A Tribute to Women (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Big Idea: Women are equal to men in God's eyes, with their true value found in how they honor God through their contributions at home, in the community, and in their work.

If you want to generate a bit of heat in any discussion, just bring up the role of women. I find a great variety of views exist in the never-ending battle of the sexes.

Some believe women can do the work of two men and that, if they were leaders, wars would end, unemployment would disappear, and business scandals would not occur.

Some believe that a woman's role is subordinate to a man's, asserting that it is a man's world and women must know their place. Just try opening a discussion on the matter sometime and see how it goes.

A poll about the Bible might reveal that many consider it an outdated book with old-fashioned values. But this morning we're in for a surprise. The Bible presents a positive and enlightened perspective on the role of women.

This morning is Mother's Day. We are going to pay tribute to our mothers. We are so grateful for the qualities that our mothers exemplify. But there are many women who are not mothers. And we want to pay tribute to them this morning.

The Bible's View of Women

I'm not going to make the mistake of telling women how to be better women. What do I know about being a woman? But we're going to let the Bible this morning pay tribute to the women in our lives as it paints a lofty view of females.

Here's what the Bible teaches about women.

Women and men are equal in personhood and importance.

When God created humans, he created both male and female in his image. Men and women were made equally in God's image, and both men and women reflect God's image in their lives.

Scripture shows that men and women are equally important and valuable to God. I get very angry when I hear some chauvinist men let on that they are somehow worth more because they are men. No one should feel superior or inferior based on their gender.

Genesis 1 of the Bible shows that God values males and females equally, as both are created in his image. The Bible is also clear that there is an equality of God's people in the church.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Paul warned the Galatians against adopting a culture that viewed men as superior to women. Paul stated that men and women are equal before God and should equally value one another.

The Bible gives women revolutionary rights for its time, and Jesus' friendships with women show their value and worth. We must recognize and celebrate the profound dignity that Scripture bestows upon women.

Are there no differences between men and women? Most of us would agree that there are some clear and undeniable distinctions. Scripture and common sense both affirm that men and women have equal value and dignity before God, though they are beautifully different. We need to be clear: men and women are completely equal in their worth and personhood.

The Bible teaches that women and men are equal in personhood and importance. Here's the second thing the Bible teaches:

We should pay tribute to women.

And that's what we're going to do this morning. 1 Peter 3:7 tells husbands to "bestow honor" on their wives. And Proverbs 31 is a beautiful picture of the honor given to a godly woman.

Proverbs 31 honors a woman who finds fulfillment at home, in her community, and in her career. This passage doesn't limit women to one of these roles.

Now please understand that this passage isn't intended to place guilt on women or to create unrealistic expectations. This passage, however, lays out some of the possible opportunities for women.

If you're a woman, please sit back and bask in the praise this morning. This isn't a Hallmark card; it's God's Word praising you. So enjoy it. Maybe you will be challenged by the passage to find fulfillment in another avenue in your life.

The Bible teaches that women and men are equal and should be respected. Here's the third thing the Bible teaches:

The noble woman is praiseworthy in her home.

Women, this morning we praise you because many of you have shown yourselves praiseworthy in your homes.

Wives

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
(Proverbs 31:10)

She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 31:12)

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband...
(Proverbs 12:4)

There is rarely a day that I'm not reminded of the immense value of a good wife. Charlene and I are like any couple—we have our good days, and, well, our bad days too. But even in those moments, I can’t help but feel deeply privileged to have a wife like her. I feel deeply blessed, and I don’t take it for granted, especially since not everyone gets to experience such blessings.

Men, if you are married, please value your wives. Your wives are precious, worth far more than rubies. Let her know today how much you value her. She is a precious gift.

Mothers

We also honor women who are mothers.

She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
(Proverbs 31:21)

She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
(Proverbs 31:27-28)

It seems that everyone is blaming their parents for their problems. That's why I like the title of a book I saw: What My Parents Did Right. Let's honor our mothers for their provision of love for us.

While Winston Churchill was alive, an editor submitted a list of his teachers for his approval. Churchill returned the list to the editor, stating, "You have omitted to mention the greatest of my teachers – my mother."

One woman wrote a letter to her child. This letter expresses what a mother gives to her child:

I give you my love, which means that I accept you, without reservations, just as you are and will be.
I give you my personal presence in order that you will have the security you need during your childhood.
I give you my ears, in the sense that I will never be too busy to listen to you – sometimes never uttering even one word.
I give you opportunities to work so that you might learn to do it without shame and come to enjoy the satisfaction of work well done.
I give you my counsel only when it is necessary or you ask for it so that you might avoid some of the mistakes I have made.
I give you my consolation when you have failed or feel discouraged, but I will not always protect you from the consequences of your sins.
I give you instructions in the way of the Lord so that when you are old, you will never depart from it.
I give you my daily prayers that the Lord will keep you and guide you in such a way that you, my child, will be a man or woman who will serve and glorify our Heavenly Father.
This I give you with all my love.

Your Mother,
Lydia Lightner

That's an example of verse 28:

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
(Proverbs 31:28)

Let's praise the women here for what they have done in our homes. There really is no higher contribution that anyone can make than in the life of a child. As children and husbands, we applaud you.

The noble woman is also praiseworthy in her community.

She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:20)

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
(Proverbs 31:25-26)

This image shows a compassionate woman recognized for her strength, dignity, and wisdom as a loving counselor. Her interests reach beyond the confines of her home. She cares for the needs of other people.

The passage acknowledges that women are a vital part of the community as a whole. In the church, neighborhoods, and communities, we appreciate the contributions of women.

Today we have books identifying that men and women are different in fundamental ways. Women are from one planet, and men are from another one. Of course, men get to be the ones from Mars.

We need to recognize that women bring to the church community something that men cannot bring. We need to honor their contribution. Let's look at another area of praise for the noble woman. This one might surprise you.

The noble woman is also praiseworthy in her career.

She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
(Proverbs 31:13–19)

Proverbs 31 describes a woman with a career. Whoever it is that argues against women having a career obviously hasn't read this passage! Here is a woman working diligently in her career. She is buying and selling, making money.

In fact, the Bible does describe the career activities of women outside the home without condemning them. Lydia was a seller of purple clothes; Priscilla was a worker along with her husband. The Bible does not stifle the individual talent of a woman outside the home or in a career.

In fact, Proverbs 31 praises a noble woman who is a good wife, mother, community member, and career woman. Not all women choose to have careers, but many do.

But for those of you who have made this choice, don't succumb to those who try to impose guilt on you for having work outside the home. The housewife's role only came into existence during the Industrial Revolution. In fact, for almost all of history until World War II, women did have careers.

We ought to follow the example of Proverbs 31 and praise those women who are working hard in their careers. We do honor you.

Finally, the noble woman is also praiseworthy spiritually.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
(Proverbs 31:30)

This verse highlights that what truly matters is not external or temporary, but a heart that honors and trusts in the Lord. Women who live for God deserve praise, and I can confidently say that some of the most spiritually influential people I've known are those who embody this. The fear of the Lord begins with knowing him personally, and that’s where the gospel comes in.

The gospel tells us that none of us—man or woman—can live a life pleasing to God on our own. We’ve all fallen short, and our best efforts, no matter how noble, can’t bridge the gap between us and a holy God. But God, in his love, sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life we couldn’t live, to die the death we deserved, and to rise again, conquering sin and death. Through him, we are invited into a relationship with God, where we are fully known, fully loved, and fully forgiven.

This is the foundation of a life that fears the Lord: not striving to earn his favor, but resting in the finished work of Christ. It’s the gospel that transforms us, giving us a new identity and purpose. For a woman—or for any of us—this is the most important thing: to know the Lord, to trust in his grace, and to live in light of his love. That’s the kind of life that’s truly praiseworthy, because it’s rooted in what is eternal and unshakable.

How's that for a tribute? It’s not just about what we do, it’s about who we are in Christ. And that changes everything.

Some Applications

Let's make a few applications as we close.

Let's give proper honor to the women in our lives.

We should recognize women as equal partners in God's grace and appreciate them.

Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
(Proverbs 31:31)

Let's give women their due and show our appreciation to them for their roles. Not just in the home, but in our communities and in their careers.

Have you done this today? If your mother is still alive, have you thanked her and praised her today? If you have a wife, have you told her how much you appreciate her?

Let's strive to apply what these women have taught us.

Let's consider their example and imitate them if they have been good examples. Let's learn from the woman of Proverbs 31 and try to emulate her. She is respected by her family and community, a success in her career, and she is spiritually sound.

How are you and your family? Could you learn anything from the woman in Proverbs 31? How is your impact in the community? How is your spiritual life? Do you know God and fear him like the woman in Proverbs 31?

Let's look at our life's bottom line.

We should consider what we want people to say at our funeral and live in a way that aligns with those wishes. Women couldn't do badly to try to live the life of Proverbs 31.

As we see in Proverbs 31, we think of the bottom line of our lives. Not just success in a career or community or home, but balance, success, and respect.

Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of a noble woman, but it’s not meant to be a checklist or a burden. It's a celebration of a life dedicated to God, shaped by knowing him and transformed by his grace.

The truth is, none of us—man or woman—can live up to the ideal of Proverbs 31 on our own. We all fall short. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has already done what we could not. He lived the perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. Through him, we are fully loved, fully forgiven, and fully accepted by God. This is the foundation of a life that honors the Lord—not striving to earn his favor, but resting in the finished work of Christ.

Today, as we celebrate the women in our lives, let's remember that their true worth—and ours—comes not from achievements or roles, but from being children of God, redeemed and loved by him. Let's celebrate God's grace that allows us to live purposeful lives grounded in what is eternal and unshakable. That’s the kind of life that truly matters, and it’s available to all of us through Jesus Christ.