7 Qualities That Define a Wife of Noble Character

7 Qualities That Define a Wife of Noble Character

The idea of being a ‘wife of noble character’ comes from Proverbs 31:10-31. 

The text says (emphasis added), “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom; and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Let’s explore what the text seeks to teach us about being a wife that fears the Lord. 

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/nortonrsx

  • young couple sitting on couch together looking happy, how to be husband wife needs

    1. A Wife of Noble Is Rare and Precious

    It may go without saying that being a person of noble character is rare, most especially in today’s world! Our culture teaches us to get what we want by any means necessary, but God’s way of life calls us to surrender to the instruction of the Holy Spirit-inspired wisdom. Being a woman, wife, and maybe a mother that fears the Lord sets us apart from our peers. We are called to live differently. 

    The good news is when we embrace living with humility and service we become immensely valuable. Those who know us are blessed by us. Who we are is worth far more than rubies! No amount of money could replace what we add to our homes and communities. We are the rock upon which our families grow. 

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Goran13
  • Busy mom working at home on laptop with family

    2. A Wife of Noble Character Brings Good, Provides, and Is Strong

    Sometimes, when we read this text, we get hung up on the specifics pertaining to how economies and homes worked in ancient times. What matters is the action and fruit that this kind of woman is called to create in her life. A wife of noble character brings good to her home. This means she is consistent in pursuing the benefit of her husband and children with her actions. She has made a lifelong commitment to holding up her family in word and deed. 

    The text continues emphasizing the work, provision, and strength this woman offers to her home. When she is there, her family lives well! There is food on the table and clothing for everyone. She is thrifty, not wasteful, and she is strong. 

    I love this depiction of a woman as a provider. Our current Christian culture prizes the provision of men, but the Bible paints a picture of a woman deeply involved in the financial well-being of her home. It’s through her hard work, wise investments, and strength that her family and husband is cared for. Biblical wives are not called to be wallflowers. We have a place at the table and a voice; our skills should be prized in our homes! 

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
  • Adult daughter and mother

    3. A Wife of Noble Character Is Compassionate and Generous

    A woman who fears God follows his command to care for the least of these in our communities (Matthew 25:40-45). She takes the initiative to open her heart and home to the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20). Women are called to be spiritual leaders in our homes that take initiative in propelling our families towards generous living. Our empathic and mothering nature is a gift that helps open the eyes of our spouse to the ways we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are suffering in our communities. Don’t shy away from God’s call on your life to minister to the brokenhearted. He’s made you uniquely gifted to see and meet the needs of the broken around you. You are strong and able to do God’s good work!

    Photo credit: ©evegenyatamanenko

  • mother and teenage daughter talking while holding hands

    4. A Woman of Noble Character Has No Fear

    Alright, ladies, this is a tough one. We are not called to have a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (1 Timothy 1:7). Are you living with faith or cowering for fear that you might get it wrong? A woman of noble character steps out in faith, not fearing tomorrow, but is obedient to the work God has called her to do today. She is diligent in her work because she knows that her efforts are vital to the well-being of her home. She can live with confidence because she knows that she is doing all to the glory of God, and he is the one who multiplies the work of her hands (Colossians 3:17). 

    Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Halfpoint
  • Happy married couple; wives, submit to your husbands.

    5. A Woman of Noble Character’s Husband Is Respected

    This charge speaks not only to the way she behaves toward her husband but also to the kind of husband she should have. Women of faith are called to a marriage relationship marked by love and respect (Ephesians 5:33). A God-honoring marriage holds each other in high esteem. This kind of relationship works to encourage and support one another. Humility and grace are a part of every interaction. As wives and husbands we live with integrity and honor so our spouse never has reason to distrust us or our efforts. 

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/LaylaBird
  • Mom gardening with her two young children.

    6. A Woman of Noble Character Is Wise

    Those who live with character have studied the teachings of God and have internalized them. The way we live reflects a deep-seated wisdom that we have made our guide through the power of the Holy Spirit. We live with wisdom; therefore, we can give wise counsel to our friends, family, children, spouse, and more. Faithful instruction flows from us and offers safety, peace, and directions for the right living for those who rely on us. Our hearts, words, and actions reflect a true passion for righteous living that honors God.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images /RyanJLane

  • Happy family sitting on couch parents and kids

    7. A Women of Noble Character Is Praised

    This woman is one that fears the Lord. Her life points all who know her back to Jesus. She does not provide, serve, honor, and respect for her own glory but for the glory of the Lord. This humility produces genuine praise from those who know her best. She is fundamental in her home. Her contribution is vital and as a result the admiration and gratitude for what she brings to her family overflows from the mouths of those she knows and loves. 

    A wife of noble character is a woman of faith who brings honor to her husband, family, and, most of all, to God. His ways are her ways. She trusts him as she diligently works to love and serve her family well.  

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/skynesher

    Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.