Proverbs 31:10
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse begins the closing acrostic poem of Proverbs, an alphabetical tribute to a woman of strength and virtue that crowns the book's teaching on wisdom.
What Does Proverbs 31:10 Mean?
Proverbs 31:10 opens a famous tribute by asking who can find a woman of true virtue, and answering that her worth is beyond the most precious jewels. The rhetorical question "Who can find a virtuous woman?" highlights rarity and value -- not that such a woman cannot be found, but that she is precious and deserving of high regard. The phrase "her price is far above rubies" places her worth above the costliest gems, beyond anything money could purchase.
The Hebrew behind "virtuous" is rich -- it conveys strength, capability, and moral excellence, the same word elsewhere used of a valiant warrior or a person of great worth. This is no passive ideal but a portrait of strength, competence, and noble character. The verses that follow describe a woman who works diligently, manages wisely, cares for her household, helps the poor, speaks with wisdom, and is praised for her reverence of God. The acrostic poem -- arranged in the order of the Hebrew alphabet -- celebrates her completely, from A to Z. For every reader, this verse and the portrait it introduces hold up a vision of character that is admirable, valuable, and worthy of honor, reminding us that true worth is measured not by appearance or wealth but by strength of character and devotion to God.
In the Original Language
The word "virtuous" is "chayil," meaning strength, might, capability, or worth -- the same term used of valiant warriors. "Rubies" is "peninim," precious jewels or corals of great value.
Cross References
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
- Proverbs 31:30
“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
- Proverbs 12:4
“She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”
- Proverbs 3:15
Application
Honor and pursue strength of character above appearance or wealth, recognizing that a life of virtue, capability, and devotion to God is of incomparable worth.