Proverbs 31:24 Bible Study | Dynamic Entrepreneurship

Introduction: Proverbs 31:24 The Proverbs 31 Woman’s Wisdom in Business

Welcome to our Bible study  ‘AT FORESTS EDGE’! Let’s explore Proverbs 31:24 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-fourth 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 24! 

Proverbs 31:24

“She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.”

Proverbs 31:24 NKJV

Strong’s Definitions of Proverbs 31:24:

make- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H6213)עָשָׂה ʻâsâh, aw-saw’; a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application:—accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, × certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with)

linen- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H5466)סָדִין çâdîyn, saw-deen’; from an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, i.e. shirt:—fine linen, sheet.

merchant- 

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible  H3669)כְּנַעַנִי Kᵉnaʻanîy, ken-ah-an-ee’; patrial from H3667; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile caravans):—Canaanite, merchant, trafficker.

Proverbs 31:24 Definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

MAKE,

 verb transitive preterit tense and participle passive made.

2. To form of materials; to fashion; to mold into shape; to cause to exist in a different form, or as a distinct thing.

LIN’EN, 

noun [Latin linun, flax, Gr. The sense is probably long, extended or smooth. In the latter sense, it would accord with Latin linio, lenio.]

1. Cloth made of flax or hemp.

2. An under garment.

LIN’EN, adjective [Latin lineus.]

1. Made of flax or hemp; as linen cloth; a linen stocking.

2. Resembling linen cloth; white; pale.

Fossil-linen, a kind of amianth, with soft, parallel, flexible fibers.

MER’CHANT,

 noun [Latin mercor, to buy.]

1. A man who trafficks or carries on trade with foreign countries, or who exports and imports goods and sells them by wholesale.

2. In popular usage, any trader, or one who deals in the purchase and sale of goods.

3. A ship in trade. [Not used.]

MER’CHANT, verb intransitive To trade. [Not in use.]

Summary of Proverbs 31:24

The Proverbs 31 woman creates quality garments and sells them to the public and to merchants who travel abroad.

My notes from Proverbs 31:23

Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Virtue: A Dive into Proverbs 31:24

In the tapestry of biblical wisdom, one thread stands out—a depiction of a woman whose virtues weave a narrative that transcends time and resonates in the heart of every era.

 Proverbs 31:24 introduces us to a woman of substance, whose entrepreneurial spirit sparkles amid the ancient marketplaces. As we embark on this exploration, we peel back the layers unlocking the vibrant truth behind a verse that often lies beneath the shadows of stereotypes.

The virtuous woman reaches beyond the confines of traditional roles, this woman is a creator with purpose, crafting goods that are not just desired but also needed. 

Her entrepreneurial prowess takes center stage as she ventures into the bustling markets, selling her creations to the public and merchants alike. Profit is not a taboo word; it’s a means to nurture the well-being of her family.

The Virtuous Woman: Creating Goods with Purpose

Proverbs 31:24 reveals a woman who doesn’t merely produce for the sake of productivity. She crafts with purpose, creating goods that meet both desires and needs. 

The Virtuous Woman’s Craftsmanship extends beyond aesthetics, her creations satisfy a demand. They aren’t just fashionable; they serve a purpose in the lives of those who acquire them. This woman is not merely a producer; she’s a creator with a keen understanding of market dynamics.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Action

The marketplace becomes the stage where the virtuous woman’s entrepreneurial prowess shines. Proverbs 31:24 unveils her as not just a creator but a strategic seller, catering to both the public and discerning merchants.

Try to imagine the hustle and bustle of an ancient market, where merchants tout their wares, and customers explore the latest offerings. Our virtuous woman is right in the midst of it all, proudly displaying her finely crafted linen garments.

I imagine she would have been a shrewd negotiator gaining respect and a good reputation from the merchants she sold to. She would have developed business relationships over time and created a steady income for her family.

Proverbs 31:24 Reveals a Wise Business Strategy

• Catering to Public Desires: By selling directly to the public, the virtuous woman ensures her creations meet the diverse tastes and preferences of individual consumers. She isn’t just a businesswoman; she’s a curator of wearable art.
• Strategic Merchandising: Supplying sashes to merchants reveals her strategic mindset. She isn’t merely retailing; she’s establishing partnerships, expanding her reach, and ensuring her goods find their way to various corners of the market.

The Virtuous Woman’s Business Mindset

Proverbs 31:24 doesn’t just paint a picture of a woman selling goods; it unveils a woman with a keen business mindset. 

Balancing Profit and Family Priorities:

• Financial Stewardship: The virtuous woman isn’t merely chasing profits for the sake of accumulation. She approaches her business endeavors with a sense of stewardship, recognizing that financial success can be a tool for nurturing her family’s well-being.
• Prioritizing Family Needs: While she engages in commerce, her family remains her top priority. The profits earned aren’t detached from familial responsibilities; instead, they become a means to provide, protect, and empower her household.

How Financial Success Benefits the Family

• Educational Opportunities: I imagine the virtuous woman using the profits to invest in her children’s education, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in their pursuits.
• Enhanced Living Conditions: A reasonable profit isn’t just about survival; it’s about creating an environment where her family can flourish. Perhaps it goes into improving living conditions, ensuring comfort and security. 
• Expanded Generosity: We have already encountered this virtuous woman’s extreme generosity. Earning more income would have certainly widened her ability to give to others.

Embracing Diverse Callings

The virtuous woman isn’t confined to a one-size-fits-all mold. Let’s explore how related scriptures contribute to a richer understanding of her role, recognizing that virtue embraces women in various life stages and callings.

The Modern Virtuous Woman: Career, Homemaking, and More:

• Diverse Callings: Titus 2:5 emphasizes wives “working at home,” but a deeper look reveals a call to be self-controlled and kind. This scripture doesn’t limit women to a specific location but encourages them to embody virtues regardless of their chosen paths.
• God’s Plan for Uniqueness: Every woman is uniquely gifted, and God’s plan encompasses a variety of callings. Proverbs 31:24 becomes a bridge between traditional roles and modern aspirations, encouraging women to serve in different capacities—whether at home, in their professions, or both.

Unique Gifts and Callings for Everyone:

• Diversity in Service: Recognizing diverse gifts and callings frees women from the pressure to conform to a singular narrative. Whether in the corporate world, at home, or engaged in ministry, women can find fulfillment by embracing their unique roles.
• A Myriad of Ministries: God’s plan unfolds in various ways—some women are called to serve at home, while others find their ministry in the workplace or through entrepreneurial endeavors. Proverbs 31:24 becomes a beacon, guiding women to discover and thrive in their God-given callings.

Proverbs 31:24 Enterprising Virtue: Being Ingenious and Industrious

The virtuous woman is not merely a homemaker; she’s an enterprising force. Here are some of the characteristics that make her an entrepreneur, showcasing her intelligence, diligence, and ability to seize business opportunities.

Applying Business Savvy in Today’s Context:

• Intelligence and Diligence: The virtuous woman is no stranger to business acumen. She applies herself both intellectually and physically, ensuring that her endeavors are marked by quality and purpose.
• Seeing Opportunities: Like a skilled entrepreneur, she identifies business opportunities and leverages them for the benefit of her family. Her keen eye for market trends and needs sets her apart in the marketplace.

Balancing Domestic Duties with Entrepreneurial Passion:

• Prioritizing Family and Passion: While the virtuous woman is an entrepreneur at heart, she doesn’t let her business pursuits overshadow her domestic duties. She adeptly balances her entrepreneurial passion with serving her husband and children.
• Drive and Passion: The Proverbs 31 woman’s drive to contribute in various ways showcases her passion for both her family and her entrepreneurial endeavors. She doesn’t compromise one for the other but weaves them together seamlessly. 

When seeking endeavors, our hopes and dreams need to align with the commitment we have for our family. When we get married it is not wise to hope that our husband’s goals align with ours. We both have to make a conscious choice to prioritize our family first and build our hopes and dreams together. 

If our motivation is to serve God first, our spouse second, and be an active parent in our home, then every choice we make professionally will fall in line as well.

 It’s ok to desire to do more. I am not satisfied merely teaching my children and cleaning my home every day. My heart desires to help people and create! That is why I started this website. My husband is an integral part of this dream too. He is my biggest supporter. I can do this because I know he has my back and even though it is my passion project, we are in this together. 

If this endeavor caused problems in our home, I wouldn’t desire to pursue it. I love my husband and my children more than my desire to create. I know that this is the path for me because I am placing my family first and choosing to work on this instead of personal leisure activities. My heart is to help people, to inspire hope, to encourage others in their walk.

People have chosen to abandon their roles to pursue their “dreams”. That could be a contributor to the breakdown of the family. Most people who realize those dreams usually have deep regrets. How much more so for the ones who never reached their goals and still sacrificed the only people who mattered?

Encouragement for Women Embracing Entrepreneurial Virtue

The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 wasn’t limited by stereotypes or confined to a specific role. She was a dynamic force, creating, selling, and contributing to her family’s well-being with ingenuity and passion.

Just as her example transcends time, so too can your journey. Whether you’re crafting goods, engaged in business ventures, or navigating diverse roles, embrace your uniqueness. Recognize that virtue isn’t confined to a singular path but thrives in the rich tapestry of diverse callings.

As you navigate the complexities of work, home, ministries, and passion projects, glean from the entrepreneurial spirit of the virtuous woman. Be purposeful in your creations, strategic in your endeavors, and always mindful of the impact on your family.

Simple Truths from Proverbs 31:24

1. A woman’s role may extend beyond the confines of the home yet does not abandon the home.
2. Proverbs 31 is not a checklist to complete, each woman has her own unique gifts and callings which are unique to you!
3. If you want a life and marriage that thrives, build your dreams together!

Questions to Ponder from Proverbs 31:24:

1. Do you have a desire that you would like to pursue?
2. What job or ministry are you fulfilling?
3. Do you consider 1. God 2. Husband 3. Children, when making life plans?

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 31:25. Or you can go back and read Proverbs 31:23 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