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What every woman needs to remove from Proverbs 31.
Hey Christian Friend, I realize you know this verse. We’ve read it and we’ve heard it- probably many times. The amazing Proverbs 31 woman! But have you ever noticed what isn’t there that we subconsciously (it’s not just me, right?) read into it almost every time? Keep reading to find what every woman needs to remove from Proverbs thirty-one.
Strength and Dignity
She’s clothed in strength and dignity.
She’s not flawless.
She’s not clothed in perfection.
When she compares her worthiness it’s to the person of Jesus: the only One who loves her vastly more than any other ever will, or ever could. She’s not characterized as skinner, happier, richer, smarter or any other ‘er we tell ourselves as we lustfully take in the lives of any other woman. I think you’ll agree, it’s acceptable in the Christian circles to hear of men their struggle with lust, because, sadly, it’s commonplace. But Sister, let me be honest here. Lust is a woman’s problem too, it just looks different, and it’s muted. You know this is true. Maybe you’re the exception, but if we are honest, we women are often sizing up other women in light of our own weaknesses, and we long to be more like her. If only we had her body, her car, her degree, her home, her job, her children, her husband…the list is endless. Comparison to others is one of Satan’s most profitable tools, especially for women. In reality, the woman we’re yearning after in our mind is doing the same thing in hers-and there’s always deceit on the other side of discontentment. Have you ever gotten to know someone only to find out your perceptions were unfounded? Of course! We all have. We are lying about her to ourselves; it’s a vicious cycle we are circumventing in our hearts. Friends, she’s not what we’ve allowed the world to so engrain in our hearts and minds that we insert her into God’s very words. Let’s turn our hearts back to the truth of God’s Word and our minds back to the reading of the same. She is not clothed in perfection, and neither are we. The image above for Prov 31:25 is purposely chosen for this page, because like me and you, it’s not perfect. Its flaws are easy to spot, but no one can see them more clearly or more glaringly than I do. As hard as it is to be vulnerable like this, (and it’s hard, let me tell ya), I left used it on purpose. I want it to be an honest reminder to myself and to you, too. It’s not easy to look personally on our shortcomings, but I am thankful my worth does not come from how perfectly I do something or how perfect I am. And neither does yours!
Her worthiness is found in the person of Christ.
She’s a lot of things, a lot of great things even, but when we really study her, she’s just a woman like me or you who is seeking and following after God’s best for her. She’s doing her part, but it’s in response to and out of her love for the Lord. Now, that’s inspiring! And when she compares her worthiness it’s to the person of Jesus. The One who loves her vastly more than any other.
We Can Overcome Every Fear
Living well -as unto the Lord -is always about more than ourselves, and by doing so we share God’s blessings in the greatest ways to those we live around, none more than our own family. Yet, the thing I love most about this chapter is learning this: when busy ourselves about life in a way to please the Lord, we are covered with strength and dignity no matter how those around us react to our love for the Lord. Maybe our children will in the very present tense cheer us on. Possibly our husbands will tangibly praise our efforts. Oh, what a blessing when we are appreciated in the calling of godly womanhood! BUT, the Lord doesn’t tell us we’re clothed with strength and dignity because of our husband’s response or our children’s ease of obedience. No, God covers us because of our response to His love toward us. Read that again. God covers us with strength and dignity because what we do we are doing as an outpouring of love to Him. Friends, no matter our circumstances, or how long we have endured them, we can overcome every fear as we think about what’s next in our lives and instead be filled with joy and laughter. Trading fear for joy is something I want for my life, how about you?
Joy and Laughter
I need that: Joy and laughter. I need it now, today, and when looking ahead knowing the Lord is always with me. Life looks different to me all the time. Seasons change, of course, with passing time. Yet, for me sometimes, it’s the things that seem unchanging that trickle into my heart and blow up fear bombs as if God’s Word isn’t the same truth for today as is it for all my tomorrows. If that’s you, too, be encouraged: It is the same truth today and tomorrow, and He is our same God forevermore.
Let’s Be Her!
We can rest easy, because as we serve the Lord we are covered with strength and dignity (honor). We can love Him because He first loved us. We can find our worthiness only in the person of Christ, The One who loves us so much more than anyone else. Then, we can laugh at our future. I’m going to line up my struggles in this light. Joy for fear, what a life changing trade! Will you join me? Let’s be her!
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
