Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the qualities of a virtuous, or honorable, woman. To answer your question, let’s read Proverbs 31:10-12, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” 

It is so interesting to see how other Bible versions translate the word ‘virtuous’ when describing this woman…worthy, excellent, capable and intelligent, noble character, competent, truly good, valiant, etc.  It easy to see that this woman is one of great value to her husband.  We read in Proverbs 12:4 that, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…”  These words should cause us men to value our virtuous wives and thank the Lord for them.  They are truly a gift from Him.

So, what does it mean that the virtuous woman’s husband “shall have no need of spoil?”  This literally means that the husband of the virtuous woman has no lack of any good thing.  Indeed, his wife supplies him with all that makes him happy.  With a wife like that, a man will not look to another woman, for no other woman can meet his needs like his own wife can.

This is not teaching our wives to be servants to us so that we might remain happy and faithful to her.  That is not the thought at all.  Proverbs 31:30 says, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”  The virtuous woman is one who fears, or reveres, the Lord.  She lives in such a way as to please and serve the Lord.  In doing this, she is a hard-working woman who loves her family and seeks to keep her family together.  Verse 28 tells us, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”  How precious and vital is the woman in the home who fears the Lord in such a way.  It will cause her to be praised by others who see her and know of her great virtues.

I can truly say my wife is a virtuous woman and I thank the Lord for her.  Our six children call her ‘blessed’ and we honor her as the gift from God that she is.  I truly have no lack of good things!

Ladies, seek to be the woman the Lord wants you to be.  Fear (respect) the Lord and do all things to please Him.  When you do that, the Lord will strengthen you to be a wonderful wife and mother.

Men, be thankful for your wives.  Praise them often.  Thank the Lord for them.  Treat them as the gifts they are and make sure they are happy in their daily lives.  Lead them as the spiritual head of your home and family.  Help your wife by walking beside her and loving her constantly.  When you do that, you will find that you “shall have no need of spoil.”  (CC)  (539.2)