The Bible describes a virtuous woman as strong, wise, and full of love. She honors God in how she speaks, serves her family, and lives each day. The most well-known passage about her is found in Proverbs 31. This chapter paints a beautiful picture of what godly womanhood looks like—not just in words, but in actions.
What Does “Virtuous” Mean?
The word “virtuous” in Proverbs 31:10 comes from a Hebrew word that means strength, valor, or excellence. It describes a woman of noble character—one who lives with purpose and faith.
Proverbs 31:10 (KJV) — "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
A virtuous woman is not perfect, but she fears the Lord. She is rare and valuable, like a precious gem.
She Fears the Lord
The most important trait of a virtuous woman is her reverence for God.
Proverbs 31:30 (ESV) — "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Her relationship with God shapes everything she does. She prays, listens to His Word, and walks in obedience.
She Works Hard
A virtuous woman is not lazy. She manages her time well and takes care of her family with dedication.
Proverbs 31:13 (NIV) — "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."
Proverbs 31:27 (NKJV) — "She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."
Whether working inside the home or outside, she gives her best.
She Is Wise With Her Words
Her speech is kind, thoughtful, and filled with wisdom. She knows when to speak and when to stay silent.
Proverbs 31:26 (NIV) — "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
A virtuous woman builds others up, not tears them down. Her words reflect the love of Christ.
She Cares for Her Family
Her husband and children trust her. She loves them through her actions—cooking, planning, teaching, and serving.
Proverbs 31:28 (KJV) — "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
She brings peace and stability into the home.
She Helps Others
The virtuous woman isn’t selfish. She is generous and gives to those in need.
Proverbs 31:20 (NIV) — "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."
She reflects God's heart by being compassionate and helpful.
She Is Strong and Dignified
Life isn’t always easy, but she faces challenges with courage and grace.
Proverbs 31:25 (ESV) — "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."
She trusts God with her future and doesn’t live in fear.
Summary of Key Traits
| Trait | Description | Supporting Verse |
|---|---|---|
| God-fearing | Puts God first | Proverbs 31:30 |
| Hardworking | Diligent in caring for her home and others | Proverbs 31:13, 27 |
| Wise in speech | Speaks with grace and wisdom | Proverbs 31:26 |
| Loving to family | Brings joy and peace to her home | Proverbs 31:28 |
| Generous | Helps those in need | Proverbs 31:20 |
| Strong and dignified | Faces the future without fear | Proverbs 31:25 |
Real Life Application
A virtuous woman can be single or married, a mother or not, working or staying at home. What matters is her heart. She lives for Jesus. Her character shines through how she treats others, how she manages her home, and how she stands strong through life’s storms.
Paul reminds young women to live wisely:
Titus 2:4–5 (NLT) — "These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good..."
The virtuous woman isn’t just a dream. She is a model every Christian woman can grow toward, day by day.
