Many women who come to my blog are searching for one thing. How to be a Proverbs 31 Woman. They’ve read, or heard read Proverbs 31 and are wondering if they can become a “super-woman” too.
I’m afraid I may disappoint you ladies, but if you are looking for a checklist on how to be a proverbs 31 woman, you aren’t going to find it here. What you will find is that you are most likely A Proverbs 31 Woman already!
Proverbs 31 is written from a mother to her son. She is giving him instruction for being a king, and giving a picture of a woman of virtue. Proverbs 31 was written to a man!
Now isn’t that a strange twist? Godly women every-where are looking at Proverbs 31 and seeing a list of requirements they need to live up to; when in all reality these verses were written for a man as praise to a virtuous woman.
This isn’t a list of things to become, but a list of things you already are!
Proverbs 31, verses 10-31 is written as a poem that honors women. Many Jewish men sing this as praise their wives on the Sabbath. These verses are celebrating women of virtue!
What is a Virtuous Woman?
Oh yes, I knew you would ask that.
According to Merriam-Webster, Virtue is having high moral values or adhering to a high standard of right. It is a commendable trait or merit and means Valor.
What does Valor mean?
To be brave, strong, of great worth, defined as having great strength of mind or spirit to handle danger. Valor isn’t so much WHAT you do, as HOW you do it.
There are many women of valor in the Bible. Ruth is most commonly mentioned as one. Then there is Micah who lowered David out a window and protected him. Esther, who risked her life to save her people. Deborah, a judge over Israel. Sarah, giving birth as an old woman.
I could go on an on. Here’s the thing. All women of valor, none of them perfect.
How to be a Proverbs 31 Woman
All of Proverbs speaks of seeking wisdom. It likens wisdom as a pearl of great price. When you find it, sell all you have to buy it. To obtain wisdom, get rid of all your ideas and wants and seek God.
Any woman who is a child of God, will be seeking after God and finding wisdom.
Proverbs 31 shows us wisdom in action, it shows who a Godly woman is. This is all summed up in verse 31 “Give her the fruit of her hands, let her works praise her in the streets“.
The fruit of your hands, is the work you have accomplished and this work will praise you.
So stop stressing over how to be a Proverbs 31 Woman and realize that if you are a woman who seeks wisdom, then your journey is already began! In a very practical way of speaking, here are ways I am a Proverbs 31 woman.
Interested in learning more? Check out Set Apart. A 28 day study that looks at the characteristics of the virtuous woman. You will learn to identify and grow each one of those traits in this simple devotional.
Hello. This was a lovely post, thank you for making the time to clarify a little more on this point of scripture as well as putting in links to help us grow in this area of study in Scripture. Some time back I started meditating on Proverbs 31. As a follower of Christ for nearly 20 years and a wife of about 16 years I have meditated on this portion of scripture quite a bit. One time it struck me that this particular spot is actually done by his mom, the guy who was writing Proverbs (I am terrible with remembering details even important ones for some reason – for that I am terribly sorry) but his mom had given this list as for what she hoped for a wife for her son. In that I took the “oh, gee what a great mother-in-law to have such impossible goals for this poor young wife” as I went down the list. But another time I was reading the very same passage it dawned on me that it is impossible to do it all at one time. That really took a huge weight off my shoulders and heart! As a mom of little ones I had a hard time being the last one to bed and the first one up. Really?! It’s exhausting. And making a living from home while trying to intentionally bring up soldiers for His kingdom, not an easy feat! It takes time and a lot of intentional training. What I do while not doing that is PRAY! *big smile* I am learning that everything in it’s season. There was a time when I made some money by working with other peoples’ kids, now I work with our own and don’t get monetary pay. There was a time when I was payed for hospitality service and now I need to do it from my home to bring the family of God back together. There have been times when I bargain hunt to get the best deal and times when it’s not worth the frustration and agony it brings to do that. There are times when I am able to stay on top of the sewing needs of our family by making dresses/skirts/sleeping pants/ or a new pattern from time to time and times when these items are easily found in the store so my time is spent on hospitality instead of sewing. You see, all in its season. It makes sense to me that every part of the Proverbs 31 woman can be done in different seasons of life and it brings me joy to see what part I get to focus on with each new season of my life. *smile* Someday I may well bring in some money again, but for now, my income is in kisses/thank you mommy/your children are so polite/and all the help they are learning to give right here at home – thereby equipping them to go out and share their abilities with others. *smile* If we can invest in our children now as a team (my husband and myself being led by our God) then hopefully they will choose to follow Him and will live lives according to His desires and commands as they grow and learn though their lives. That they follow Him and serve Him is my focus for now. There is so much more going through my mind as I continue to type but I had better get going as this is quite long. *smile* Have a lovely day remembering to pray always. Sincerely, Mommy of two growing blessings & so much more!
What a great post! I love that when you says “you already are a Proverbs 31”. Blessings
Tayrina from
http://www.atinymixof.com
Great post!
Wonderful post, Kendra! I had no idea that Jewish men sing this as a praise!!
I’m going to check out your two other links. Thanks, for sharing them!