What exactly does it mean to be a virtuous woman? This is a common term that we hear, but do we really know what it means? I think that any Christian woman would have a desire to be a virtuous woman, and it’s clear from Scripture that we should be virtuous, so I think that it’s important for us to know about the true virtuous woman meaning.
Virtuous Woman Meaning
This post begins a series that is in keeping with the blog name: A Ruby in the Rough. I chose that name to reflect my desire to become a Proverbs 31 woman but also to show that I am still a work in progress, just as we all are.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
As an introduction to the series today, we are going to start by looking at some dictionary definitions of what it means to be a virtuous woman. Now a word of caution here. Words and their meanings change a lot, so just any dictionary is not good for Bible study. I recommend using the Merriam Webster 1828 dictionary. It a Biblically-based dictionary with Scripture verses included, and it sheds light on words and their original meanings.
Okay, let’s start by looking at the virtuous woman meaning. I’m going to list out some of the definitions for you to read, and then I’ll discuss them a bit.
Virtuous:
- Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, and abstaining from vice; as a virtuous man.
- Being in conformity to the moral or divine law; as a virtuous action; a virtuous life.
The mere performance of virtuous actions does not denominate an agent virtuous. - Chaste; applied to women.
- Efficacious by inherent qualities;
Definition 1:
Let’s take this one definition at a time. Being virtuous is obeying God’s moral law and keeping away from sin. It means doing what is right as well as not doing what is wrong. To know what God’s law is, we must read His Word and find out the way He calls us to live.
Definition 2:
Not only does a virtuous life involve doing right, but as the second virtuous woman definition pointed out, it involves being right. This should be no surprise when we remember the second half of Matthew 12:34 and also verse 35:
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
What is in our hearts will come out in the way we speak and live. We cannot live godly lives and follow the Lord unless our hearts have been changed. And the only way that we can have our hearts changed is by coming to Jesus. Only then when we ask for His forgiveness and grace will we be changed. Our hearts will be made pure and we will be given God’s power to begin to live virtuous lives for His glory.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9
Definition 3:
The third definition points out that a virtuous woman is chaste. Some of the definitions of chaste are clean, innocent, modest, and pure. As women, God calls us to be clean through His saving blood and then to live lives that are pure and modest. Being modest applies not only to the way that we dress but also the way that we live. We should not try to draw attention to ourselves, but should live quiet and pure lives for God’s glory.
Titus 2 calls the aged women to “be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Since this is the way God will call us to live as older women, then I think it is important for us to start practicing while we are young and are forming our habits. Even if we are not married, we can still help care for the home we live in and honor and obey the authorities that God has placed in our lives.
Definition 4:
The fourth definition sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. Efficacious means: “having the power to produce a desired effect” In other words, someone who is virtuous is also someone who is effective. When we are truly walking with God and allowing Him to work through us and produce good fruit in our lives, this work will be effective and powerful.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58
When we allow the Lord to cleanse us and make us into pure vessels that He can work through, then we can be used in an effective and powerful way. The power does not come from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit working in and through us.
Practical Virtuous Woman Meaning
Word studies help to bring in a lot of insight about a virtuous woman’s meaning, but they’re not enough by themselves. I don’t know about you, but I really like practical and specific instructions. Words like modest and effective can seem a little vague. You can’t really say “I am going to go and be effective.” But, you can say, “I’m going to go cook a meal for my family,” and then that can be effective. That is where our working definition of a virtuous woman comes in. God gave us a very detailed and practical example of a virtuous woman in the Proverbs 31 woman passage. We will just look at an overview of some key points today.
A virtuous woman cares for her family. She is a hard worker. While she toils faithfully in meeting the needs of her own family, she also doesn’t forget to help the other needy people God brings across her path. A virtuous woman also takes the time to look after her own health and be a good steward of her body. So our virtuous woman meaning applies to the heart and then to every area of life. The bottom line is: a virtuous woman goes in the strength of the Lord and faithfully completes whatever task He has for her to do.
Did you enjoy the introduction to this series? Please sign up so that we can continue this in-depth Proverbs 31 series together. Oh, and there’s some printables in the freebies archive (including a prayer journal) calling your name!!
There is so much more we could dig out of this passage, but I think we’ve gone in deep enough for this introduction. If you have any thoughts about this word study, please share! Your comments are a blessing, and I’m so thankful that we can “come together” from near and far and walk along the path of the Christian life together.
What is one thing that stood out to you from this Bible study that you can take with you?
Thank you for spending time with me today! If you want to follow along with us on this new Bible study, you are welcome to sign up and join the journey!
In Christ,
Bethany
What a wonderful reminder as I start my day! Thank you Bethany?
You’re welcome, Heather! 🙂 Praise the Lord for His Word that is fresh and applicable for each new day!!
I really enjoyed reading a virtual woman, thank you
Thank you, Debbie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. God bless you!
What a wonderful post Bethany! I’d like to share that a Proverbs 31 woman isn’t exhaustively worried about what others think of her appearance, but that she still takes care of herself and strives to always look presentable. This is one of my favorite points from this passage.
It may sound like a funny comparison, but I’ve been learning through a personal finance class by Dave Ramsey that “rich people don’t care what the broke people think.” In other words, they don’t care about peer pressure or impressing those they won’t meet in person.
I think a godly woman should be somewhat this way, in the sense that she isn’t taken in by peer pressure and learning to almost ignore negative responses to the righteousness that she displays.
She just needs to show Jesus’ love and align herself with the Word of God. If others are offended, that means that they need prayer.
I like how it’s possible to be a Proverbs 31 woman without having to be married, or even be an adult! In my journey to become a godly woman, I am trying to learn how to properly schedule without overwhelming myself, how to earn a small income (although this is going much slower than I’d like), and how to show Christ’s love to others in everything I think and do.
Thank you for pointing this out, Grace! Yes, it’s quite easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with each other, when we really should be focusing on God’s Word and what the Lord is telling us to do rather than watching to see what everyone else is doing. We can begin comparing in many areas such as talents and responsibilities, but we should be encouraging each other in what God has called us each to, rather than comparing ourselves.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Thanks for sharing where you are in your journey right now!! It all takes patience, but I’m thankful that the Lord is patient as He teaches us and helps us to grow in different areas!
Thank you so much for this bible study. I looked up “What is a virtuous woman” and came across you blog. I was in prayer and asking GOD for confirmation regarding something I believe I heard in my spirit and opened up my Bible to Prov. 12. Verse 4a says A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband and it made me want to study more on the “virtuous woman”. Your Bible study was very thoughtful and clear. The definitions helped with understanding what a virtuous woman is. I look forward to reading more. GOD bless you sister.
Hello Nicole!!! Thank you so much for your kind comment. It was very encouraging to me. I was just yesterday asking the Lord to bring the right people to the blog. I’m so thankful He brought you!!! That’s wonderful that the Bible study was an encouragement to you. I’ve been learning a lot studying for this series. May God bless you, dear sister, as you continue seeking Him and His perfect will!!
Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Hi Bethany, thank you for sharing this with us. I was searching what a virtuous woman is & came across your blog. As a young child my grandmother & other ppl in the church would always say to me, you are a virtuous woman. Not knowing what it meant at the time I carried it proudly. I knew if it was from the Bible, it was something meaningful. Today I go over your post & feel delighted at how you broke it down. The different definitions and scriptures to understand it all. Thank you! As a mother of two girls, I will also be sharing this with them. Be blessed & continue spreading the good word of GOD! ✨✨
Hi Jean! That’s such a sweet memory from your girlhood!! Thank you for sharing it with me. And thank you for the encouragement!! It truly is a huge blessing and privilege to be able to share God’s Word. Oh, that’s wonderful that you are going to be teaching your girls about becoming virtuous women who follow the Lord! Do they like to color? If they do, feel free to download the free Proverbs 31 Woman coloring book for them. They could color while you teach them! God bless you, Jean!
Hello Bethany!
I awakened this morning to a word in my spirit about being a virtuous woman so I did a search and here I am. I don’t believe in coincidences 😉. Thank you for this info. I’ve always thought of the Proverbs 31 Woman being a perfect woman, which we know only our Savior is perfect. I’m so thankful the Lord led me here. God bless you.
I don’t believe in coincidences either, Tammy! I’m so grateful to the Lord for bringing you here, and you are very welcome back anytime! Yes, it’s easy to imagine the Proverbs 31 woman as perfect and something we can never attain. But, the truth is, none of us are perfect. The only way any of us can be all the Lord would have us to be is through His perfect strength!! God bless you on your journey with Him, Tammy!
Hello Bethany,
I feel so lacking in being a pillar in my home as a virtuous wife to my husband and family. Thank you so much for all the information shared; I appreciate your teaching because energy and being effective in my daily work applied is my first directive step as a wife to my husband to becoming a strong virtuous woman.
Truly,
Equinda
Hi Equinda! Thank you so much for commenting. Praise the Lord for encouraging you through the post!! In reality, all of us are lacking for the roles God has given us to fill, which is why we so desperately need Jesus living in and through us each and every day. May you be encouraged in Him and His strength!! God bless you!
I love the the teaching of the Holy Spirit
Amen! Praise the Lord for giving us His Holy Spirit to open our hearts to His Word and give us understanding. Thank you so much for commenting!
Great read with powerful gems💎
Thank you for your obedience creating this blog. God bless you!
I’m so glad you stopped by, Jamela! Praise the Lord for using the post to be a blessing. God bless you!
I was searching the meaning of a virtuous woman and I came to your post,I would like to thank God for this,I am a full-time house wife and I try my best to be a good wife and mother, 🙏
Thank you for stopping in and saying ‘hi’, Bridget! That’s so wonderful that you are faithfully serving the Lord in caring for your family. God bless you and strengthen in this great work He has called you to!!
It was such a blessing to happening your message today, as there is no woman who are portraying this around me I need to find the way to live out God’s Word to a woman. Do you have more studies on being a godly woman?
Hi Kathy! Praise the Lord for using this to bless you. If you click the Ladies’ Bible Study category, you can find many posts there on living as a virtuous woman. I’m adding more all the time and hope to continue into other studies for women once we complete Proverbs 31. Feel free to signup for my newsletter. You’ll get access to a free prayer journal, and I can let you know when new Bible studies come out. God bless you as you seek Him!