Can a Modern Woman Live up to the Ideals of a Proverbs 31 Woman?
What is a Proverbs 31 woman? I invite you to read the whole chapter to learn more about becoming a Godly woman, but I included verses 30-31 here:
“Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.*
Acclaim her for the work of her hands,
and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.” (www.usccb.org)
A Proverbs 31 woman is compassionate, hardworking, resourceful, supportive and faithful. This description of biblical womanhood helps Christian women understand what it means to be Godly. Proverbs 31 describes the type of woman a mother wants for her son.
Read on to find biblical principles of being a Godly woman and how they can be applied to modern life.
What Is Biblical Womanhood?
In addition to Proverbs 31, refer to Titus 2:3-5, and 1 Peter 3:3-6 to help you understand the definition of biblical womanhood.
Titus 2:3-5 states:
“Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.” (www.usccb.org)
While 1 Peter 3:3-6 states:
“Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.” (www.usccb.org)
Don’t get caught up in the cultural differences from the historical Godly woman to what makes a Godly woman today. Obviously, women were viewed differently during the time of the Bible than today. Husbands and wives are now partners in their family’s journey.
Today, just like long ago, your focus should be more on actions and heart than on external appearance. Remember that Christian women are role models and not just for their family. Christian women are now in leadership roles, setting the tone for what is biblical womanhood.
If you need some inspiration, I invite you to read a letter from Lysa TerKeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can find it here.
Being a Christian and Godly woman is important for spiritual growth, a successful family life, and to be an example for society.
The Proverbs 31 Woman: Characteristics and Qualities
Analyzing Proverbs 31:10-31, these characteristics and qualities of biblical womanhood stand out: trustworthiness, wisdom, diligence, kindness, strength, compassion, humility and faithfulness. These qualities still hold value today, both inside and outside the home.
For example, a good wife and mother will demonstrate kindness and compassion in raising her kids. She is trustworthy with all things relevant in life and marriage. She will show humility in disagreements with her husband. As a Christian woman, she treats everyone with respect and kindness in the home, at work and in public.
This does not call for perfection as you are uniquely imperfect as God created you to be. Remember that being a Christian woman includes the ability to forgive. That also includes the ability to forgive yourself.
Apply Proverbs 31 concepts to a Modern Woman
Biblical womanhood isn’t outdated and it isn’t limited to homemaking. Being a biblical woman is multifaceted. It is about managing a home and family, being entrepreneurial, showing strength, and making wise decisions. Clearly, a modern Christian woman is involved in family, business and has a personal life.
Integrate these biblical principles into your daily life by bringing harmony to work, family, personal growth, and spiritual development. I talk about this in “Faith, Family and Work: a Christian’s Guide to Harmony.”
As a modern woman, you can balance independence and strength with humility and service, staying true to biblical principles. Be intentional in your thoughts, actions and priorities. Putting God first every day through prayer will help keep you aligned to your purpose.
The Role of Faith in Developing Godly Womanhood
Here are three things to help you as a Christian woman to develop your Godly womanhood:
- Personal Relationship with God
- Living Out Your Faith
- Mentorship and Community
Personal Relationship with God: A woman’s faith in God is foundational to becoming a Godly woman. Prayer is a conversation with God. Utilize prayer regularly to build a personal relationship. Make sure you spend time listening. Bible study is a great way to learn more about God and also a way to practice sharing what you know.
Living Out Your Faith: Practice living out biblical principles at home, work, church, and in the community. Remember the characteristics and qualities you want to share and teach. Practice forgiveness. Let your Christianity shine through your actions.
Mentorship and Community: Building relationships with other women in faith can encourage growth and accountability. Get a mentor and be a mentor. These will help you practice your faith and keep you accountable in it. Be involved in a faith community. This will provide support, encouragement and opportunities to grow in your faith. Remember that service is part of being a Christian woman.
Embrace Biblical Womanhood
Biblical womanhood is very relevant today. In fact, in my opinion, it is more important than ever that a Christian woman is known by both her words and her actions. It makes the world a better place by bringing God back into society. Let people experience strength, trustworthiness, humility, compassion, kindness, dedication, resourcefulness, support and faithfulness.
Become a Proverbs 31 woman by studying Proverbs 31 and other scriptures on womanhood. Pray For wisdom to know how to apply these biblical principles in your life.
Remember that while the Proverbs 31 woman is an ideal, God values the heart’s intentions and offers grace for every woman’s journey toward becoming more Christ-like. You are human. He created you to be uniquely and wonderfully made! The world needs the you that you were created to be!
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