Oh the Proverbs 31 woman…

How many times have we read this passage? How many times have we wondered if we could ever measure up?

I know, for me at least, she seems like an intimidating figure. Elizabeth Bennet’s words in Pride and Prejudice come to mind, “she would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold”.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to be able to say that I have all the qualities that the “worthy woman” possesses. And I do believe it’s right to use her as an example to follow. As wives and moms we should strive to care for our homes and families in the way she does.

But…

I also think that the most important quality she possesses is summed up in one single verse, and without that quality she could not be praised as she is.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Of all the things we should strive for, this is the most important by far. To fear the Lord. As Christian women we sometimes get caught up in the rest of the list, but even if we matched every other description given, without this fear of the Lord, what would it matter?

Know that the things this world sees and evaluates – appearances, accomplishments, abilities – are nothing when compared to the lasting impact of a life focused on the Lord. And know too that the more we keep our hearts and eyes focused on Him, the more we’ll find His strength in our weakness.

Instead of putting the “Proverbs 31 woman” on a pedestal and feeling like we can never measure up, let’s put God in His rightful place above all else and know that with Him we can live a praiseworthy life.

Let’s be women who fear the Lord.

Series: Encouragement for Moms

Read: Proverbs 31:10-31

Remember: Proverbs 31:30

Reflect: As a mom of a little girl, I want to model the qualities of a woman who is to be praised in a way that will mold and shape her as she grows. I want her to see me as being devoted to our family, our home and, most importantly, our Lord. Consider this week the traits that you model in front of your children. Are you modeling what it looks like to fear the Lord?