Proverbs 31:10–12 — A Wife of Noble Character

A Wife of Noble Character

"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."
— Proverbs 31:10–12 (NIV)

Reflection

Noble character is not common. That is why the question is asked: "Who can find?" If you had a spouse of noble character, you had something rare. Worth far more than rubies means her value cannot be measured by what she did but by who she was. Death does not erase that worth. It confirms it.

Notice the husband's confidence: "lacks nothing of value." A faithful spouse does not merely support; she completes. The trust built over a lifetime does not vanish when she dies. It remains as testimony to what was real. She brought good, not harm, all the days of her life. That good does not end with her last breath. It echoes in the life you now live.

Stop pretending her worth died with her. It did not. What you lost was invaluable, but that means what you had was irreplaceable. Honour that. The confidence she earned, the good she brought, the life she built with you—none of that is wasted. Grief proves her worth. If she meant nothing, her absence would not destroy you. She was rare. Remember that.

Biblical Insight

Proverbs 31:10–31 is an acrostic poem celebrating the virtuous woman. The Hebrew term "eshet chayil" means "woman of strength" or "woman of valour," emphasising competence, integrity, and moral courage. The comparison to rubies places her value in the category of the most precious commodities in the ancient world. The passage describes not an ideal to be attained but a character to be recognised and honoured. The husband's confidence reflects a relationship built on demonstrated faithfulness over time. This is not sentimental praise but sober acknowledgement of proven worth.

In Application

  • Acknowledge the rarity of what you had; do not diminish it.
  • Let your grief testify to her worth, not undermine it.
  • Honour her character by living as one who was shaped by it.
  • Trust that the good she brought continues beyond her presence.

Practical Journaling

Reflect on Proverbs 31:10–12, then write honestly:

  • What made her character noble in your eyes?
  • How did she bring good into your life all her days?
  • Where do you see her influence still shaping you today?
  • Write a prayer thanking God for the gift she was and asking Him to honour her memory in how you live.

If writing feels too heavy today, simply sit with the phrase "worth far more than rubies" and let it speak of what you had.

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