Virtuous women valued above rubies

The virtuous woman found in the passage of Proverbs 31 is considerably the most preached about woman on Mother’s Day. Oh, what an awesome woman to read about and what a superb woman to be compared to. 

It is interesting that the passage begins with a challenge question, “Who”?  

This “who” insinuates that there must be a lot of careful effort in finding the virtuous woman that the Bible is referring to.

It is important to recognize that this virtuous woman is of a biblical standard. Therefore, right away, according to this biblical passage, if a woman is not in relationship with God, then she cannot be the virtuous woman that Solomon is speaking of.

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

This biblically approved virtuous woman is valued above rubies. What is the value to the ruby spoken of?

n The ruby is located on the High Priest’s ephod. It is holy and separated for the use of God’s service. The High Priest is a specifically chosen and appointed man of God who shall lead all other priests. Not only that, but the High Priest is also the only priest permitted to go into the Holy of Holies and make atonement for the sins of the people. 

The High Priest has the ultimate responsibility of being without sin, so that he may carry out the duty that has been bestowed upon him.

n The ruby represents a son. A virtuous woman is worth more than a son. Back in ancient Israel (and actually even to this day), a son was extremely valuable. To have a son was more valuable than having a daughter, as a son represented legacy and the ability to carry on the family name from generation to generation. 

n The ruby is in the first position on the High Priest’s ephod and this ruby represents Reuben, the first-born. Reuben would inherit the bulk of his father’s wealth and be the one responsible for taking over the father’s business. Reuben was seen to be the son that was over every other son. As a matter of fact, it was Reuben’s duty to watch over the other sons. Reuben’s father placed an extra portion of trust in him.

All of this being true, God adamantly proclaims that a virtuous woman is more valuable than sons. The challenge of finding a virtuous woman increased with each succeeding generation. 

For the longer the world exists, the more humanity wanders away from the sound teaching and instructions found in the Bible. Today, women have been “liberated” to a point where many no longer serve God. 

Godliness

This immediately means that outside of the service, duty, and loyalty to God, a woman cannot be virtuous. She can be nice, kind, respectful, loving and true. However, she cannot be as virtuous as the woman of Proverbs 31.

Who can find a virtuous woman? This will be the woman who is set apart for Kingdom work. 

This will be the woman who believes in holiness and can be seen to represent holiness as unto God. This virtuous woman will continue to build up a legacy of godliness with her children and grandchildren. 

In our liberal society, we must be careful that we do not fall prey to degrading and downplaying the value of this woman. She has already been described as worth more than rubies. 

Let’s be sure to uphold the standard of this woman. Only when women aspire to be the virtuous woman can a society benefit and become the blessed nation that it is meant to be. RESPICE FINEM