the virtuous woman

276 Pages·2016·5.51 MB·English

© 2014 Advent Press Limited
© 2014 BUC Women’s Ministries Department

WOMEN OF VIRTUE PROGRAMME MANUAL

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nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

First Print, 2014

Unless otherwise indicated all Bible quotations are taken from the

New King James Version.
© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978-1-909615-09-0

Principle Author
Sharon Platt-McDonald

Contributing Author
Sandra Golding

Published By
ADVENT PRESS LIMITED
High Wycombe

Although published by Advent Press Limited this book is a self-published product and solely the work of
the author.
The contents herein have not been checked for factual accuracy (or otherwise) and the author assumes
full responsibility for this piece of work. Advent Press Limited have contributed in no way to the writing
and contents of this book.

Printed and Bound in the UK by Advent Press Limited

Cover Image © Shutterstock / EUGENE SERGEEV
Design & Layout, Advent Press Limited
THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN
King James Version
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do
him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with
her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it
is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a
field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with
strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle
goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She
stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh
herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates,
when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth
girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to
come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh
well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and
called her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously,
but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the
Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the
gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31

The Message (MSG) Version
A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without
reserve and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading
ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing
breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money
she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves,
eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s
skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in
need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter
clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens
and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs
gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made
and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something
worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in
with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman
who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praise!
Contents

FOREWORD
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
INTRODUCING THE AUTHORS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ENDORSEMENTS
WOMEN OF VIRTUE SONGS
INTRODUCING THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN
GODLY CHARACTER
WOMEN AS SINGLES
WOMEN AS WIVES
WOMEN AS HOMEMAKERS
WOMEN AS PROVIDERS
WOMEN AS MOTHERS
MAINTAINS HER APPEARANCE
A STRONG WOMAN
WOMEN WHO ARE INDUSTRIOUS
WOMEN AS INVESTORS
WOMEN AS COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
ENCOURAGING AND AFFIRMING EXCELLENCE
A WOMAN COMPARED
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Proverbs 31:29 – 31

“Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excellest them
all. Favour is deceitful, and
beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be
praised. Give her of the fruit of
her hands; and let her own works
praise her in the gates.”
Forward
FOREWORD

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects
it.”
Edith Wharton

The imagery of ‘light’ and ‘reflection’ are ones that mark the life of the Christian. As
we emulate the character of Christ, who is the Light of the world, we become
reflectors of His light. As Christian women, we can be both the candle and the
mirror in this dark world to help illuminate the lives of others; pointing them to
Christ. We also find a reference point from those whose exemplary lives have
blazed a trail which illuminated the path and navigated the way for fellow travellers.
The admirable life of the Proverbs 31 women is a beacon of light pointing Christian
women to their Creator and their potential through Him. The portrayal of this
Virtuous Woman has been an inspiration to me as she epitomises what it means to
be a Godly, productive and influential woman who positively impacts her home and
community alike.
As I analysed the outstanding attributes of this commendable woman it became
evident that there were some principles on which we could build in order to enrich
our role as women and enhance the ministry in our homes, churches and
communities. It was this inspiration that propelled me to write a programme for
women. Subsequently the birth of the Women of Virtue Programme and the
compilation of this manual is the product of that vision of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Realising the high calling on our lives; to fulfil God’s will for us and achieve our full
potential as Christian women, I have formatted the programme around thirteen
aspects of life that shape us as women. These are the foundational principles
depicted in Proverbs 31:10-31 for which this woman is praiseworthy. Each chapter
is based on one of these principles.
At the start of each chapter I have placed Case Studies which portray the lives of
women who have experienced challenges on their journey to becoming women of
virtue. This enables a realistic look at where women are coming from in their varied
life experiences and how we can assist women in similar situations to reach up to
God to transform their lives.
It is my prayer that as you read through this manual, utilise the complimentary
materials and attend the accompanying seminars and workshops, you will become
‘lights’ that brighten your homes, churches and communities. In so doing may you
reflect Christ as you develop into women of virtue to the honour and glory of His
Name.
Your sister in Christ
Sharon
how to use
this manual

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The following guidelines are written to assist us in getting the most out of this
manual and support the training that will accompany the Women of Virtue
Programme.

CASE STUDIES
The case studies are written to bring an element of ‘real life’ into the programme. It
is intend to demonstrate some of the real life issues women are currently facing.
Whilst we all want to aspire to be like the Proverbs 31 woman the reality for many
women is a life circumstance that is challenging and somewhat different from the
ideal outlined in verses 10-31. How do we meet these women where they are
currently? We need something that speaks to their place of reference and gives
them hope to move forward.
These case studies are a compilation of real life experiences which have been
adapted to protect the anonymity of individuals. Whilst there are fictitious
elements, the case studies are drawn from the combined life events of various
women. Discussion questions have been placed at the end of each case study for
your personal reflection and to facilitate group discussions in your Women’s
Ministries programmes.

CHAPTERS
The chapters are based on the attributes of the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31
detailing specific aspects of her life. Added to these are current issues faced by 21st
century women that have been included to give some relevance and comparative
analysis for today’s women.

REFLECTION
This is the reflective point in the manual which enables you to pause and
consolidate what you have read so far. It is also a moment to make a relevant
application where necessary.

ACTION POINTS
The action points allow you to take some suggested steps based on the themes of
the chapter. This gives an opportunity for some experiential learning. It also helps to
strengthen the reflection points.

RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES
The identified books, magazines, websites and other materials are the
recommendations of the authors. This is material that they have previously used for
their personal nurture and development and also to accompany the workshops and
seminars that they have undertaken. An augmented version of these listings have
been placed in the bibliography section at the back of the manual.

PRAYER
The prayer section is a place for you to connect with God as you reflect on the
information you have read. You may choose to prayer your own prayer of
commitment asking God to assist your development in the areas of need or
thanking Him for what He is already doing in your life.

NURTURE
This manual is intended for the nurture and development of women on their
journey to be all that God intends for them. It is the reference book for the Women
of Virtue programme. The intention is for Women’s Ministries leaders to go through
the manual for them to become conversant with its content. Leading on from this
will be the accompanying seminars and workshops that give additional information
and offer experiential learning.

OUTREACH
As a ministry tool, this resource can also be used to engage women in the
community. These are most likely to be women that you are currently working with
or who have been invited to your church or Women’s Ministries programme. They
can also be invited to the associated events that will follow.

CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
As this is a British Union Conference initiative we would encourage you to promote
the use of this resource and programme in your Women’s Ministries departmental
programmes. As you implement the actions, attend the workshops and seminars
and develop discussion groups around the subject matter in this manual, we pray
that this will have a positive impact on your church. We pray also that the women
who attend this programme will experience growth as they become the Women of
Virtue God has ordained them to be.