Living a virtuous life as a Christian woman can feel overwhelming — but Scripture offers clear guidance. The Proverbs 31 Woman is the ultimate example of Godly character, showing us how to walk in faith, wisdom, and purpose every day.
This guide breaks down 10 biblical virtues inspired by Proverbs 31 and other Scriptures, with practical ways to apply them in your life. Whether you are single, married, or simply seeking to grow in Godly character, these virtues will help you live a life that honors God and reflects your true worth as a daughter of Christ.
Several years ago, while studying the Proverbs 31 Woman, I noted 10 virtues that transformed the way I live my faith. Here’s how you can apply them too.
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1. A Virtuous Woman Has an Active Prayer Life
The foundation of a virtuous life is faith, and faith is expressed through a consistent relationship with God (Proverbs 31:26, 29-31; Matthew 22:37; John 14:15; Psalm 119:15). A Proverbs 31 Woman makes time each day to connect with her Creator through prayer, devotion, and Scripture.
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Here are practical ways to cultivate an active prayer life:
- Start and end your day in gratitude: Thank God for the gift of a new day in the morning and reflect on His blessings at night.
- Bless your meals: Pause to ask God to bless your food and the hands that prepared it.
- Seek guidance and protection: Pray for wisdom in your decisions and safety for yourself and your loved ones.
- Pray for others: Lift up friends, family, and those in need. Interceding for others builds compassion and aligns your heart with God’s will.
- Be still and listen: Allow moments of silence for God to speak to your heart.
- Keep a prayer journal: Writing down prayers and answers helps you remember God’s faithfulness and grow in spiritual maturity.
2. A Virtuous Woman Honors Her Purpose as a Daughter of God
The Proverbs 31 Woman exemplifies faithfulness in every area of her life, including her relationships and responsibilities (Proverbs 31:11-12, 23, 28; 1 Peter 3; Ephesians 5; Genesis 2:18). While marriage is an honorable calling, every woman — married or single — can live faithfully as a daughter of God by honoring Him in her words, actions, and choices (Titus 2:1).
- Single women: Embrace your identity as God’s daughter. Live with integrity, kindness, and wisdom, preparing yourself spiritually and emotionally for the future. Your faithfulness today reflects God’s glory.
- Married women: Model love and respect in your marriage. Teach younger women how to honor their husbands and care for their families with grace and godly wisdom (Titus 2:3-5).
- All women: Seek God’s guidance in your daily life. Align your choices with His Word, knowing that living according to God’s expectations brings purpose, peace, and blessing.
See Related:
- Becoming a Daughter of God
- 7 Ways to Renew Your Mind as a Daughter of God
- How to Trust God With Your Love Story
Honoring your purpose as a daughter of God is at the heart of virtuous living. Whether single or married, your faithfulness reflects His glory to those around you.
3. A Virtuous Woman Nurtures Her Children with Love and Godly Wisdom
“She is a loving mother and her children call her blessed. A virtuous woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in Heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go.” — Melissa Ringstaff
The Proverbs 31 Woman is a loving, intentional mother. She guides her children in God’s Word, modeling Christlike behavior and demonstrating the values of kindness, patience, and faithfulness (Proverbs 31:28-29).
- For mothers: Your nurturing goes beyond meeting physical needs — it includes teaching your children to fear and love the Lord, leading by example, and cultivating a home filled with grace and respect.
- For women without children: You can still embrace this virtue by mentoring, guiding, and caring for the children in your life — whether nieces and nephews, godchildren, younger siblings, students, or children you teach in ministry. Your influence can shape hearts and lives just as profoundly as a mother’s.
- Practical application: Pray for the children you care for, set aside intentional time to teach or guide them, and model Godly behavior in your words and actions. Every act of nurturing plants seeds of faith that reflect God’s love.
A virtuous woman leaves a lasting legacy through the lives she touches — whether her own children or the children God has placed in her care.
4. A Virtuous Woman Practices Self-Care
The fourth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is caring for her health — body, mind, and spirit (Proverbs 31:14-15, 17; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Genesis 1:29; Daniel 1:8; Leviticus 11).
God calls us to steward our bodies, remembering that they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Honoring Him means making wise choices about nutrition, exercise, rest, and overall well-being. A virtuous woman also cares for her mind and spirit, protecting herself from worldly distractions, renewing her thoughts with Scripture, and putting on the full armor of God (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 6:11).
Practical ways to practice self-care:
- Physical health: Eat wholesome foods, stay hydrated, and move your body daily. Like Daniel, choose foods that honor God and strengthen you for your purpose (Daniel 1:8).
- Mental health: Guard your mind by filling it with God’s Word and avoiding content that leads to fear, anxiety, or negativity. Daily Scripture reading, journaling, or memorization helps renew your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Spiritual health: Protect your spirit through prayer, worship, and putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). Take time to rest in His presence and recharge spiritually.
- Rest and boundaries: A virtuous woman knows when to say no, when to rest, and how to pace herself to maintain balance and purpose.
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Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is stewardship. The Proverbs 31 Woman models that being strong, energetic, and focused comes from honoring God in every part of her life — body, mind, and spirit.
5. A Virtuous Woman Serves Others
The fifth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is service — giving of her time, talents, and resources to bless others (Proverbs 31:12, 15, 20; 1 Corinthians 13:13).
A virtuous woman serves with a heart full of love and kindness. She looks for ways to help her husband, her family, her friends, and her community. Her generosity is not just about giving money, but also sharing her wisdom, time, and encouragement. She is charitable, showing the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Melissa Ringstaff says:
“She serves others with love and kindness. A virtuous woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable.”
Practical ways to serve:
- Offer help to someone in need, whether through food, time, or guidance.
- Volunteer in your church, community, or schools.
- Mentor or teach younger women and children, sharing your knowledge and experiences.
- Use your unique gifts to bless others consistently, not just occasionally.
Personally, my favorite way to give back is through education, especially literacy. As a teacher and reading specialist, I provide free K-12 reading assessments to families and create intervention plans for children who are reading below grade level. I am also working on creating blessing bags for women and children in my community. Serving others in ways that align with your gifts allows you to honor God while making a lasting difference.
When we love others, that means we seek the best for them, not expect them to endure injustice and suffering (Romans 13:8). Those who give to the poor are lending to God, and He sees and repays because God is good (Proverbs 19:17).
True service flows naturally from a heart transformed by Christ. When we serve with love, we reflect God’s goodness to everyone around us.
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6. A Virtuous Woman Uses Her Gifts to Glorify God
The sixth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is stewardship — using her gifts, talents, and resources wisely to honor God (Proverbs 31:14, 16, 18; 1 Timothy 6:10; Ephesians 5:23; Deuteronomy 14:22).
A virtuous woman recognizes that everything she has — her time, skills, money, and influence — is entrusted to her by God. She does not hoard these gifts for herself, but uses them to serve others, support her family, and glorify God in all she does.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This means:
- Doing your daily tasks, even the ordinary ones, with excellence and a heart of service.
- Using your skills to bless others — whether it’s teaching, mentoring, cooking, creating, or managing resources.
- Planning and preparing for the future responsibly, knowing that God calls us to be good stewards of what He entrusts to us.
The Proverbs 31 Woman, for example, ensures her household is well-provided for. She buys land, plants a vineyard, and makes clothing for her family and community (Proverbs 31:16, 18). She is purposeful, diligent, and forward-thinking.
By glorifying God with our gifts, we set an example for others, strengthen our families, and reflect the heart of Christ to the world. True stewardship is never about seeking praise for ourselves; it is about honoring the One who gave us everything.
See Related: Build a Home as a Proverbs 31 Woman
7. A Virtuous Woman Works Hard
The seventh virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is industry — working diligently and with purpose (Proverbs 31:13, 16, 24, 31; Philippians 2:14). She is industrious, productive, and uses her time wisely. Her hands are busy with tasks that provide for her family and community, and she completes them with joy rather than complaint.
Melissa Ringstaff says:
“She is industrious and works with willing hands. A virtuous woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks.”
Whatever our task may be, we are instructed by God to do it wholeheartedly, because ultimately we are working for Him, not merely for human recognition (Colossians 3:23-24).
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This applies whether you are:
- Managing your home and family responsibilities,
- Running a business,
- Serving in a church ministry, or
- Completing tasks at your job.
Even when circumstances are challenging, a virtuous woman perseveres, knowing that diligent, faithful work honors God. Her example inspires those around her and demonstrates the fruit of a life committed to Christ.
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8. A Virtuous Woman Takes Care of Her Home and Is Hospitable
The eighth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is homemaking and hospitality (Proverbs 31:15, 20–22, 27; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2). She manages her home wisely, cares for her family’s needs, and ensures her household runs smoothly.
Hospitality is a key part of her life. Scripture instructs us to welcome others, including strangers and especially fellow believers, into our homes with warmth and kindness (Hebrews 13:2 AMP). A virtuous woman makes everyone around her feel comfortable, valued, and loved.
Being a modern Proverbs 31 Woman doesn’t mean perfection—it means creating an environment that reflects God’s love. This can look like:
- Preparing meals for family and friends,
- Organizing your home so it functions efficiently,
- Creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests,
- Offering a listening ear, encouragement, or prayer to those who visit.
Hospitality is not only about physical preparation but also about a heart that demonstrates Christ’s love through kindness and generosity. By caring for her home and practicing hospitality, a virtuous woman blesses both her household and her community, leaving a lasting impact on those she serves.
9. A Virtuous Woman Spends Time Doing God’s Will
The ninth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is how she manages her time (Proverbs 31:13, 19 & 27; Ecclesiastes 3; Proverbs 16:9; Philippians 4:8). She invests her hours in activities that honor God and bring blessing to her family and community. A virtuous woman is intentional about how she spends her time—she works diligently, avoids distractions that do not glorify the Lord, and focuses on what is good, pure, and helpful.
Melissa Ringstaff notes that a virtuous woman aligns her schedule with God’s priorities, dedicating her day to meaningful work, service, and devotion.
Spending time wisely also means obeying Jesus and seeking to do God’s will (John 14:21; Matthew 7:21). Daily Bible study, prayer, caring for her family, managing her home, and serving in the community are all examples of using her time wisely.
By dedicating time to what truly matters, a Proverbs 31 Woman cultivates a life that glorifies God, nurtures her household, and leaves a spiritual legacy for others to follow.
10. A Virtuous Woman Develops and Values Her Inner Beauty
The tenth virtue of the Proverbs 31 Woman is beauty (Proverbs 31:10, 21-22, 24-25; Isaiah 61:10; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:1-6). She is creative, embraces beauty with godliness, and cultivates a character that reflects her faith in Christ. A virtuous woman understands that her true worth comes from the Lord, and her inner beauty—her integrity, gentleness, humility, and strength—is what makes her truly radiant.
Melissa Ringstaff reminds us that the Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman of both worth and beauty. She uses her creativity and sense of style not only to bless her own life but also to enrich the lives of those around her.
God places supreme value on inner beauty, calling it incorruptible and lasting. This tenth virtue is the main focus of my blog because it is where many women need the most encouragement. Inner beauty undergirds all the other virtues—it guides how we serve, work, love, and lead.
See Related: I Am a Model
I chose the name of my business, Above Rubies or Pearls, to encourage women to embrace their true value in God. As His daughters, we are priceless—worth far above rubies or pearls—and we should never forget that or allow the world to define our worth.
See Related: Why I Started My Blog
The Proverbs 31 Woman is more than a list of qualities—she is a model of faith, purpose, diligence, and love. From dedicating time to God in prayer, honoring her calling as a daughter of the King, serving others, and managing her home, to nurturing her inner beauty and using her gifts to glorify Him—each virtue is a step toward living a life that reflects Christ.
As we seek to apply these ten virtues in our daily lives, remember that God equips us for each role we are called to play. Whether you are a wife, mother, sister, mentor, or friend, cultivating these qualities brings blessing to yourself, your family, and your community.
Start applying these virtues today! I created The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman: A 5-Day Devotional to help you take actionable steps toward embracing these attributes in everyday life. Each day focuses on one or two virtues with Scripture, reflections, and practical activities to strengthen your faith and character.
Let me know in the comments which virtue you are working on this week, or which one inspires you the most.
Until next time… 💕
Very helpful tips! Not only for women but men also need this
Thank you, Ben, and I agree; men definitely do need these tips, too! 😊
I can tell that you’re passionate about this topic through your writing. You write beautifully! Thank you for your insight and tips! 🙂
Thank you, Camila! I am glad that you can see that about me! And you are welcome. 😊
Love this list, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, and you are welcome! 😊
I love that self care was on the list! I recently read that one way to serve God is to make the most of yourself. I think sometimes we focus on others so much that we lose ourselves.
Yes, that is a very good point, and I think this is especially true with mothers. Everyone must take time to take care of themselves; we cannot love others as ourself if we do not first love ourselves. 🙏🏽💕
This is such a beautiful explanation of how to live a virtuous lifestyle! I’m always looking for ways to better myself.
Thank you, I am glad you find this inspiring! 💕
You are a beautiful person inside and out. I am so glad we “stumbled” on each other.
Thank you, Nathalie, so are you! 🤗💕🌸
Love all of these! Some definitely come more naturally than others but all truly do make up the Proverbs 31 woman.
Thank you, Sarah! 😊
Very good article post. Much thanks again. Fantastic.
You’re welcome, and thank you! 😊
This is so inspiring and necessary! We need a practical blueprint to help lead us on the journey where virtuous women prosper.
Thank you, I agree! 🥰🙏🏽
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