What is a man’s best hope for financial success? (31:10-11)

Classic KJV – Proverbs 31:10

God has designed a dynamic duo! Note! The text is addressed to men—not women—however both men and women can learn volumes from it. It was written for young men and women to memorize and apply to their own lives. The young men would know what kind of women to look for and the young women would learn the ideals to strive for. Unfortunately a valuable component of its message is lost in the translation, making it more difficult to memorize and personalize.

Memorize and Meditate

In Hebrew each successive statement in this poem begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The author wanted the text to be learned by heart. It speaks to the unmarried but also to those inside the marriage covenant. Although specifically written to address the unique benefical roles of a wife/homemaker,  Proverbs 31:10-31 can serve as an excellent checklist of qualities to be developed by anyone in a support role such as an employee serving an employer. Heart-felt desire and personal discipline are valuable leadership credentials (Colossians 3:23).

Extremely Valuable

The expression far above jewels describes a treasure which, having already surpassed silver and gold, now goes not just above jewels but far above them. Such a woman will bring her husband no lack of gain. The Hebrew word for jewels is translated as rubies in the classic KJV, but has also been translated as coral or pearls. The point is this: Her value goes past silver, gold, and even expensive gems. This same comparison is made in Proverbs 3:14-15 as it praises the supreme worth of wisdom.

Trust Trumps All

The heart of her husband trusts in her. Interpersonal trust is absolutely essential to all relationships. It is first base. Trust is also the foundation of all successful commerce. The Hebrew word for trust, בּטח (bā•tăḥ, pronounced “bah-takh”), is better translated by the KJV as “safely trust.” It is a powerful expression denoting absolute confidence. In Psalm 115:9-11 God’s people are instructed to put this type of confidence in God Almighty. Isaiah 31:1 describes how such trust can be misplaced.

It all boils down to this. A husband will be greatly blessed, far beyond possessing wealth, by having a wife that he can trust completely.

Created for A Specific Purpose

From the very beginning woman was created to assist man—taken from his side to be with him in work and play. She was taken from his side to be his equal, indeed to walk directly beside him, not three or ten feet behind him, regardless of cultural norms, since all mankind descended from Adam and Eve.  I love how Matthew Henry puts it:

The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.¹

This creation account has enormous implications for male:female relationships! The male:female relationship is complementarian not egalitarian -rather like a knife and fork- two different instruments of equal value but for different purposes.

Female Fulfillment

Furthermore, a woman is most fulfilled when she helps her man succeed. The very name “woman” means taken from man (Genesis 2:18-25). Amazing. All animals roaming the surface of the earth were made from earth (soil). Even Adam, the first man was made from soil (Genesis 2:7). On the other hand, the woman was not make from soil but from Adam’s side. She is unique! Why was this specific creative process magnified? One reason: To show the dignity of the woman as being fully equal to man, with a different role but with identical worth and honor.

Note the words of Melissa McDonald:

Through several poetic patterns, the poet of Proverbs 31 places the husband at the climax of the poem. He is at the beginning (Proverbs 31:11) and at the end (Proverbs 31:28,29) of the poem. Everything she does is oriented around him. All her other activities and her financial contributions are seen in relation to him. He is the center to all she does. She is spending herself for him, and they together for God.²

High Energy…Everything!

Note that in the many positive attributes in Proverbs 31, her “sexiness” is not even mentioned. Amazing! Sex should be first according to Hollywood and the mainstream media. Instead, the reader is warned against the shallowness of charm and beauty (Proverbs 31:30). But make no mistake. Any woman who excels in diligence, stamina, creativity, initiative, generosity, industry, and kindness (to name a few character gems) will enjoy and energize nuptial bliss.

A woman with all these qualities is obviously a superwoman. Find out more about her at What does Superwoman really look like? 

• Memorize the text in your favourite Bible translation and think about it often.
• Work hard at making your marriage strong; it produces good financial results.
• If you are convinced of the goodness in your cause, don’t quit, be loyal.
• Discern the best way to help your supervisor in any support role you have.
• If you are a wife, ask yourself, “Do I motivate my husband to grow spiritually by seeking his counsel and do I respect his advise more than that of other men?”

Which of these steps, if any, does Jesus want you to take now? Ask Him.

Will Jesus ever get a wife? Jesus never got married, at least not yet.

The bride of Jesus Christ is the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32), the true, universal church of God spanning all centuries and crossing all geographic boundaries (Revelation 7:9).

The Church, the bride of Christ epitomizes the qualities of an excellent homemaker, especially her pure devotion to her husband and her practial righteousness (Revelation 19:7.8). Her beauty flows from the inside out (1 Peter 3:4).