“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV)
Today’s devotion, though celebrating sisters is also for our brothers in celebration of the women (wife, sisters, daughters, mothers) in your life.
Now, sisters have you ever flipped through the pages of a magazine or looked at the advertisement on the television and found yourself feeling like you don’t measure up? Or do you feel invisible because of what you’ve been through?
I was a young professional and a wife when I first read Proverbs chapter 31, with the description of a woman of noble character. I don’t know about you, but I thought the Proverbs 31 woman was overwhelmingly perfect.
Through the changing seasons of life and some tough realities I’ve experienced, I found myself intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman and sometimes defeated by this woman whose entire life is full of praises. Yet, I still celebrate.
I totally understand those of you who would rather skip over this passage of Scripture. I know exactly what it’s like to have these words weigh like a ton of bricks on your heart. It screams “I am not enough.”
But I want to tell you that Proverbs 31:10-31 is just a heartfelt celebration and not a condemnation. Please note these things about the chapter:
It isn’t just a chapter about a wife of noble character, it’s a chapter about a woman of courage.
If you are seeking God for healing of painful circumstances you’ve experienced, that is evidence that you are a woman of courage, boldness, strength, and dignity. Sisters, Proverbs 31 is for YOU and ME!
This chapter does not condemn but rather celebrates how women, in their own unique ways, live out the qualities described.
Proverbs 31 reminds us of what is worth celebrating, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Did you notice? It is not only a married woman who is to be praised. It is not a woman who keeps a spotless house. It is not a mother with perfectly behaved children. It’s a woman who fears the LORD. And we know this is not the “I’m afraid of God” kind of fear. This is the fear of having a heart completely in respect and reverence to God. This woman honours God by seeking Him in everything she does. She trusts God wholeheartedly with her life. Let’s celebrate this kind of woman.
PRAYER:
Lord, I confess at times I look at Proverbs 31 woman and feel completely lost that I will never be enough. But I came to realise that You are not trying to embarrass me for all I think I’m not. Her example is there to remind me to look to You and only You, to live for You in all that I do. Help me to have a heart of reverence that overflows into a life of wisdom and spiritual maturity. Help me oh Lord to receive these words from You as a gift. This I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
#courageouswoman #womanofstrengthanddignity
Read: Proverbs 31:10-30
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 26; Mark 9:2-32; Exodus 39; Exodus 40
