#1496. Work Wholeheartedly like the ‘Proverbs 31 Woman’. (16/4/26)
- Matt Beaney
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Let’s continue reflecting on a godly attitude to work by considering the example of the ‘Proverbs 31 Woman’.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.’ (Ephesians 6:7-8)
The Proverbs 31 Woman
‘A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands…She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple…She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come…She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness…Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.’ (Proverbs 31:13, 15-22, 25, 27, 30-31)
With this, the book of Proverbs comes to its conclusion. This portrait of the woman who fears the Lord—structured as an acrostic poem (each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet)—is both a personification of wisdom and a practical example of wise living.
While it speaks directly into the context of a wife and household, its principles apply to all—men and women, married and single alike.
Today, let’s consider how this relates to what we read about work in Ephesians 6.
1. She serve wholeheartedly
We are told to work ‘wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.’ This woman of noble character embodies this attitude.
She is marked by active, purposeful, and selfless service. Her life is outward-facing - seeking the good of others. Whether in family life, work, or wider relationships, she uses her energy and gifts for the benefit of those around her.
She:
‘Selects… works with eager hands… gets up… provides…considers… plants… sets about her work vigorously… her lamps does not go out… grasps the spindle… opens her arms to the poor… makes coverings… watches over… fears the Lord’
She is a compelling picture of wholeheartedness.
At the heart of it all is her fear of the Lord. Her worship fuels her work. This is not mere busyness—it is devotion expressed through diligence. A life shaped by reverence for God will overflow into faithful, energetic service.
As I write this, I hear my wife cleaning the bathroom and toilet on her day off!
2. She brings blessing and goodness to others
This passage not only highlights her diligence, but also the impact of her work. She is not a workaholic whose activity harms relationships—rather, her work brings life, provision, and blessing.
We see this in phrases such as:
‘[they] Lack nothing of value… She brings good, not harm… she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants… opens her arms to the poor… makes coverings… gives faithful instruction…’
Her work is fruitful because it is loving. It strengthens her home, serves the vulnerable, and reflects God’s goodness.
3. She is praised for her industry and character
Finally, we see that her life results in honour:
‘Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.’
Her diligence, wisdom, and godly character are recognised. Yet the ultimate focus is not her praise, but the God she fears. Her life points beyond herself.
This reminds us of Ephesians 6: the Lord sees, the Lord rewards, and the Lord is the one we ultimately serve.
Response
Read through this passage again slowly. Pray through the characteristics of this woman of noble character.
Where is God calling you to grow in wholeheartedness?How can your work—whatever form it takes—become more intentional, more loving, and more God-centred?
Let’s seek to be people whose work flows from worship, bringing blessing to others and honour to God.
Community Group Study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we resumed our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
We reflected on the vital role of work in our service to God.
Please read Ephesians 6:5-9 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?
Our Daily Work as Worship - What is your daily work - even if you are not in paid employment, how do you serve God each day?
Biblical Principles for Work - What principles does this text teach about how we are to do our work?
Eternal Perspective and Reward - How does the Lord ‘reward’ us for faithfully serving Him in our daily work?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
Exemplary work brings God glory - Read Titus 2:9-10: How does the way we work make the gospel attractive?
Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.
Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?
Let’s Pray Together
Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.
Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.
General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?
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