How Is This Woman a Model for Today? (Proverbs 31:16–25)

This wife of noble character was productive and ingenious—so much so that she can be intimidating to women who seek to follow her example. But while everyone can benefit from her example of initiative and hard work, the main lesson she offers us relates to her outlook rather than her output.

All of this woman’s qualities and accomplishments grew out of her fear of the Lord (v. 30). Fearing God was her central virtue, and this attitude toward God is as crucial for today’s women as it was for women then. The fear of the Lord not only undergirds our growth in wisdom but also draws us to the grace of Jesus, the one who forgives our sin and equips us for righteous living.

This woman’s life was dedicated to service to others: her husband, her children, her servants (v. 15) and the poor and needy (v. 20). She served them with eagerness (v. 13), resourcefulness (v. 16), and strength (v. 17,25). She was neither hindered nor demeaned by serving others. Rather, she was fulfilled by it, because godly service is the source of true nobility.

Taken from NIV Quest Study Bible