The book of Proverbs closes with a famous poem praising a virtuous woman for her attitude and capability (Proverbs 31:10-31). It begins in a general way: “A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels” (301:10), and we might suppose that this will be the description of an idealized woman. As the poem progresses, however, showing us more and more details, we come to realize that the author is writing about a particular woman and noting her as an example of what a woman can be. If the beginning of the chapter are the words of King Lemuel’s mother (31:1-9), is the remainder of the chapter King Lemuel writing about his mother? Or do the words of King Lemuel’s mother continue to the end of the chapter? That would make this poem his mother’s description of a woman – her own mother? – who has been a mentor for her.

(As an aside, the name Lemuel is not mentioned elsewhere in scripture. Some have speculated that Lemuel might have been a nickname for Solomon, based on the L – M combination common to the two names: just as Lizzie can be an nickname for Elizabeth. It’s an interesting guess, and it might even be right, although there’s no actual evidence to support it.)

The text shows us the strong work ethic of this exemplar woman: “she works with willing hands” (31:13) and “rises while it is still night” to organize the meals and the work for the day (31:15). But she is not simply doing housework: she runs what we might call a complete start-to-finish clothing production company. She begins by obtaining wool and flax (31:13), spins these fibers into yarn (31:19), directs those who work for her (31:15), produces and sells garments (31:22, 24), and knows that her business is going well (31:18). She also buys land and runs a farm (31:16); perhaps this becomes the source for the wool and flax. In addition, we learn that she is generous to the poor (31:20), instructs people with wisdom and kindness (31:26), and fears the Lord (31:30).

We should note that none of this has to do with what we might consider the stereotype of “womanhood.” Good looks and glamor are swept aside dismissively: “charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain” (31:30). And motherhood is only mentioned with a passing reference: “her children rise up” to say good things about her (31:28). This tells us, then, that much of present-day Christian culture is mistaken when it supposes that the ideals of womanhood are physical attractiveness and stay-at-home motherhood. The qualities the Bible actually praises in this exemplar woman are her generous wisdom, her business and religious leadership, and her financial capability.

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Teach us to value ourselves and one another for the rich gifts and capabilities that you have set within us, O Lord, instead of merely on the basis of outer appearance: and teach us to use your gifts well, to bring you glory by accomplishing the good things you have enabled us to do.