My friend, if you have not read Proverbs 31:10-31, take a moment to do so. This woman will inspire and empower you to strive for excellence!  Recently as I was reading this passage, I realized how rare this woman was at the time this text was written (BC) and also how truly rare this woman is today. Who can find this woman of strength?

     Verse 31:10-11 says, an excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is          he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.        The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], and he will have no lack of gain.

 

Wow, she was a God-fearing woman. In fact, she was defined by her godly character as well as her talents, gifts, abilities, and accomplishments. Everything she touched prospered! Remarkably, she did not work to get rich, but to give to the poor! What?! Amazing!  

     Verses 31:17-20, she equips herself with strength (spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her 

     God-given task) and makes her arms strong. She sees that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out, but       it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]. She stretches out her             hands to the distaff. And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]. She 

     opens and extends her hand to the poor, and she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.

 

In verse 26, the virtuous woman opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, and her teaching of kindness is on her tongue giving counsel and instruction. She lived out Matthew12:34, “out of the abundance of your mouth your heart speaks” and Proverbs 18:2, “death and life are in the power of your tongue.” Extraordinary and intentional!

To add to her accolades, the virtuous woman strategically empowered her husband to lead in excellence. She was smart, courageous, prepared for all seasons, and focused. Her family, life, and career were balanced. In addition, she delegated tasks, and she was an asset to the many she served!

     Verse 31:28 tells us that Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); 

      her husband also and he praises her.

 

Sadly, some reality TV programming tends to show us role models that are opposite of the virtuous woman. We see women who lack self-control, are full of jealousy and rage, revengeful, manipulative, and do not have a heart for God. This type of negative characterization can impact our daughters not only in this generation, but also generations to come. Therefore, I beseech you, my sisters in Christ, to stand up and stand out to represent the legacy of the virtuous women (both married and single) within the body of Christ. Although each woman may not encompass every aspect, together we represent what this woman looks like today.

Call to Action:  Ladies, starting today, it is our calling to continue the legacy. It is time to rise up in godly character and in the reverent fear of the Lord to walk in excellence. Take action to align and equip yourself with the Word of God. Evaluate yourself with the following questions:

• Are you putting your time, resources and energy into the things that matter?

• Are you mindful of your actions and do you choose to act in love?

• Are you conscious and careful about what you bring into your life?

• Are you prepared for what’s ahead?

• Are you making the right choices?

Affirmation:  Sisters in Christ, you are anointed for excellence. Your value is more precious than jewels and your worth is far above rubies or pearls!!

Additional key points and Scriptures to meditate upon:

I Tim 4:14 – Don’t neglect the gift that God put in you

Col 3:23 – Do your best work from your heart for your real Master: God your Maker

Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world

Serving Together,