She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family. . . . Her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31:15, 18 NIV
The Proverbs 31 woman puts Wonder Woman to shame. Up before dawn, late to bed, caring for her household, negotiating business contracts down at the city gate. She gives to the poor, plans for her household to run smoothly, anticipates future needs, such as snowy weather. Even her arms are buff! “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV).
She is highly energetic, an efficiency expert, and gifted in relationships. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (v. 28). This woman is downright intimidating!
So how do we benefit by reading about the Proverbs 31 woman? Reading about her day makes us feel overwhelmed, discouraged by our inadequacies. That bar is too high!
But God doesn’t place the bar so high that we live in its shadow. He wired each of us with different gifts, different energy levels, different responsibilities. Proverbs 31 casts a floodlight on all women—those gifted in business, in home life, as caregivers. This chapter displays how women undergird their families and their communities.
Remember, the book of Proverbs was written in the tenth century BC, when women were considered chattel. But not in God’s eyes. He has always esteemed women and the many roles we fulfill in society.
Father, thank You for the important women in my life. You made each one of us with gifts and abilities so we may be used to glorify You. Amen.
Recommended Resource:
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Related Readings:
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2013 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Suzanne Woods Fisher.