Join me for this Proverbs 31 Bible journaling tutorial, as we explore this iconic Bible passage, and discern what it means to be a “Proverbs 31 woman”.
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Proverbs 31 is such an iconic Bible passage! If you’ve been studying the Bible for any length of time, you’ve likely encountered it at some point.
But, it seems like we as women have a sort of love-hate relationship with this Scripture. Because, let’s face it, some of these characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman can make us feel quite inadequate. This “woman of noble character”—she seems like such an over-achiever! How can we possibly live up to her example?
She “sets about her work vigorously” (verse 17), “sees that her trading is profitable” (verse 18), and “opens her arms to the poor” (verse 20), just to name a few. She sounds, well, a lot like Mary Poppins—practically perfect in every way!
And then, there’s the issue of her being a wife… and all the single ladies like me wonder, does this even apply to us?
I definitely think it does! This Proverbs 31 woman, is more like an example of Godly living, rather than some idealistic picture of a housewife to live up to.
That’s what we need to take away from Proverbs 31…all of these qualities, are things that any Godly woman (single, wife, mom, or otherwise) should aspire to: working diligently, ethically, and honestly; and taking care of one’s family, friends, and neighbors.
Verse 30 sums it all up beautifully:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (emphasis mine)
Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
THAT right there—fearing the Lord—is the aspect of Proverbs 31 that we’re focusing on for this tutorial!
Proverbs 31 Bible Journaling Tutorial
So, to dive deeper into the ‘a woman who fears the Lord’ meaning, I looked at the Amplified Bible translation (AMP), which is so great for defining the original meanings of the Greek and Hebrew words that the Bible was written in.
According to the AMP version, to “fear” the Lord means: reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect. And that’s what I emphasized for this Proverbs 31 Bible journaling tutorial. Because, I don’t know about you, but I need to remember this! Can I get an AMEN?!
Be sure and check out the video tutorial below, and download this “fear the Lord” Proverbs 31 free printable to use in your own Bible journaling!
SUPPLIES:
- Illustrating Bible (or you can shrink down the digi stamp, to fit a regular size journaling Bible)
- Sweet’n’Sassy Stamps “Love the Word” digi stamp (girl holding her Bible)
- Pigma Micron Pens
- FREE Proverbs 31 woman printable: “Fear the Lord”
- Palomino Blackwing Pearl pencils (these write super smooth, great for tracing!)
- Vanish eraser (my fave eraser)
- Color Technik glitter gel pens
- Prismacolor Premier colored pencils
INSTRUCTIONS:
These are the exact steps needed, if you want to re-create this Proverbs 31 Bible journaling page. However, I encourage you to use your own creativity, and do your page however you like, with whatever tools and supplies you have on hand!
- Trace the “Love the Word” digi stamp (the girl holding her Bible), using a fine-tip black pen, such as Pigma Micron.
- Use the Proverbs 31 free printable design, to trace “fear the Lord” into the margin. You can trace it in pencil, and fill in with glitter gel pen as I did, or you could even trace the outlines with a black pen, and then fill in those outlines with a colored pencil.
- Color in the “Love the Word” girl with colored pencils, or alternatively, you could paint her in with watercolor or even gelatos (if you do use paint, though, be sure that the pen you used to trace with is waterproof (the Pigma Microns are definitely waterproof)).
- Circle, underline, or highlight verse 30 as desired (I used glitter gel pen).
- Add a piece of washi tape or other embellishment at the bottom of the page.
- Last and most importantly, write in what it means to fear the Lord. Use the wording from the Amplified Bible as I did, or choose another version like The Message. Or, write your own interpretation of what it means to fear the Lord. (I did this with glitter gel pens, but you can use whatever pens or pencils you like).
I must say, since doing this Proverbs 31 Bible journaling page, I’ve really been evaluating myself. Am I really in awe of God every day? Do I approach Him with a reverence, a humble respect that He’s God, and I’m not? Am I seeking to serve and obey Him, or just thinking about myself and what I want? Am I doing all my work diligently, for His Glory?
These are the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ characteristics I want to strive for every day! And I hope this study of Proverbs 31:30 has inspired you as well, to become the woman God is calling you to be.
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting Divine Creative Love. I’m a Jesus-lovin’ girl, lettering artist, designer, and general creative-at-heart. And, I have narcolepsy. I blog about faith in God, overcoming challenges, and creative topics such as Bible journaling. If you’re new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you won’t miss anything!