The Proverbs 31 woman has been looked at many times by Christian women because she is the model of a godly wife and woman. Fellow Christians have written blogs and articles breaking down her character traits. But I thought it was only fitting that I also write today’s blog about her since today happens to be my 31st birthday! I can think of no better goal for my 31st year than to better reflect this godly woman. Join me as we take a look at just a few of her many attributes. Along the way, I will also be posting some fun pictures that we took to celebrate my day.
Noble Character
The first defining feature of the Proverbs 31 woman is that she is of noble character, which means she has high morals. As Christian women, we should be holding ourselves to high standards of living. Our lives, how we dress, how we speak, and how we act; should reflect the standards in the Bible.
There should not be any similarity between Christians and the world. If Jesus would not approve our actions, speech, or how we dress, then a change needs to be made. We are to act as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). If he would not do it, then neither should we. This can be easier said than done. I definitely have my struggles as I am sure you do as well. But being aware of the areas that we do not reflect Christ and making an effort to change is what is important. God will help us follow through.
Trustworthy
Lately, I have been selling used items on FB Market Place. A frustrating part of selling to strangers is how many people do not show up to meet or message me at the exact time when they should be there to tell me they are leaving their house. Being a trustworthy woman means being reliable. Your word should mean something. We need to be where we say we will be at the time stated.
Being Trustworthy applies to both your actions and your word. A trustworthy woman does not share information that does not belong to her. Her friend’s hurts and secrets enter her ears but never leave her lips. As women, we are prone to gossip and share things that we have no right to share. Sometimes it is in the name of concern, and other times it is just out and out talking bad. We must be careful that we are trustworthy confidants.
Sets her Hands to Work
The Proverbs 31 woman is a busy lady! She wakes up early to not waste the day, and she sets her hands to many different forms of work. The chapter tells us that she is a hard worker. No matter what work looks like, whether unpaid work like ministry, volunteering, cleaning our house, or a regular paying job, we should be giving it our all.
Colossians 3:23; tells us that in everything we do, we should work at it with all our heart as if we were doing it for the Lord. It is not enough to show up to our jobs. We should be a blessing to our employers no matter how they treat us because we are not working for them, but instead, we are working for God. And by our actions, we will be a good witness for God. (1 Timothy 6:1).
Helps the Poor and Needy
We see in verse 20 that sheย opens her arms to the poor. I love the wording here because it gives a more intimate and welcoming picture. She is not superior to the poor and needy. Instead, she is welcoming and connects with them as an equal partner who is there to help. Jesus tells the host of a dinner party in Luke 14:13-14 that it is better to invite the poor, crippled, and blind to his table instead of those that could repay him because his blessing would come at the resurrection. Jesus wanted the poor and needy welcomed at the table of those who had more.
I also love the phrase extending her hand to the needy because it shows action. We have gotten into a bad habit of telling those facing trouble or tragedy; to let us know if there is anything they need. Someone who is in these situations is rarely going to say: I need (blank). Instead, they will thank you and drown in their pain.
It is an easy way out for us. It is awkward to step out, to help someone, it takes creative thought on our part, and it takes time and effort. But it is so necessary. People need us to be the hands and feet of Christ. They need to see his love in action through us. When we know someone needs emotional or physical help, we must act and find a way to extend our hand to them. Be that sending a card, checking in with them regularly, or making them a meal. Those around us need action from us.
Laughs without Fear of the Future
To have so much confidence in God; that one can laugh without fear of the future is an admirable thing! I long to be at this point, but unfortunately, I cannot say this yet. Jesus tells us in Matthew that we are to not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. God never intended for us to be concerned about our future.
Why do we try to have control over something we have no control over? Especially when God has everything under control. If we keep our eyes on him, he will guide us. We do not need to fear our future if God is the one in control of it.
We also see in this verse that the Proverbs 31 woman is clothed in strength and dignity. These qualities are the prelude to her laughing without fear of her future. A godly woman clothes herself in the strength that can only come from a relationship with God. Through her fellowship with God, she will also find her dignity from her identity as his child. Spending time with God is how we will gain the ability to trust him with our future.
She Fears the Lord
The last characteristic I want to address is a godly woman fears the Lord. To fear God means to reverence, respect, and be in awe of him. We can respect God by living holy lives that are pleasing to him and trusting him with our lives; both things I’ve mentioned already.
However, being in awe of God is another way to show fear to him. Taking the time to notice the awesomeness of God is something I don’t do enough. He is an amazing God, creator, father, provider, healer, friend, and many, many more roles. You need only look at his creation all around us or your own body to see his greatness. The intricacy of the human body alone should cause awe! He is a God worthy of our worship and reverence.
In Closing
It could be easy to become intimidated by this seemly perfect woman described in Proverbs. It is important to remember that she is the goal and that we may miss this goal daily. What matters is that we commit to being a godly woman whose lives reflect him. And when we mess up, which we will, we can humbly ask his forgiveness and continue on our journey of becoming our versions of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Referenced Verses: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A10-31&version=NIV
. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A6&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians+3%3A23&version=NIV
.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A34&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A1&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A13-14&version=NIV
Tina says
Loved this so much that I read it twice. You have a great blog!
carrie says
Iโm so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!
Reut shaviro says
Nice post , love it ๐
carrie says
Glad you enjoyed it! ๐