Adapted from She, Volume 1/p 61-64
Read: Proverbs 31
When she speaks, her words are wise,and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31:26
Dear Reader, let me preface this post by saying something I needed to hear before I could even begin to write this post. Actually, when I turned the page of the study guide, I cringed. Seriously. I even began to think about how I could skirt past it or who in my Facebook group I could ask to facilitate this one, so I wouldn’t have to. After all, I’m divorced – who am I to speak to a passage that centers around a woman with a husband? I’ve wrestled with this before and have often skipped over it or missed a gathering where I knew being a wife would be, at the very least, a portion of the subject, and another reminder that I had failed in that part of my life.
This time, however, I found myself typing into the Google search bar on my computer: “Can a divorced woman benefit from Proverbs 31?” I was pleasantly surprised and extremely pleased, if not excited, to find this answer: “Yes, a divorced woman can absolutely benefit from and embody the principles of Proverbs 31.” The answer went on to explain, “While the passage describes a woman with a husband and children, the core message is not about having a perfect nuclear family, but about cultivating a life of noble character, wisdom, and strength in any circumstance.” What a blessed and encouraging perspective of truth.
“Yes, a divorced woman can absolutely benefit from and embody the principles of Proverbs 31.”
AI Overview
Please understand that I am not putting all my hope or comfort in this one computer-generated answer. However, it did help me to read the passage with fresh eyes, and a heart and mind that did not shrink away at the word ‘husband’ – for it is one word in a sea of others. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who has ever squirmed when coming to this chapter. Even as I read through it now, I’m realizing that the very words “virtuous woman” can be a challenge, let alone the 24 characteristics listed. They’re listed in the next paragraph ~ let’s read them out loud letting a picture form in our minds of what a woman of noble character looks like and how she might cultivate that character with wisdom and find strength in any circumstance. (it helps to insert the phrase “she is” before each characteristic listed)
SHE IS …
a woman whose worth is far above rubies…trusted by her husband…faithful to her husband…a woman who works willingly with her hands…resourceful…a woman who rises with purpose…a woman who considers things before making decisions…physically strong…a woman who shines her light…diligent to labor…a woman who reaches out to others…a woman who is covered by the blood of Jesus…clothed in service…a woman who serves with her husband…a woman who delivers the Gospel…spiritually strong and honorable…a woman who speaks kindly…a woman who has no time for idleness…blessed and praised…a woman who excels by wisdom…a woman who makes choosing to fear the Lord her priority…a woman who leaves a legacy ~
Friends, regardless of whether our title in this life includes virtuous, single, married, divorced, widow, or mother ~ as women of faith we are all called to be found as women who live lives pleasing to God, loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, loving others as Christ has loved us, being His light to the world around us and making disciples as we go. I believe rather than steering clear of this passage, it will be a passage I make a more regular part of my life so that I am reminded often of what I should strive to become while I wait on His return.
The virtuous woman serves as an example of what we should strive to become with the help of the Lord.
She, Volume 1, p 64
Reflection and Application
- How can you be more like the Virtuous Woman?
- Who and what do you think play key roles in developing the qualities of a virtuous woman?
The More We Know
There is one key element that we must have if we truly hope to be a woman of ‘noble character” ~ and that is a relationship with God through Faith in His Son, Jesus. If you do not know Jesus or have a relationship with the Father, please take a minute to read “Know These Truths.” If you have any questions or would like to talk about how to take this step please private message me or leave me a comment – I have a free gift I would love to share with you.
Me From the Inside Out 