Possibly the most intimidating woman in all of Scripture is Mrs. Proverbs 31. She gets up early and stays up late. She cooks, she sews, she shops. She manages her home, her business, and her family. Her children “rise up and call her blessed” … that alone qualifies her for the “rare” distinction she’s given in verse 10.
However, we don’t think her inclusion in Scripture is merely to create insecurity and hopelessness in the hearts of godly women everywhere. In fact, we have quite the opposite impression:
We believe Mrs. P31 offers us an example of characteristics that please the heart of God … not a “to do” list of daily activities.
As we examine those traits and attitudes, we believe you’ll be joining us in saying, “You don’t scare me!” but will instead be celebrating the example she provides of a heart and life that please the Lord.
Join us for the next three weeks as we dig in to Proverbs 31:10 -31 and we believe you’ll be encouraged and challenged!
Share with us … What is your impression of the Proverbs 31 Woman?
Love it! Looking forward to the series!
Glad you’re with us, Caroline!!
I must admit I’ve been intimidated by the P31 woman over the years. She was like the biblical version of “Superwoman!” But then I heard something very similar to what you shared today. The P31 woman is a model for us of godly character and an example of godly deeds for a lifetime. God doesn’t expect us to do all of this in the same day – or even the same decade!!!
Yes, Kathy!! So thankful for that!!
Looking forward to reading this series! Sounds like just the refreshing grace-rain I’m needing! :)
Oh we hope so, Jeniffer. We’re looking forward to exploring Mrs. P31 in a new way ourselves.
I too used to be intimidated by the woman described in Proverbs 31 until I began to see beyond the person and focused on the characteristics. As I did, I have experienced such awakening and now am focused on how God is tranforming me into His image by teaching me about the characteristics in this virtuous woman that please Him. I am looking forward to exploring this with everyone.
Thank you!!!
Something that helps me to keep the P31 woman in perspective, is that she is a description of the “perfect daughter-in-law”…remember Proverbs 31 is written by Lemuel’s MOTHER. It is something we all have to keep in mind as we teach our sons what kind of wife to look for, but also for us to keep in mind so that we don’t judge our DIL (or in my case future DIL, since my son is only 4) too harshly when she doesn’t live up to our expectations as MIL.
I remember the day I first read Proverbs 31. It was when I was 19 years old, shortly after the birth of my first child. Oh, how I wanted to be like this woman. Now that I think about it, given that I struggled greatly with many issues such as low self esteem and self worth, it is remarkable that I wasn’t intimidated by her. Imagine my surprise when recently one of my girl friends shared that she didn’t care for the Proverbs 31, as she felt the P31 was to unattainable and put unrealistic expectations on women. Hmmm, my thoughts were totally different. To this day, I still look at the Proverbs 31 woman as a role model. It would bring me no greater joy than for my family to someday say, “Our mom was just like the P31 lady in the bible!” I am excited to follow along with this series.