Proverbs 31:23 | Bible Study | The Power Women Hold

Introduction: Proverbs 31:23 A Virtuous Wife Respects Her Husband

Welcome to our Bible study  ‘AT FORESTS EDGE’! Let’s explore Proverbs 31:23 together!

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, we will look at the twenty-third verse in context. I have broken the chapter up into mini-studies so that 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 23! 

Proverbs 31:23

“Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.”

Proverbs 31:23 NKJV

Strong’s Definitions of Proverbs 31:23:

known- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H3045)יָדַע yâdaʻ, yaw-dah’; a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.):—acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider,

× could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, be learned, lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, × prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), × will be, wist, wit, wot.

gate- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H8179)שַׁעַר shaʻar, shah’-ar; from H8176 in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate:—city, door, gate, port (× -er).

sit- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H3427)יָשַׁב yâshab, yaw-shab’; a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:—(make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish.

elder- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H2205)זָקֵן zâqên, zaw-kane’; from H2204; old:—aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and…women), senator.

Proverbs 31:23 Definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

GATE, 

noun

1. A large door which gives entrance into a walled city, a castle, a temple, palace or other large edifice. It differs from door chiefly in being larger. gate signifies both the opening or passage, and the frame of boards, planks or timber which closes the passage.

2. A frame of timber which opens or closes a passage into any court, garden or other inclosed ground; also, the passage.

3. The frame which shuts or stops the passage of water through a dam into a flume.

4. An avenue; an opening; a way.

In scripture, figuratively, power, dominion. ‘Thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; ‘ that is, towns and fortresses. Genesis 22:17.

The gates of hell, are the power and dominion of the devil and his instruments. Matthew 16:18.

The gates of death, are the brink of the grave. Psalms 9:13.

SIT,

 verb intransitive preterit tense sat; old participle passive sitten [Latin sedeo.]

3. To occupy a seat or place in an official capacity. The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Matthew 23:2.

11. To hold a session; to be officially engaged in public business; as judges, legislators or officers of any kind. The house of commons sometimes sits till late at night. The judges or the courts sit in Westminster hall. The commissioners sit every day.

12. To exercise authority; as, to sit in judgment. One council sits upon life and death.

13. To be in any assembly or council as a member; to have a seat.

Summary of Proverbs 31:23

The Proverbs 31 woman’s husband has a good reputation and is respected. He holds a position of authority in the land.

My notes from Proverbs 31:23

The Proverbs 31 Woman’s Husband

Proverbs 31:23 provides insight into her husband’s role. The Proverbs 31 woman is not the head of the household. She does all of these amazing things and has authority over many people and tasks. However, she is married to a strong and respected man.

The Proverbs 31 husband is the head of their household, is respected, and holds a position of authority in their town.

We can see that because the “gates” were traditionally where all legal business took place. From solving disputes to purchasing land. Everything that would need to be judged would be brought to the gates and be witnessed publicly by those around. The elders, whether you call them judges or senators, would hear the cases and have the final word on the business being brought before them.

A Virtuous Wife’s Role in Her Husband’s Life

When we look at Proverbs 31:23 in the context of the chapter which describes the virtuous wife we can deduce that he has gained respect because of his wife’s conduct. 

Behind every great man is an encouraging woman. Leaders need helpers and their wife is their most entrusted confidant. 

As a wife, we are a part of our husband. When we get married, the two become one. I once heard a Rabbi put it this way “When a husband and wife are alone and connecting in the most intimate way possible, in that moment there no longer exists her or me, it is only us. The two become one which is something greater than can be explained.” 

It is a beautiful thought and filled with truth. The Bible states that the two become one, but have we ever taken a moment to really consider the spiritual and physical implications of that truth?

God Made Roles for a Purpose

When a husband and wife are operating in unity, within God’s will and structure that He created for humanity, then it will be apparent in their home and spread to the people they interact with.

You may have heard the saying “ Happy wife, happy life.” Well let me take it a step further, if a husband is respected by his wife, then he will be the man that gains respect in the land. 

A man can choose to be a good man, but when he has the respect of his wife, he can be a great man. In her eyes, she sees him as the superhero, the hard worker, the awesome dad. He confidently walks into that role when he knows she thinks of him that way. 

As women, we have the power to build up our husbands or tear them down. And it is extremely easy to tear a man down. That is why it is extremely important to not entertain negative people or allow them to shape our opinions. Have no community with women who have no respect for men or human life in general. You cannot allow that way of thinking to influence your mind.

What Makes a Strong Woman

There is a common narrative today that strong women are the ones who take charge and tear men to shreds. I say the opposite is true. The true strength of a woman comes from knowing the power we hold and choosing to wield it wisely. 

Strong women are good wives, leaders, mothers, and friends. Strong women build others up, they encourage others in their walk with the Lord. They are healers and creators, life-givers.

A strong woman builds her home and the community around her by her presence and her conduct.

The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

Proverbs 14:1

A malicious woman may at first appear strong. When I was young I envied the women who spoke and acted so boldly and cursed and seemed to live their lives unafraid. I thought, oh they must be more authentic because they just say whatever they want. But, it was a lie. 

Now with wisdom and discernment, I see that those actions weren’t authentic and noble. They were hideous. It revealed a heart full of hate and disregard for other people. They weren’t free, they were enslaved to their own passions and jealousies. 

True freedom comes from letting go of our pride. Let go of the need to be better than other people. Let go of the desire to have the things other people have. When we focus instead on loving God and loving others we come to realize that we have all that we need. Our Father in Heaven gives freely to His children and we lack nothing! 

I would much rather live a life that breathes life into others and illuminates the darkness that seems to suffocate the world. When I am around other women, I want them to feel encouraged and loved.

 I have a beautiful younger cousin who is not only striking on the outside but has a heart that truly loves people. That is true beauty. There are so many people in this world who would rather take a gentle spirit like hers and tear her down. But the Lord has inspired me to build her up. I want to show her who we are and who we become is a choice. I know one day, she will be in my position pouring into another girl’s life. Showing her that she is important and loved and that women were made to be life-givers.

This Is The Choice We All Have

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18:21

3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

1Peter 3:3-4

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 12:4

Simple Truths from Proverbs 31:23

1. A good man with an excellent wife becomes a great man.
2. Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control.
3. Incorruptible beauty is having a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of the Lord.

Questions to Ponder from Proverbs 31:23:

1. Do you respect your husband, and if you are not married do you have a respect for men, how about God?
2. Are there negative lies that you have been deceived by? It’s time to let them go.
3. List the ways you can be a life-giver.

My goal is to pour into younger women and show them how precious they truly are. Let’s shape the next generation to become truly strong women. Leaders, wives, mothers, friends.  I hope you join me in that mission. There are enough critical spirits in this world. Let’s change the culture through real love and real relationships.

As we wrap up this leg of our journey AT FORESTS EDGE, remember that every step brings us closer to a stronger, more vibrant faith. Let’s keep growing hope together!

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.

The next study is Proverbs 31:24. You can go back and read Proverbs 31:22 or feel free to check out my favorite bible study tools.

I’d love for you to be my companion in this journey, join my newsletter, and let’s walk this journey together as we GROW HOPE!

Until we meet again,

Raeanna