Yesterday we talked about Feminism in the Bible and how God’s Word can guide us when we are confused about who women really are. Today let’s focus on how Jesus defines a woman. So, grab your favorite mug and fill it with some hot chocolate and let’s get started!
God’s definition of a godly woman comes from Proverbs 31:10-31.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
1. A godly woman first and foremost fears the Lord (vs. 30). To fear the Lord means to be in awe of Him or respect Him.
2. A godly woman gets her confidence from Christ alone (vs. 30). Beauty doesn’t last. A godly woman realizes that and puts her confidence in what does last–her relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. A godly woman is others-focused (vs. 10-31). Not once in the above verses does it mention the Proverbs 31 woman doing something for herself! She gets up early to prepare for her family, is prudent and productive with her time and resources, and looks out for the best interests of those around her.
4. A godly woman is not impulsive (vs. 16-17). Emotional impulses can get us in a lot of trouble! I may get a quick impulse to go out and buy a new outfit, but that does not mean that it is the best decision for me financially at that time. A godly woman can make a decision maturely.
5. A godly woman does hard things (vs. 10-31). She rises above expectations and does her very best in everything that she lays her hands upon. She doesn’t slack off even when she feels like procrastinating. She does what she knows she must do so that she can reap amazing benefits tomorrow.
6. A godly woman clothes herself with dignity (vs. 25). Dignity means “elevation of character; worthiness; respect.” So many young women today carry themselves with little self-respect. A godly woman carried herself with poise and grace.
7. A godly woman is wise (vs. 26). She has discernment and can speak wisely. Wisdom comes through Jesus Christ alone. You must be connected to Him to be truly wise in what you say and do.
8. A godly woman prioritizes (vs. 15). Most successful people get up early. They jump head first into their day beginning with Jesus as their source. By being an early riser, you can spend time being encouraged at Jesus’ feet and get organized for your day. Now this doesn’t mean that you can never sleep in! Of course not! It simply means to prioritize and do what you need to do when it needs to be accomplished.
9. A godly woman submits to authority (vs. 23). This point goes completely against modern Feminism, but it agrees with God’s Word. God created women to be a helper to man (Genesis 2:18-25). This does not mean that it is wrong for women to pursue careers or be single or anything of that nature! It simply means that God did indeed create man to be a leader for us in our families.
10. A godly woman is pure (vs. 30-31). A woman after God’s own heart must strive after purity. Purity is much more than just abstinence before marriage. Purity also revolves around our thoughts, actions, words, what we watch or read, and who we hang out with. Choosing to be pure simply means choosing God’s best which is never tainted, scarred, or maimed.
Godly womanhood doesn’t mean that we allow ourselves to be trampled on, go back to wearing Victorian dresses, and refuse to vote, or completely segregate ourselves. Godly womanhood means embracing our identity in Christ and living our lives completely for Him.
Some great resources for additional study on what it means to live in Godly womanhood and that further expound upon the steps above include the following:
Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh
Every Young Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge and Stephen Arterburn
A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George
The Real Me by Natalie Grant
Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
