Dy – The Wife of Noble Character 31: 10-31

The Wife of Noble Character
31: 10-31

The book of Proverbs comes to a close with the addition of this poem about the wife of noble character. A careful reading of the passage shows that her value is derived from her character of godly wisdom, which is beneficial to her family and to the community as a whole. Traditionally, this poem was recited by husbands and children at the Sabbath table on Friday after sundown. It is a paradigm for godly women.

The theme of the poem, the wife of noble character, captures the ideals of wisdom that have filled the book. It may well be that these verses sum up more than merely portraying the ideal wife. The woman presented is a wealthy aristocrat who runs a household estate with servants and conducts business affairs – real estate, vineyards, and merchandise – domestic affairs, and charity. It would be quite a task for any woman to emulate. She is the idealized wife, in an ideal home, in an ideal society; she is not just some man’s dream woman but represents a universal type of woman or instructions for the bride-to-be. Moreover, nothing is said about the woman’s personal relationship with her husband, her intellectual or emotional strengths, or her religious activities.

In general, it appears that the woman of Proverbs 31 is a symbol of wisdom. Therefore, this poem plays an important part in the personification of wisdom in ancient Near Eastern literature. Indeed, many commentators correctly invite a contrast to the earlier portrayals of Madame Folly lurking dangerously in the streets (to see link click Bo – Madam Folly’s Invitation to Death) – she was to be avoided – and Lady Wisdom, who is to be embraced (see Bn – Lady Wisdom’s Invitation to Life). The wife of noble character in this chapter stands in the strongest contrast to the adulterous woman in the earlier chapters.⁵⁶⁹ In conclusion, this wife has been canonized as a role model for all Isra’el for all time. Wise daughters aspire to be like her, wise men seek to marry her, and all wise people aim to exemplify the wisdom she symbolizes.⁵⁷⁰