Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31:10

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. NIV

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. NAS

A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. ASV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. ESV

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. NKJV

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. KJV

Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. Holman Christian Standard Bible

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. NLT

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. NRSV

A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. RSV

I want to give some definitions for the bolded adjectives of the word wife listed above.

Noble--1 a: possessing outstanding qualities 2: of high birth or exalted rank 3 a: possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties b: very good or excellent 4: grand or impressive especially in appearance 5: possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals

Excellent--very good of its kind : eminently good

Worthy--1 a: having worth or value b: honorable , meritorious 2: having sufficient worth or importance

Virtuous--having or exhibiting virtue b: morally excellent: chaste

Capable--having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment: having or showing general efficiency and ability

Good--of a favorable character or tendency: virtuous , right , commendable: kind , benevolent: competent , skillful: loyal

These are all wonderful descriptions of what we, as women, should desire to be—noble, excellent, worthy, virtuous, capable and good. We should have character qualities that are marked by excellence, virtue, competence, kindness and goodness but what I just realized is that is not exactly what the original meaning of the word may be trying to get across. The Hebrew word used here is lyx, transliterated chayil. It’s definition is as follows: 1. strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army: a. strength: b. ability, efficiency: c. wealth: d. force, army. Interestingly, it is a word used 243 times in the Old Testament with an overwhelming majority of times referring to armies, army, forces, strength, valiant, valiantly, and valor. In the NAS, about 183 of the times it is used in a context of being strong and courageous warriors, whether valiant warriors or armies. As Beth would say, “Stay with me here,” the only time it’s translated excellent in the NAS is in reference to women, it calls Ruth a woman of excellence and the two references in Proverbs, 12:4 and 31:10. It is translated nobly when it is used of daughters in Proverbs 31:29; again of the 243 usages, only there is it translated nobly.

Ok, so what’s the point of all this? For too long, we as women have been taught that our role is to be the meek and mild one, waiting to be called upon to get into the action. I want to take exception to this. I think this goes right along with the Ezer theme, which, by the way, is also translated poorly in Genesis 2:18. We are to be strong and courageous warriors, fighting side by side with our men for the gospel and our families. There’s no room for cowardice and fear, a woman of valor fights valiantly for what she knows to be true and believes in. She’s out there alongside of her man, in the battle of living, whether it’s helping with the home, finances, or the good fight of faith. Now that’s a real woman, strong, courageous, valiant and capable. Ready to enlist?