Considerable attention is given in the book of Proverbs to the character of a woman. Solomon warns his son against the "immoral woman" (2:16; 5:3, 20; 6:24; 7:5, 10; 22:14; 30:20), as well as the "foolish woman" (9:13), the "contentious woman" (21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15) and the "hateful woman" (30:23). He also speaks of and glorifies the "gracious woman" (11:16) and the "wise woman" (14:1).

Lemuel's mother, aside from giving him instruction addressing his own conduct, also instructs him in the selection of a woman. If, as suggested in our previous article, Lemuel is in fact Solomon, it appears that he did not heed the instruction of his mother. We are told that "...King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughters of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites - from the nations of which the LORD had said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.' Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart." (1 Kings 11:1-3).

Let us consider the amazing picture Lemuel's mother paints of the virtuous woman.

RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships are so important to establish and maintain. The virtuous woman develops a good reputation through her interaction with others. Her husband and family feel secure, knowing that she will always do what is best for them (v 11, 12, 15, 21, 27, 28). In fact, through her fine character, she punctuates the image of her husband before others in the community (v 23, 31). As a business woman, she is faithful and honest in her dealings, and holds the trust of the merchants (v 16, 18, 24).

WORK ETHIC
Her reputation is built upon a continuous attention on her part to responsibilities. Indications of her work ethic are scattered throughout the text. She:
– seeks wool and flax (13)
– brings food from afar (14)
– rises before the light (15)
– buys a field and plants a vineyard in it (16)
– is girded with strength (17)
– makes & sells clothing (24)

Her diligence is displayed in that she "...does not eat the bread of idleness." (27) She "willingly works with her hands" (13), and thus is able to share and enjoy the "...fruit of her hands..." (31)

BUSY HANDS
The busyness of her hands is found on a few occasions in the text. As just mentioned, she "...willingly works with her hands..." What does she work at? She provides clothing, both for her family and as merchandise for sale (19). She sees the plight of the poor and needy, and willingly lends a hand to them (20).

CONSIDER HER VALUE
Of this focused keeper of the home, we find words of commendation in the text. Immediately, the thought of a woman who meets the profile supplied, causes Lemuel's mother to say, "...her worth is far above rubies." (10). She is a valued prize, much more valuable to a man than jewels or treasures. Attributed to her are "..strength and honor..." (25), and both her children and her husband, aware of her love and stewardship call her "blessed" (28). Also, her husband praises her, for she, by her character is exalted above other women (28-29). In fact, not just her children and husband, who so richly benefit from her works praise her, but her works themselves praise her, for she will be remembered by all for her faithfulness and devotion (30-31).

Young men, when you are seeking a wife, may you find the virtuous woman. Young women, may you take upon yourself the characteristics which make this woman virtuous. You married women, may it be your determined desire to be walk in the virtues which Lemuel's mother spoke of, and married men, be certain to commend your wife for her praiseworthy character.