Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.
A wife of noble character,

A woman marked by strength, wisdom, faithfulness, and practical skill brings honor to her household and reflects the fear of the Lord. Ruth received this same commendation from Boaz (Ruth 3:11), showing that such character was recognized in godly women who trusted the Lord and served others faithfully..

Pro 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,…
Rut 3:11 And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you…
Pro 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,…

who can find?

Such a woman is not measured by outward beauty, social standing, or wealth, but by enduring devotion to God and integrity in daily life. Proverbs repeatedly presents wisdom as a treasure to be diligently sought, and godly character is formed through that same reverent pursuit of the Lord.

Pro 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing…
Pro 20:6 Many a man proclaims his loving devotion,…
Gen 2:20 The man gave names to all the livestock,…

She is far more precious than rubies.

Material riches can be lost, but a faithful wife enriches her family with lasting spiritual and moral strength. Her worth surpasses costly jewels because her life displays the wisdom that is more valuable than earthly treasure (Proverbs 8:11) and the imperishable beauty commended in 1 Peter 3:3–4.

Pro 3:15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire…
Pro 8:11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies,…
Job 28:18 Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention;…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Virtuous Woman
The central figure in Proverbs 31:10, representing an ideal of godly womanhood characterized by strength, dignity, and wisdom.

2. King Lemuel
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs 31, receiving wisdom from his mother, though not much is known about him outside of this chapter.

3. The Setting of Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings, often attributed to King Solomon, and is set in ancient Israel, providing moral and practical guidance.
Teaching Points
The Value of Noble Character
The Hebrew word for "noble" (chayil) implies strength, capability, and valor. A woman of noble character is strong in her faith and actions, making her invaluable.

The Rarity of Such a Woman
The rhetorical question "who can find?" suggests that a woman of such character is rare and precious, much like rubies, which are valuable and hard to find.

The Role of Women in the Family and Society
This verse highlights the significant impact a virtuous woman has on her family and community, encouraging women to pursue godliness and wisdom.

The Pursuit of Inner Beauty
In a world that often values external appearances, this verse calls for a focus on cultivating inner virtues that reflect God's character.

Encouragement for Men
Men are encouraged to recognize and cherish the value of a virtuous woman, supporting and honoring her contributions to the family and society.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities define a "wife of noble character" according to Proverbs 31, and how can these be cultivated in today's context?

2. How does the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10 compare to the portrayal of women in other parts of the Bible, such as Ruth or Esther?

3. In what ways can both men and women support and encourage the development of noble character in each other within the church community?

4. How can the principles found in Proverbs 31:10 be applied to single individuals, and what does it mean for them to pursue noble character?

5. Reflect on a woman in your life who embodies the qualities of Proverbs 31:10. What specific actions or attitudes make her "more precious than rubies"?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 12:4
This verse also speaks of a virtuous woman, describing her as a crown to her husband, reinforcing the value and honor she brings to her family.

Ruth 3:11
Ruth is described as a woman of noble character, exemplifying the qualities mentioned in Proverbs 31:10 through her loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness.

1 Peter 3:3-4
This passage emphasizes the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight, aligning with the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman.
The Words of LernuelE. Johnson Proverbs 31:1-31
A Good WifeMemoir of J. Stuart Blackie.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Helpful WifeProverbs 31:10-27
A Noble Woman's Picture of True WomanhoodHomilistProverbs 31:10-27
A Soothing VoiceC. Lamb.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Virtuous WomanProverbs 31:10-27
An Industrious WifeJ. B. F. Tinling.Proverbs 31:10-27
Beautiful HandsChristian TreasuryProverbs 31:10-27
Far Above RubiesW. J. Woods, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
Homely AttainmentsProverbs 31:10-27
NeedleworkProverbs 31:10-27
Religion for Every Day -- Our WivesGeorge Bainton.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanW. E. Griffis.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanD. J. Burrell.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Model WomanRobert Tuck, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Nobility of WomanhoodA. Rowland, LL.B.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Prophecy of Lemuel's MotherA Woman's Sermon to Women.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Virtuous Woman as a WifeR. F. Horton, D.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Worth and Work of WomanRichard Glarer.Proverbs 31:10-27
Woman's WorkStopford A. Brooke, LL.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
Christian WomanhoodW. Clarkson Proverbs 31:10-31
The Virtuous HousewifeE. Johnson Proverbs 31:10-31
People
Lemuel, Massa
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Character, Discovery, Excellent, Higher, Jewels, Noble, Precious, Price, Rubies, Valour, Virtue, Virtuous, Wife, Worth, Worthy, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 31:10

     4342   jewels
     5413   money, attitudes
     5974   value
     8203   character

Proverbs 31:10-11

     8031   trust, importance

Proverbs 31:10-12

     5709   marriage, purpose

Proverbs 31:10-19

     5847   enthusiasm

Proverbs 31:10-31

     5481   proverb
     5707   male and female
     5744   wife
     5745   women

Library
The Gospel Cordial
A Sermon (No. 3236) published on Thursday, February 9th, 1911 delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. on Lord's Day Evening, September 20th, 1863. "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."--Proverbs 31:6, 7. These somewhat singular sentences were spoken by the mother of Lemuel to her son, who was probably Solomon. She had already said to him,
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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