Proverbs 31:22

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a virtuous woman:

Proverbs 31:22 (ESV)

She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

In the description of the virtuous women, Solomon catalogs what a virtuous women looks like and what she does.  In this list he speaks in several places about the industry of this women of choice.   She not only takes care of her children, family and the poor, she takes care of herself.   The clothes she makes are not off the left-over rack.  She uses "fine linen" and "purple linen."   Remember in chapter seven of Proverbs, Folly tempts the young man with "fine linen" and her bed.   Remember, that purple in the Bible is always a sign of royalty and authority.   The entire Tabernacle instruction include the color of purple in the priest's clothing and the Tabernacle curtains.    Christ was clothed, in a way to mock His claim to authority, by the Roman guards, in purple.    Lydia, the seller in Acts, was a seller of purple.   This description of the Virtuous Women is not describing a person who cares for others while she walks around in a servant-Cinderella-pre-ball-appearance.    A virtuous women takes care of herself.  When seen in public she turns eyes because she is adorned with the color of authority and the material that feels fine to the touch.   We might get the impression that the virtuous women is a pauper and down trodden, with the look of poverty.    She is a Lilly in the pond.    She stands out.  She does not neglect herself.   She is virtuous on the inside and that is reflected on the outside.