Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!” (Proverbs 31:28-29)
This Proverbs 31 woman is the result of a Proverbs 31 family. While the final chapter of this book primarily focuses on this exceptional woman, it also invites us into her home. It’s here that we are introduced to her husband and children, and we get to see glimpses of her marriage and family interacting before us.
In her marriage, she and her husband have built a culture that breathes life into their family and home. Just to name a few, this Proverbs 31 woman-wife-mother is hardworking (31:13), strong (31:25), wise (31:26), and compassionate (31:20). Noticing these qualities, her husband treasures her. Verse 10 writes, “Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels.” This husband adores his wife, and finds her more precious than his football games, hanging with the guys, or working in the garage.
There is an incredible level of trust in their marriage. Verse 11 reads, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.” This husband doesn’t micromanage his wife, but gives her the freedom to try and thrive in new endeavors (31:16). In return, there’s mutual strengthening and encouragement happening in their marriage, “She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life” (31:12).
Her children grow up hearing their mother speak words of love over them (31:26). Her children see their mother’s compassion for those in need as “Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy” (31:20). They watch and learn from her helping those who can’t give back.
Not only on Mother’s Day, but every day, her children and her husband praise and tell her “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!” (31:28-29) While this can seem like the picture-perfect family, this Proverbs 31 woman and her family are not flawless. Yet these characteristics can and do flourish in homes that “fear the Lord” (31:31). A family where Christ is the head will grow in love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness (Col. 3:12-13). With these qualities, energized by the Holy Spirit—a family, a marriage, and a woman can and will flourish.