6 Myths About the Proverbs 31 Woman

Although she’s one of the most popular women in the Bible, the Proverbs 31 woman leaves much for us to wonder. Who was she? How did she become so virtuous? 

Unfortunately, instead of studying the scriptures to answer these questions, we’ve settled for half-truths and misconceptions about the woman we read about in Proverbs 31:10-31.

To clear things up, let’s look at 6 myths about the Proverbs 31 woman and the truth scripture reveals about each one.

Myth # 1: The Proverbs 31 Woman is a Real Person

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a poem written by a King outlining the advice his mother gives him about what to look for in a woman. This woman is ideal but she is not an actual person. 

Myth # 2: The Proverbs 31 Woman is a Command for How All Women Should Behave

The Proverbs 31 Woman is not an exact prescription for womanhood and certainly should not be used to make women feel bad for all the things they don’t do like her. The main point of the scripture is to praise women who follow God and live fruitful lives because of it. 

Myth # 3: Only Wives and Mothers May Follow the Example of the Proverbs 31 Woman

Although the woman we read about in Proverbs 31:10-31 is married with children, her example is not limited to such a woman. This scripture speaks of the virtues of humility, patience, diligence, charity, courage, self-control, and wisdom. She does not exhibit these qualities because she is married or has kids, but because she fears the Lord. Any follower of God has the power to follow her example through the power of Christ.

Myth # 4: Proverbs 31:10-31 is Only for Women

Actually, this passage was written with a man as its audience to give him wisdom on what to look for in a wife. It would serve men well to read this scripture and listen to its wisdom.

Myth # 5: The Proverbs 31 Woman Does it All

The Proverbs 31 woman does not do it all. The scripture reveals that this woman had help. Not only did she have maidservants; she also leaned on God as her source. She is wise to know she can’t do it all on her own and asks for help when needed. 

Myth # 6: The Proverbs 31 Woman is Perfect

The Proverbs 31 Woman is not perfect and does not require perfection from those inspired by her example. If she was perfect, she wouldn’t need help or God. Instead, she reminds all women that a virtuous life is rooted in a relationship with God.  

In the end, when we take time to look deeper into the passage, we learn that the Proverbs 31 woman has much more in common with us than originally thought. Instead of idolizing some false ideal, we can humanize the example of the Proverbs 31 woman to inspire women to be all He’s called us to be.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you believed any of these myths about the Proverbs 31 woman? Let me know in the comments.

Also, if you are interested in learning more about the Proverbs 31 woman, and what it means to practically live as a woman of virtue, I want to invite you to my next video Bible study series called “Worth More than Rubies: A Bible Study on the 7 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.” 

We are going in-depth with not only what the virtues are, but how we can gracefully and practically live them out to live lives of honor, dignity, and legacy. 

Our study “Worth More Than Rubies” starts February 8, 2021 and is exclusive to Beloved TV members. You can join today at www.belovedwomen.tv so you don’t miss out on this encouraging and practical study of the Proverbs 31 woman with your Beloved sisters all over the world. 

I look forward to studying “Worth More Than Rubies” with you. 

Thank you so much for watching today’s video and until next time, be beautiful, be blessed, and beloved.