At first glance, it might seem as if Proverbs 31:28 only applies to married women, but I believe that it can apply to unmarried women as well. Let’s look at some things we can do in the Lord’s strength to bless those around us and lead them in the ways of the Lord for His glory!
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
1. Her Children Thank Her for Raising Them (Proverbs 31:28)
The Proverbs 31 woman pours herself into her children. She sacrifices for them. Not only does she provide for their physical needs as we see in so many of the verses in this passage, but she also meets their emotional and spiritual needs. Because of this, her children thank her for investing in them. She has given them so much, and they want to give back to her.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2. Her Husband Praises Her (Proverbs 31:28)
The Proverbs 31 woman’s husband also rises up and praises or brags about his wife. He appreciates what she does to care for the family. Because she is running the home behind the scenes, he has been able to pursue his responsibilities and become a respected leader.
For married women, there is a responsibility to honor your husbands and manage the home in a way that brings glory to God. Even unmarried women can be faithful to their future husband if he is to come someday by saving their hearts for him and learning the skills of a homemaker.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
3. They May Not Always Be Thankful
While you are reading this post, you may be thinking, “I try to live my life as a virtuous woman, and my husband and children don’t even seem to notice. So often, my job feels thankless and unappreciated.”
May I point out something here? Just as we who are seeking to follow the Lord as Proverbs 31 women often fail, so our husbands and children may not always do what the Lord would have them to. They may not be walking in fellowship with the Lord, and they may not be supporting us in the way they should.
Take heart, sister! There is one Who sees. He always notices, even when no one else does. He sees your labor of love, and it is not in vain in the Lord. What you do for Him and in His strength, He will reward. Don’t seek your affirmation in those around you, but look for it in Jesus! Look ahead to the day when you will hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
4. She Shares the Gospel
As God’s children, we are called to share the gospel with the lost and dying world around us. Each of us is surrounded by people who need to know Jesus and become His child. It’s a big part of His reason for having us here on earth. We are called to be lights to others in word and deed.
Gospel means good news. We have good news to share with those who are separated from God: there is a way back to Him! Let’s not keep this good news to ourselves, but let’s boldly proclaim it every time the Lord gives us an opportunity. It may be that the Lord will use you and me to bring more children into His spiritual family. Let’s be faithful where He has placed us!
5. She Disciples Believers
Witnessing is not the only thing we are called to do. We are also called to disciple. When someone gets saved, that is not the end of the journey – it’s the beginning! Whether or not you ever have children of your own, God has called you to seek and nurture children. His children.
Take a moment to reflect. What Christians has God brought into your life that He expects you to point to Him? It could be children, siblings, friends, neighbors, or other relationships. God does not bring these people into our lives by accident, and these relationships also come with responsibilities.
Are we living lives that will help them grow closer to Jesus? Do we seek to encourage them in the Lord when we talk to them? You never know how deeply a simple comment can impact someone. Ask the Lord to work through you and give you opportunities to encourage others in their walks with Him. We need to share Scripture and testimonies from our own lives. We also need to be there for them, listening to what they have to say, and giving them our friendship. All of this is part of making disciples for Jesus and raising up spiritual children in the family of God.
These things are not optional. They aren’t just something for the preachers and missionaries to do. Each of us has a calling and a command from God to be helping to build His kingdom. Don’t let the busyness of life keep you from being occupied with the King’s business!
6. Her Heavenly Bridegroom Praises Her
The highest praise we can receive comes not from any person but from God Himself. The Proverbs 31 woman is faithful to fulfill the calling God has given her. Because of that, her Heavenly bridegroom, Jesus, will praise her for her faithfulness. We too can have that privilege.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Some days, you may feel as though you are plodding. It may not seem as though you are doing anything important or getting anywhere. Be faithful! God sees what you are doing. If you are, in His strength, doing the things that He has called you to, then your reward from Him is sure to follow. He never forgets. He will reward you with His presence and fellowship now and with the joys of Heaven once your race of life has been run. Be faithful unto death! Don’t give up.
Simple Takeaway
- Be faithful in your family, honoring your husband and raising your children for God.
- Be faithful in witnessing to the lost and nurturing spiritual children in the family of God.
- As you are faithful, God will be your reward!
Let’s Chat!
What is a way you like to encourage your friends and family in the Lord?
Until next time, keep going in God’s strength and do your part in His family!
In Christ,
Bethany
I loved how you pointed out this passage can apply to married and nonmarried women alike – there’s no exceptions based on marital status. We’re all called to be faithful where He’s called us. 🙂 Thanks so much for this, Bethany!
Yes, and isn’t it so encouraging to know that no matter our season of life, God has a place for us and a reward for faithfulness? We are so blessed to be able to serve Him and find fulfillment in Him and His will. Thank you for commenting, Vanessa!