The Proverbs 31 woman. You know who I’m talking about. The description of her daily life has never been an easy read for me.
Don’t get me wrong. I like her ingenuity. I admire her levels of achievement. Her evident wisdom. Truly.
Think about it.
The perfect woman
This is a noble woman. Trustworthy. She’s creative and works with her hands. Provides food for her household. She’s smart, business-wise. Resourceful.
Apparently, she built up arm muscles somewhere along the way: She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong (31:17). She works into the night and rises early.
She’s discerning of quality materials. And spins cloth. Keeps everyone properly clothed in winter. Sews and sells linen garments. Makes her own sheets and bedspreads, for crying out loud.
In addition to everything else, she reaches out to the poor and needy. No wonder this woman burns the midnight oil.
She’s clothed in strength and honor. And laughs at the time to come. An easy laughter, free of anxious thoughts about the future.
“Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26). Well, of course, it is. Is there anything this woman can’t do?
Falling short
The truth is, her perfection challenges the perfectionist in me. The part of me that is so concerned about getting things right. Keeping it all balanced. Checking off every task accomplished.
I fall short of my own expectations. And can’t even begin to compete with her list.
For one thing, there’s not a seamstress bone in my body.
The beginning of wisdom
But, wait. At the end of the chapter, there’s a small detail that catches my eye. In the closing words of this Book of Wisdom.
This changes my perspective. It’s a phrase that grabs my attention any time I see it in Scripture.
The fear of the Lord.
Since college days, Proverbs 9:10 has reminded me: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
It’s something I’ve prayed for myself, for our marriage, and for our children. To walk in the fear of the Lord, seeking to know Him. Always.
And this woman in Proverbs 31 gets that. She doesn’t fear man or circumstances. She walks in wisdom because she’s “a woman who fears the Lord” (31:30).
Living in the fear of the Lord
This is who He calls me to be.
Not a woman who silently compares herself to others. Or tries to keep up with someone else’s achievement list.
Not a woman who lives in fear of inadequacy. Of failing to meet expectations.
But one who lives in a holy fear of a holy God.
This is no distancing fear that makes Him seem out of reach. It’s the kind that draws me near. Ever closer to Him in reverence and worship. And utter dependence as I walk with Him.
Since the Fall, it’s not been a casual entry into His presence. But a costly access. Made possible by the sacrificial work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The amazing truth is that as we repent and believe, we are clothed with Christ.
Freedom in the fear of the Lord
The freedom and strength of the Proverbs 31 woman are rooted in her fear of the Lord. It frees her from the fear of man and the fear of circumstances. Of not having enough.
In the everyday tasks, in this chaotic world where fears can cripple and delay, she moves forward. By faith. Trusting in the Holy One who is always enough.
Always.
What about you?
What has the Proverbs 31 woman taught you?
10 replies on “The beginning of wisdom”
I have struggled at times because little voices in my head would say – you can’t even try since you aren’t married. But then I remember the promises of God are for my good and His glory. So I do the things in front of me and leave the rest to the Eternal One.
Sister, you encourage me often as you walk in the fear of the Lord with freedom and joy, loving His word. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Susan. At my age I’ve attended many funerals and many of those funerals were for women. Almost without exception this chapter or parts of it are read. I’ve heard/read it many times. There is no way I could ever measure up to that woman. In fact I would tell my husband, “I don’t want this chapter read at my funeral.” However, the closing verse does remind me that it is all about living in the holy fear of the Lord. He is all I need. Let me quote these words from a seldom sung hymn: “Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine; Constantly abiding, rapture divine! He never leaves me, whispers oh so kind, ‘I will never leave thee!’ Jesus is mine.”
Amen, Bettie! Thank you for sharing this. He truly is enough.
I can recall four women in my life that could easily be described as the Prudent Woman. My dad’s mother, though blind was a Proverbs 31 Woman. She lived to be 92 years old and was known by the community as a resource for understanding the Word of God. When she attended school, the Bible was the book of choice and she read it through many, many times. Routinely, ministers would visit with her and ask her “take” on scripture. She and my Granddad led a simple life, but honored God in their decisions.
The next lady I would easily describe as a Proverbs 31 Lady is my Mother. She celebrated her 97th birthday on November 2. Mother worked long hours (though Never into the night) to run a peach farm while my dad was away from home. The two of them worked together to provide a good life for their family. She too, found time to entertain the ministers in the area and see that we were in church every Sunday and Wednesday nights. When hard times came to her life, she trusted in God’s mercy and in His goodness.
A third Proverbs 31 lady that influenced my life was my Mother-in-Law. Mrs. Wood stayed up late, arose early and worked hard to complete tasks laid out before her. She taught her children to love others ahead of themselves, and reached out to the poor where ever she found them.
The fourth Proverbs 31 lady is my sister-in-law. Shirley seems to always have time to do for others, and always does her work to perfection. She has been a mentor to me, as a parent and a friend.
None of these ladies have accomplished this great honor, on their own. They have lived their lives according to the Word of God and would never hesitate to give Glory and honor to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The words they said reflected the love in their hearts.
Lanelle, what a beautiful testimony of the impact each of these Proverbs 31 women have had on you and so many others. Women who have feared the Lord and served Him faithfully. Glory to God! Thank you for sharing.
I always used to read the Prov 31 Woman and get tired! But I do think Fear of the Lord is key to all of life. Fear of Him, obedience helps us live our lives for Him and use our time wisely and intentionally. I may not be called on to sew (not in my genes) but he may want me to give out food to homeless or invite someone to my house. He uses our gifts and abilities to serve Him.
I read a great book about singleness that is actually based on the Prov 31 woman! Go to below link.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/167042.Did_I_Kiss_Marriage_Goodbye_
Amen! So thankful that He gifts us and equips us to walk in obedience, serving Him and others. And thank you for sharing this resource.
It’s interesting, too, that this chapter is advice from a mother to a son….how to defend the cause of those treated unjustly….what to appreciate and encourage in a wife in all the hard work she does that often doesn’t get noticed.
Yes! And especially interesting to consider who Lemuel may have been…and who his mother was… Thanks for responding to the post, my friend.