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Introduction: Proverbs 31:13 Bible Study

Welcome, to the bible study series Know the Bible: Proverbs 31 verse 13. I am glad you are meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE, where women can study the word of God together and encourage one another while we walk out our faith, embrace womanhood, and live fearlessly.

In this study of Proverbs 31:13, we will look at the thirteenth verse in context. I have broken the chapter into mini-studies so busy women like myself can take in the information in just a few minutes each day. 

If you have more time then feel free to continue to the next section whenever you are ready.

This study is perfect for a personal bible study or a women’s small group.

New here? The Proverbs 31 overview sets the stage for the context of the chapter, otherwise, let’s jump right into Proverbs 31 verse 13!

Proverbs 31:13

“She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.”

Proverbs 31:13 NKJV

Proverbs 31:13 Strong’s Definition:

willingly- (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible H2656)חֵפֶץ chêphets, khay’-fets; from H2654; pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind):—acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly.

Proverbs 31:13 Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

WILLINGLY,  adverb

1. With free will; without reluctance; cheerfully.

2. By ones own choice.

Summary of Proverbs 31:13

The virtuous wife seeks wool and flax fibers and she works with her own hands with delight.

My notes from Proverbs 31:13

The literal translation of Proverbs 31:13 is “She seeks wool and flax and she works with her palms with delight.”

Wool and flax are both fibers. Wool represents animal fibers while flax represents plant fibers. 

These two types of fibers were commonly used to make clothing and textiles. Both are considered difficult processes.

This woman is making clothing and textiles for her family to use and sell. 

I imagine she is an artist. I’m sure she takes great care in the selection and process of the materials in order to produce an unflawed fiber for weaving. 

She seeks wool and flax. She isn’t just taking what is readily available. Great effort is taken to find the materials before she even begins the process of creating.

The Proverb 31 woman willingly does this task. She delights in this task.

She works with her hands.

I can identify working with my hands. Some of my tasks are cleaning, cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, and building/maintaining things around the property. 

My hands have gotten dirty and blistered and my nails have cracked. I have tried to keep a manicure, but it often gets chipped and I feel like it’s a waste of time.

Some women often have beautifully manicured nails. I don’t know how they keep their nails so lovely. Even wearing gloves doesn’t seem to work for me.

When it comes down to it, I choose to have hands that show the hard work I have put forth out of love for my family rather than perfect nails. I appreciate the flaws I have gained as a badge of honor. 

My family always said “Dirty hands, clean money.” Peace of mind is worth getting a little dirty.

I believe her delight comes from knowing she is working to bless her family and others. She has the satisfaction of a job not only well done but beautifully done.

Simple Truths From Proverbs 31:13

1. Anything worth doing takes effort.
2. Attitude is everything, we can take delight in our tasks.
3. It’s ok if we don’t look perfect, our flaws are beautiful too!
4. Dirty hands=clean money.

Questions to Ponder:

1. Are there jobs that you do that take great effort?
2. Is there a task that you want to start that makes you excited?
3. How can we shift our thinking towards taking pleasure in the tasks at hand?

Thank you, for meeting me here, AT FORESTS EDGE. I hope this in-depth women’s bible study of Proverbs 31 is a blessing to you. 

I’d love to know if you have gained insight from the study. 

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior you can find out more about salvation.

Ready for the next study, Proverbs 31:14? Feel free to check out my favorite bible study tools.

I’d love for you to be my companion in this journey, and join my newsletter where I share encouragement throughout the year for women to walk in faith, embrace womanhood, and live fearlessly. 

Until we meet again,

Raeanna