When I’m stressed, I write. I’m stressed.
Over the past few days, my Twitter and Facebook feed have been overtaken by one video- The Proverbs 31 Movement. I have even re-posted and watched it several times. I think it is wonderful! What a beautiful picture of guys saying that they don’t desire this stigma many girls strive to be. The saying goes “I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman then a Victoria Secret model.”
I think this is wonderful, like I said. And in no means am I going against that. I pray that my future husband wants that too. But isn’t there more?
Here is the passage of Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31, ESV
“An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.”
I know that people might be upset about what I’m going to say, and that is not my intention. I simply want people to think about this from a different view. I’m also not disagreeing with the Bible at all! I strive to live a life describe in this passage as well.
Think about all the ladies and women of God in the Bible.
There was Rahab, a prostitute. In need of redemption. God redeems.
There was Ruth, a widow. In need of husband and went outside of what society told her to do. God provides.
There was Esther, an outsider. In need of saving her people. God made her queen.
There was Deborah, a judge. God gave her authority.
There was Hannah, barren. God heard her prayers.
There was Leah, an unloved wife. God loved her.
There was Rachel, a loved wife. God made her wait.
There was the woman at the well, an outcast of society. God saved her.
I don’t know what the lives of these women looked like, except the part that is given to us. But I do know that each one of these women was created in the image of God.
Proverbs 31 is a beautiful picture of a kind of picture of a woman who loves the Lord. But I feel like it is a kind, not the kind. Think about the Scripture as a whole. Doesn’t God say that He makes everything beautiful in its time?
Doesn’t that mean that all the women in the Bible, from the Rahabs and Tamars to the Ruths and Rachels, are beautiful?
God made them in His image. They too are praised.
God doesn’t call every woman to be a mother or a wife. But each woman is still made His image.
When we read stories about the women in the Bible, we don’t know if they would be described exactly like the Proverbs 31 woman. And I’m not saying that women shouldn’t pray and strive to exemplify those qualities either. But remember, every woman is created in His image.
I feel led about this because some girls out there I know don’t feel called to be a mom or even a wife. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t women of God.
I just pray that men of God don’t push the saying “Proverbs 31 woman.” Each Daughter of the King is their sister. This could hurt their sisters.
And women, don’t worry.
I know lots of girls, including myself, that get completely caught up in the Proverbs 31 woman idea. Each verse becomes more like a checklist then a lifestyle. Don’t grow weary. Seek the Lord and His wisdom. I truly believe that when you are right with the Lord and are seeking and desiring Him, the rest will follow.
For the women who don’t feel called to be a mom or wife, remember that you are the Bride of Christ! Need I say more!? Again, I feel like if you are seeking and growing in your relationship with God, this will come. I encourage you to not skip over this passage of scripture, as painful as it may be for some. It’s in the Bible; it is living and active and inspired by God. He wanted it in there, for a reason.
Again, I’m not bashing and putting down the Proverbs 31 Movement. I find it encouraging that there are so many men of God out there desiring to find their sisters as women of the Lord and Daughters of the King. But don’t become obsessive over the saying “Proverbs 31 woman.” Remember, each daughter is beautiful in the eyes of her Father. Her story might not be what you’ve imagined. Remember the women God used throughout the Bible and is continuing to use.
Humbly yours,
His servant
