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So, just last week, I wrapped up my first Proverbs 31 lettering project. I picked verse 25, since it’s an oft-referenced verse, and is something all women can relate and/or aspire to.
In the world of Scripture, Proverbs 31 is quite famous. In verses 10-31, it describes a picture of a “wife of noble character”: a woman who is perfect in every way.
And it seems like every Christian wife and/or mother aspires to reach “Proverbs 31 woman” status. To be adept at working, providing for all her family’s needs, giving to the poor, etc. But, is all that striving to be the perfect wife really what being a “Proverbs 31 woman” is all about?
(( Side note: I am not married nor do I have any kids, but I do believe Proverbs 31 can still apply. So whether you’re married with kids, or single and childless like me, read on! ))
A High Bar
When I prayed about what angle to take with this post, what came to mind (over many hours), is this: None of us can be a “Proverbs 31 woman”, without God’s help.
Those verses set such a high bar, you could easily run yourself ragged trying to be THAT woman. I mean, c’mon, what human being can be so perfect all the time? For all the toiling and successful endeavors mentioned, there is not one flaw or failure. Definitely not an attainable reality.
BUT, then it comes to verse 30. I love, love, LOVE this:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
Extra emphasis on that last part. You and I cannot hope to be Proverbs 31 women, unless we have our hearts after God. In other words, it’s not about what we do, but about our character. It’s a love for the Lord, that should lead us to live with integrity. To work diligently and honestly, to care for those around us.
Four Essential Practices of a Proverbs 31 Woman
So, you want to be a Proverbs 31 woman? It’s not about how much cooking you do, how early you rise, or even whether or not you have a husband or children to praise you and call you “blessed” (verse 28).
To be Proverbs 31 women, we have to start with the Lord:
- Seek God first in all things. He is the source of all the wisdom and guidance you need. That means, do lots of these next two things…
- Be saturated in the Word. Read it, study it, memorize it, and repeat. I can absolutely say with confidence, that the more I study the Bible, and really internalize it’s truths, the better I become as a person, woman, and follower of Christ. Make time for this every day!
- Pray without ceasing. Prayer is such an essential way to communicate with God, ask for wisdom, get help with your troubles, and intercede on behalf of others. I know it’s basic, but it bears repeating! Invite God into your everyday, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how he shows up.
- Apply the wisdom and knowledge you receive from all the above, to grow and become spiritually mature (Ephesians 4:11-13, Colossians 1:28). I think this is where the rubber meets the road! The whole book of Proverbs is about wisdom, and it concludes in chapter 31 with this picture of a woman who is applying wisdom to live a life of integrity. NOT perfection, NOT striving endlessly for the sake of recognition, but just living a Godly life.
To sum all this up in a nutshell:
We are “clothed with strength and dignity”, not because we earned it, but because God made us in his image, Christ paid the price to redeem us, and we live God’s truth in our lives everyday. Can I get an AMEN?!
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!