So what inspirational qualities did this woman possess that we can also learn from today and carry into our month and use to be an inspiration to others. 

Whilst this writing starts with the header ‘a wife of noble character’ we can safely assume it wasn’t being a wife that made this woman noble, those qualities were already inherent in her and she applied them to her relationship with her husband and to others.

It is true to say that who we are will follow us around and have a bearing on all our relationships.

So what inspirational act can we learn from this virtuous woman

1. She has a positive influence on others

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life

This woman was a blessing to those in close proximity to her, she radiated blessing to those around her. Her partner in life increased rather than diminished in stature because of her influence.

2. She is industrious

She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.

This is not someone who works for others, she has the skill to be industrious and find items to buy and sell so she can take care of her own home

3. She is not lazy

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

She leads by example and is prepared to do what she asks of others. Her staff admires her because she is at work before them and sets out chores for everyone to do so they can contribute to the day.

4. She is an investor

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She has an eye on the present and also the future and acquires items that will increase in value and be a blessing.

5. She is physically fit

She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

This was a woman who looked after herself physically because she knew the value of health to being able to achieve your goals and dreams. She was not lethargic about life but kept herself in a physically good condition so she could continue to be a blessing

6. She is wise in her business dealings

She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Some people branch out to do something for God, their community and for themselves but what they do bears no tangible fruit and costs them time and effort. This woman is result oriented, she works hard to make sure her efforts are profitable

7. She helps others

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

This woman had a view that went beyond her family or her staff. She understood the truth that those who help the poor are helping God and God blesses them. Her profits were not to be kept for indulging herself it was to be used to enhance the life of others

8. She planned ahead

She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

We are encouraged to study the ants, they labour away in the summer months so that in the winter month they have surplus to survive. This woman had no fear for the lean and difficult months because she had a plan in place.

9. She makes sure her family has good values

Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

This woman’s life had an impact on those close to her, she was a woman of influence. Her husband is respected and admired by others and her children admire and praise her. When those close to you, those who see you behind closed doors and those who know you well sing your praises then you know, you are doing something right.

10. She is wise in her conversation

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

This is a woman who understands the power of words, so she is careful to make sure her words build rather than destroy, they add courage rather than deflate others. There is a saying that ‘Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.’ This woman practised this truth.

11.She is inspiring

“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

When you compare this woman with others she is head and shoulder above others. She inspires other people who are capable in what they do to not just rest on their laurels but to reach out for more.

12. She has a good relationship with God

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

What has shaped this woman’s life? How did she become the person she is and have become? Her secret is simple and also attainable to everyone. Her source is not for an elite group of people but accessible to everyone who understands that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This was a woman who have put her trust not in perishable things but in someone that is unchangeable and eternal