Proverbs 31, perhaps the most well-known and oft-quoted passage in the Bible describing a noble and righteous woman, may surprise some in that it doesn’t depict a weak, passive, or un-ambitious stay-at-home mom, but rather a strong, powerful, dynamic individual who works as hard as she loves. The Proverbs 31 woman is:
Virtuous and capable (v. 10)
Trustworthy and valuable to her husband (v. 11)
Industrious; she gets up early and works hard (v. 13-15, 22, 24)
Wise with how she spends and invests her money (v. 16, 18)
Energetic and physically strong (v. 17)
Gracious and generous to the poor and needy (v. 20)
A caretaker for those in her household (v. 21)
Mindful of her appearance (v. 22)
Clothed with strength and dignity (v. 25)
Full of hope and not despair (v. 25)
Wise and kind (v. 26)
Praised by her children and husband (v. 28)
Notice how many references highlight this woman’s work ethic and ambition. Clearly, she hasn’t abandoned her dreams and aspirations to stay at the house and feed kids and do laundry all day. She is at once a praiseworthy wife, attentive mother and a “career woman,” strong inside and out and giving 100% to everything she sets her heart to achieve.
Throughout the Bible, beginning with Eve, we see that godly women are helpers to their husbands and nurturing mothers, but they are also more than that. Lydia, the first European convert, for example, was a contemporary of the Apostle Paul. She was a very successful business woman who sold purple dye, which was quite expensive and highly desired during that time. A worshipper of God, she became a believer in His Son Jesus and soon she and her household were all baptized. After their baptism, she urged the apostles to come and stay with her, demonstrating her hospitality and extending generosity to the men of God. It’s likely that Lydia became the herald of the Gospel to her city, Thyatira.
There are numerous biblical examples of women who were by no means the timid, apathetic, faint-hearted characters some might envision, no thanks to misunderstood words such as “submission” and “obey” mentioned in many a marriage sermon. On the contrary, the women whom the Bible lauds are bold, brave, prayerful and faithful wives, mothers, and go-getters who used their unique gifts and talents to impact their world for the Lord.
Regardless of what actresses like Mila Kunis, Jennifer Garner, and Kirsten Dunst say about motherhood and feminism, their devotion to and appreciation for family certainly sends a positive message, one that can point moms everywhere back to the Bible and motivate them to pray about their roles as mothers, wives and whatever else the Lord has called them to be.
Editor’s Note: Diana Anderson-Tyler is the author of “Creation House’s Fit for Faith: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Total Fitness and Perfect Fit: Weekly Wisdom and Workouts for Women of Faith and Fitness.” Her website can be found at dianaandersontyler.com, and she is the owner and a coach at CrossFit 925. Diana also can be reached on Twitter.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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