THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN’S HANDS (4)

“Give her of the FRUIT of HER HANDS, and let her own works praise her in the gates” – Proverbs 31:31

Honour, rejoicing, fruitfulness and great rewards accrue to the VIRTUOUS WOMAN’S HANDS: “Give her of the FRUIT of HER HANDS, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Pro.31:31). As she manifests the virtues of willing hands, enterprise, reliability, responsibility, strength, tenacity, creativity, compassion, care, and colourfulness, the virtuous woman stands out in dignity and honour. She displays positive and extraordinary influence on her husband, family and peers! Her heart-connected and hands-related skills lead to great rewards in life.

Strength and Honour: “Strength and honor are her clothing” (v.25a). The virtuous woman’s wardrobe is remarkable. Strength and honour are not commonly available items of clothing at the marketplace or shopping mall. The Lord Himself grants them to the believing heart, to adorn the inner man’s daily renewal (2 Cor. 4:16). She displays “the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1Pet.3:4). Those who wear costly array rejoice for the present, assuming themselves to be the object of all admiration; but often end up as future failures by their extravagance and their neglect of the disciplines which would gain them respect in old age.  

Rejoicing, no Regrets: “She shall rejoice in time to come” (v.25b). To “rejoice” is to “laugh.” The virtuous woman laughs at the future, not out of presumptuous self-confidence, but in faith (Pro.27:1). She is not overburdened with life’s cares having received strength from the Lord. He Himself shall “laugh” at the threats of the puny armies of nations that gather to wage war against Him and His Anointed (Psa.2: 1-4). The virtuous woman trusts God, and to the best of her ability, makes optimistic provision for the future. Believers in Christ can confidently laugh at the future, knowing it’s bright and blessed (Pro.4:18; Rom.8:38-39). We do not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future; and that all things shall work together for good for us (Rom. 8:28). He who began a good work in us will complete it (Phi.1:6).

Wise and kind: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness” (v.26). She kind and gracious in word and indeed, instructing her children and servants wisely, and offering wise counsel to her husband. Her speech reveals her heart, which guides her hands (Mt.12:34). She is full of the milk of kindness, which has also become a “law” on her tongue, to teach her generations (Tit.2: 3-5).

Vigilant and diligent: “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness” (v.27). She is a diligent watchman in overseeing the affairs of her household. The virtuous woman is alert over her household, looking for any danger that may hurt the family: ungodly companions, unholy habits, worldly manners, vile entertainment, and internet traps. She seeks to find out the state of her children, what they do, watch or listen to, or where they go, in order to best help, discipline, and restrict them as needed, or channel them into wholesome activities. She gracefully bears the weights of family responsibility! Idleness is not her diet (Pro. 6:6,9; 24:30-34).

Transparently comely: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (v.30). Charm, which speaks of favour or grace, is unreliable. Beauty is vain, temporal, and passing. Physical beauty is fleeting; but, the grace and godly character of the virtuous wife and mother are endearing and enduring.

Ultimately, the virtuous woman is commended, celebrated, and praised by her inspired husband and home: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praise her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all” (vv.28-29). Those who know her the best praise her the most.  She invested herself and her hands in her loved ones, and she is recognized and rewarded by the same.