AN EXCELLENT WOMAN

Proverbs 31:1-31   

Saturday, 26 October 2024

“…But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”  -Proverb 31:30

Men and women have different roles as designed by their Creator – God Almighty. The Bible portrays the picture of an ideal woman and today’s reading gives us the blue print of what God desires in godly women.

While women of old stayed home to take care of the household many women today are compelled to go to work as well as take care of the household! Although, today’s reading of Proverbs Chapter 31 can sometimes make a woman feel inadequate, but the word of God is eternal and what is true for the women of old is still true for the women of today. This interesting chapter has something for men as well. The chapter starts with a wise mother’s exhortation to her son as to how he should lead his life (Vs 1-9) and what sort of woman he should choose as his bride and Vs.28-29 speaks again about the children of this wise mother. Vs 10-27&30 give an insight into how to become an excellent woman in the course of life in order to be this eligible bride, fruitful woman, excellent wife and wise mother. 10 qualities listed here that any woman can strive for:

· Fear of the Lord – the first and foremost requirement! A woman who fears the Lord will love, trust and serve God with all of her being and will constantly seek His will for her life and this will enable her to follow all of His commandments. (Prov. 31:30; Prov. 3:5-7; Col. 3:23)

· Respectful – She respects her husband by being submissive to his authority so that even if he is disobedient to the Word, there is a chance of him being won over for the Lord when he observes her chaste and respectful behavior. (Prov.31:11,12; 1Pet.3:1-6 Eph. 5:33)

· Loving – She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go by showing them the wondrous things from the word of God and by being an example. (Prov. 31:26,28, Prov. 22: 6; Ps. 119:18)

· Mindful – She takes care of herself by keeping herself fit both morally and physically so that she can take care of her family and those who are in her household.  Preparation of wholesome meals along with teaching in wisdom. (Prov. 31:15,17,26; 1 Cor.6: 19)

· Serving– She serves her husband, her family, her friends, and others with a gentle and loving spirit. She is mindful of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:12, 15,20)

· Thrifty – She spends money wisely and is careful to purchase good and reasonably priced items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 16, 18)

· Industrious – She works willingly and does not allow idleness or laziness to rule her. Does all things without grumbling or disputing; (Prov.31:13,16,31; Phil. 2:14)

· Homemaker – Creates an atmosphere of warmth and love for family and guests. Hospitably ministers to those around her even to strangers. (Prov. 31:15, 20, 27; 1 Peter 4: 9)

· Diligent – Uses her time wisely to complete her daily tasks and does not dwell on those things that do not please the Lord. (Prov. 31:19, 27, Eccl. 3:1-8)

· Inward Beauty – She is a woman of worth and inner beauty that only comes from knowing Christ. She uses her creativity to create beauty in her life and household. (Prov. 31:10, 22, 25; 1 Peter 3:1–6).

May all godly women desire to see these qualities in their lives!

Think on:  Jesus left his glorious abode in heaven and came down to earth to prepare his bride- the church.  He will come again to gather His prepared bride: “that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”(Eph.5:27)