Charles Bridges

Proverbs 31:10-31

SO RARE IS THIS TREASURE THAT THE TREASURE IS GIVEN: who can find a virtuous woman? (Cp. Pro 20:6). Abraham sent to a distant land for this inestimable blessing for his beloved son (Gen 24:3, 4). Perhaps one reason of the rarity of the gift is that it is so seldom sought. Too often is the search made for accomplishments, not for virtues; for external and adventitious²⁷ recommendations, rather than for internal godly worth.

The enquiry also implies the value of the gift when found. Even Adam’s portion in innocence was not complete, until his bountiful Father made “an help meet²⁸ for him” (Gen 2:18). Truly, her price is above rubies. No treasure is comparable to her…

Verses 11-12: the price of the virtuous woman has been told; her different features will now different features will now be given.

The first lines of the portrait describe her character as a wife. Her fidelity, oneness of heart, and affectionate dutifulness make the heart of her husband safely to trust in her. He feels his comfort to be regarded, his burdens relieved, and his mind exempted from many teasing vexations.29 He is at ease in constrained absence from home, having left his interests safe in her keeping, while he is sure that his return will be welcomed with the gladdening smile. A faithful wife and a confiding husband thus mutually bless each other. With such a jewel for his wife, the husband has no misgivings.³⁰ His home is the home of his heart. He needs not to look into the matters entrusted to her with suspicious eye. He has no reserves or jealousies. Ruling in this sphere without, he encourages her to rule in her sphere within. All is conducted with such prudence and economy that he has no need of spoil,³¹ no temptation to unjust gain, no need to leave his happy home in order to enrich himself with the soldier’s spoils. The attachment of such a wife is as lasting as the time of their union—constant—consistent. Instead of abusing confidence, she only seeks to make herself daily more worthy of it, not fretful and uncertain, caring “how she may please her husband” (1Co 7:34), doing him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. Would that it were always so! But look at Eve—the help-meet becoming a tempter; Solomon’s wives drawing away his heart; Jezebel stirring up her husband to abominable wickedness; Job’s wife calling upon her husband to “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9); the painful cross of “the brawling woman” (Pro 21:9; 25:24)—this is a fearful contrast—evil, not good. Often again is it a mixture of evil with the good….But in this picture it is good, and not evil.

Her husband’s comfort is her interest and her rest.

To live for him is her highest happiness. Even if her minute attentions to this object are not always noticed, yet never will she harbor the suspicion of indifference or unkindness; nor will she return fancied neglect with sullenness,³² or by affected or morbid sensibility³³ force on a feverish interchange of expression,³⁴ which has little substantial foundation.

This course of disinterested regard³⁵ and devoted affection, when conducted on Christian principles, commends most graciously the holy and honorable estate of matrimony. If it implies subjection, it involves no degradation. Indeed no greater glory could be desired than that which is given to it, that it should illustrate “the great mystery”—“Christ and the church” (Eph 5:32), the identity of interest between them: her trials His; His cause hers.

Verses 13-27: this lovely character is drawn according to the usage of ancient times, though the general principles are of universal application.

It describes not only the wife of a man of rank, but a wise, useful, and godly matron in her domestic responsibilities. It is “a woman professing godliness,” adorned “with good works” (1Ti 2:10); a Mary no less than a Martha….One thing, however, is most remarkable. The standard of godliness here exhibited is not that of a religious recluse,³⁶ shut up from active obligations under the pretence of greater sanctity and consecration to God. Here are none of those habits of monastic asceticism³⁷ that are now extolled as the highest point of Christian perfection. One-half at least of the picture of the virtuous woman is occupied with her personal and domestic industry. What a rebuke also does this convey to a self-indulgent inactivity!…
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27. adventitious – from outside.
28. help meet – Eve was an “help,” who was meet or suitable for Adam.
29. teasing vexations – annoying irritations or distresses.
30. misgivings – feelings of mistrust or loss of confidence.
31. spoil – goods, property, territory seized by force, often taken from an enemy during war.
32. fancied…sullenness – acting moody or gloomy because of imagined neglect.
33. affected…sensibility – unreasonable suspicion.
34. feverish…expression – excited, agitated reaction; overreaction.
35. disinterested regard – unselfish care or concern.
36. religious recluse – one secluded or shut off from society for religious reasons.

From Proverbs reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust.

Charles Bridges (1794-1869): a leader of the Evangelical party in the Church of England. Best known for The Christian Ministry, Proverbs, and Psalm 119.

Courtesy of Chapel Library