend on God’s help in every aspect of her life and know that you can’t do life all on your own.

All 8 of these attributes of a godly woman represent the intrinsic values of virtuous womanhood and are important to have when pursuing God’s joy and peace amid the trials of life. They aren’t what a woman looks like, but who she is.

So let’s be the Proverbs 31 women that God has called us to be!

Get Your Free 30-Day Bible Reading Plan (For Overcoming Challenges!)

When you’re in the thick of a major life storm, and you’re wondering what scriptures the virtuous woman would turn to in her private storm (yes, she has them too,) use this Bible reading plan to help get you started. 

1. Get the free Bible Reading Plan. You’ll get the printable, plus join my weekly newsletter! Just click here to get it and subscribe.
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3. Tuck it right into your Bible, close to where you’ll need it.

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Your turn

What other characteristics of a virtuous woman should we add to this list?