In today’s society, there is so much focus on appearance and physical beauty. But the bible tells us that true beauty in a woman actually comes from within her. Certain scriptures in the bible highlight a woman’s character embodying virtuous qualities as true beauty – and a way to reflect the love and grace of God. Have you ever wondered, what does it mean to be a virtuous woman? In Proverbs 31 we see a depiction of a woman whose worth is truly found in the Lord – a woman who lives a lifestyle of integrity, strength, and wisdom. We can take inspiration from the Proverbs 31 woman and other descriptions of godly women in the bible. In this post I am going to show you 8 virtuous woman characteristics that every Christian woman should pursue.
This post is all about virtuous women characteristics.
1. Strength
A woman of strength and dignity is her clothing, and she smiles at the future. – Proverbs 31:25
According to the bible, a woman’s true strength is not based on her physical capacity, but emotional and spiritual. A virtuous woman holds her head high and keeps her eyes on Jesus in the midst of life’s challenges. She trusts in God’s sovereignty and grace, and he knows that her strength comes from the Lord.
As Christian women, we can find so much dignity in our faith. We can develop this strength through prioritizing our prayer life and reading God’s word. When our identity is found in Christ, we can rest knowing that He equips us for all things. When we walk in Him, it is Him in us who gives us this strength, and we can face the storms of life with confidence. We know that God is by our side, and that He never leaves us.
2. Wisdom
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. — Proverbs 31:26
One of the most beautiful characteristics a woman can possess is wisdom. A virtuous woman follows God and seeks wisdom from Him. She applies it in every area of her life – in her relationships, her work and her community. She follows the voice of God through His Word and the Holy Spirit and each day is conscious about making choices that are honouring to Him.
Discernment is a tool the virtuous woman uses to navigate life’s difficult situations with grace and peace, and in a way that reflects her faith and values.
3. Compassionate
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20
A virtuous woman’s heart is filled with compassion and kindness for the people around her. She holds the understanding of the calling and importance of loving others, just as Christ loves us. But she doesn’t just show grace and love to those who are easy to love. She makes it her mission to love those she sees who are in need, are hurting, and the lost. She is kind and warm towards others. Love overflows from her heart as she lives knowing who she is as a daughter of God. She serves with generosity and a selfless heart. Her actions show others the love of Christ, to which they receive a glimpse of His goodness and mercy.
4. Hard Working
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. – Proverbs 31:16
A virtuous woman does her work to the best of her ability, with precision and dedication. She puts thought into her work and uses her resources wisely – knowing that everything she has, has been gifted to her from God. Whether in her home, in her workplace, or in ministry, she works with purpose and integrity, always being intentional. She is not seeking praise from others or recognition for her efforts, but works with the mindset that all that she does would be glorifying to the Lord.
5. Fear of the Lord
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30
A virtuous woman has a reverent fear of the Lord above all else. The fear of the Lord isn’t a fear of terror, but rather a deep, awe-filled respect for the holiness and sovereignty of God. She understands that true beauty comes from relationship with Him, rather than physical appearance. She seeks to live in a way that is honouring to Him, with a deep desire to follow His will for her above her other desires.
When we put Him first and live with a healthy fear of the Lord, we will see everything else fall into place.
6. Loyal And Trustworthy
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:11-12
A virtuous woman is loyal and trustworthy. She serves her family and her husband wholeheartedly. Her husband knows that he will have no lack of gain with her running his household and that she is good to him. She lives a life of faithfulness and dedication, and has a life-long commitment to her husband.
Her focus is God and serving her family, and she makes sacrifices to be able to do so.
7. Loving
A virtuous woman walks in love.
She loves her family and her husband and serves them everyday. She loves her community and even they know of her compassion toward others. And she loves the Lord and aims to bring Him glory in everything she puts her hand to. A virtuous woman is always thinking of others, and how she can be a blessing to them.
Everything she does is done out of love, and she manages this so well because she puts the Lord first and so comes the overflow from that.
These virtuous woman characteristics may seem overwhelming, or unattainable to you. I pray that you begin to understand that the more we prioritise God and seek Him first above all else, there is a supernatural transformation that begins to take place. It changes us, and as we seek to bring Him glory, our lives will become a reflection of who He is. This is how we shine His light in the world.
These virtuous woman characteristics are not even really something that our society would deem as desirable or “up-with-the-times”. But virtuous woman characteristics are truly beautiful and a blessing to those around them. A virtuous woman is a treasure and brings glory to God. These characteristics shine God’s light in a lost world and point people who don’t yet know Him, towards Him.
He is faithful, friends.