The Foolish Woman vs. the Virtuous Woman in the Book of Proverbs

​     When King Solomon, who was known for his great wisdom that God had bestowed upon him (I Kings 3:9-13), wrote the book of Proverbs, he wrote it in such a way that anyone can learn valuable life lessons from its teachings. Solomon dedicated much of the book of Proverbs to teaching women how they should act according to God’s Will. He is very specific about the personality traits and actions that can make a woman either foolish or wise. Let’s look at some of the ways that women can be considered either foolish or wise in God’s Eyes!

1. Foolish Women:
   1. According to Proverbs chapter 9:13, a foolish woman is considered “clamorous” which means to be loud, and “knows nothing”  (Proverbs 9:13)
   2. A foolish woman begs for attention, is not humble (Proverbs 9:14)
   3. Can be a seducer of men, as in the example set in Proverbs chapter 9:15-17
   4. Does not use good judgment “without discretion” (Proverbs chapter 11:22)
   5. Foolish wives are “contentious” or have a habit of constant nagging (Proverbs chapter 21:19)
   6. Foolish wives are “quarrelsome” or are argumentative (Proverbs 27:15),
   7. Foolish women are adulterers, or commit fornication (Proverbs chapter 30:20)
   8. Foolish women act in rude ways, and do not practice good manners (Proverbs 30:20)
   9. A foolish woman makes her husband ashamed, and is “rottenness to his bones” (Proverbs 12:4)
2. Virtuous Woman (Proverbs chapter 31 v. 10-31)
   1. Is Priceless
   2. Works with her husband, not against him
   3. Works for the betterment of her family
   4. Provides for her husband and children in ways that only she can
   5. Gets up early and feeds her family
   6. Wants only the best for her family
   7. Her husband is well-respected also
   8. She fears the Lord and deserves much praise
   9. Her husband and her children praise her

   Unfortunately, many women today act like the foolish women do in the book of Proverbs. They seek attention, and behave in ungodly ways. Foolish women are often held up on pedestals in today’s society because they exemplify the world’s so-called “values.” As Christian women, we have much work to be like the virtuous woman that Solomon speaks about in Proverbs 31. It is only by following her example and the example of others like her that we can reach a home in Heaven one day. 

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