The lessons taught from that beautiful portrait in Proverbs 31 of the “worthy woman” can scarcely be numbered. However, there cannot be too many lessons taught about the roles of women and how we are to go about our daily lives in harmony with the Father’s will.

It is no secret that as we approach these few verses that describe such a magnificent woman, we may feel fearful as we attempt to “measure up.” She was a woman of financial stability, having means to procure servants and buy property. Yet, it is not the poverty-stricken who is held up as a model to us. There may be reasons for that. Many times those in places of stature and wealth do not keep a spiritual perspective. Yet this woman, busy as she was with material matters, is pictured as a woman of God.

We may be intimidated by the multi-tasking of this lady. She is certainly a woman of many talents. We could spend time talking about those abilities, and her energies to carry out all that she did. We could as well spend time learning about her benevolence, her wisdom, and her kindness, which she explicitly taught to her children.

But, specifically in this article, we will study Proverbs 31:25. This, and verse 30, are key in understanding the motivation of the worthy woman, and the source of her energies and moral compass.

Strength and dignity are her clothing; She laughs at the time to come.

This verse reflects the woman’s core beliefs. She has strength of character. Her demeanor mirrors her honor and dignity. Her reactions to the uncertainties of life reflect her abiding confidence for the future.

The question is how did she obtain this strength? Where did she learn dignity and honor? How can she be so confident in her ability to deal with potential problems?

Her husband reveals the answer: She fears Jehovah. (Prov. 31:30). This is not a slavish fear that immobilizes. Rather she has an awe and deep reverence for God. She recognizes that He is worthy to be served because of who He is.

One cannot help but be reminded of Paul’s declaration to the Philippians, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Again as he encouraged his young protégé, Timothy, “You, then, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).

Commenting upon this verse, Wayne Jackson says, “The young man is to be strengthened ‘in the grace’ (charis, undeserved favor). As Timothy reflects upon the wonderful grace that has been bestowed upon him, such contemplation should strengthen him, enabling him to work vigorously and even endure suffering when necessary” (Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus, A Commentary, publication in process (Stockton CA, Courier Publications).

David declared a “fearless trust in Jehovah” (Ps. 27:1-3, 14). Psalm 46:1 begins with “God is our refuge and strength.” The Psalms are saturated with the wonders of God’s power and his readiness to provide strength.

In Ephesians 3:14-20 Paul utters prayers on behalf of the Ephesian brethren.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,.. that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The question is: How will the Spirit strengthen our inward man? How will Christ dwell in our hearts? Peter’s words help us grasp the answer. Through God’s power we are granted all things that pertain to life and godliness – through knowledge of him?” (2 Pet.1:2-3). How can we know about Christ?

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Jesus instructed, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.” There is no spiritual strength separate from learning about God. There is no strength in the “inward man” without the knowledge of Christ and his great love for us. One can know something about God from the creation – so much so that to be an atheist is inexcusable (Rom. 1:20). However, without studying God’s word, revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit upon inspired men, we cannot be strong.

What Makes The Worthy Woman Strong?

Simply put: faith. One must seek to know God. Proverbs 2 is an emphasis upon striving after wisdom, even “crying after discernment” (vs. 3). When one “searches” for her (wisdom), “then” one will “understand the fear of Jehovah, and find the knowledge of God.” It is this wisdom or knowledge that enables one to have strength. The latter part of Proverbs 2 stresses how this understanding keeps one upright.

Such is the worthy woman-—a wise woman because she has understanding and is in awe of the Almighty. Strength and knowledge of how God wants her to live, causes her to be a person of dignity. Not simply one who “acts” dignified, but her dignity or honor is part of her personality that has been molded by her knowledge of God.

"To put on clothing is to show one’s true colors"

One commentator points out that though the virtuous woman has some concern for outward appearances, more importantly, “her clothing ? is strength and honor; the abstract qualities that make the real clothing possible and enable her to overcome any foe.” He also observes, “In the Old Testament, to put on clothing is to show one’s true colors, or to display one’s true character.”(Bruce K. Waltke, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament; Grand Rapids, MI, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; p. 521).

The godly woman’s industry causes her to make sure she and her family are clothed. But her purity and dignified honor dictates to her heart what she shall wear. Perhaps Mr. Waltke’s point was somewhat different than my application here. However, what does a woman reveal about her character as she is revealing her womanly attributes by low necklines and low waistlines, as so many do these days? To ask the question is to answer it.

Her discernment between the temporal and eternal gives her confidence in meeting the challenges of the future. She is able to practice the teaching of Paul:

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4-7).

How Can We Identify With This Woman?

If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that we do not always feel confident as we face times of turmoil. Nor do we always laugh or rejoice in our private moments of fear.

We must remember that this is an ideal woman–a standard for which we strive. Yet, to suggest that if we are strong, we will not experience sorrow is to ignore the normal human experience. Our Savior was called a Man of Sorrows (Is. 53:3). A principal that few these days realize is that sad times do not necessarily negate joy in Christ. Life on this sin-torn planet is filled with problems that cannot be medicated away. How, then, can we attempt to be like this woman whose ideals are held in such high esteem.

First, we need to analyze our emotional situation. Why are we sad? Why are we discouraged? Oftentimes it is because we fail to completely put our trust in the Lord. If we saturate our souls with such passages as Psalm 46, and the familiar Psalm 23, we should be uplifted. Will we not be able to see that we can cope, when our faith and confidence is in Him?

Are we discouraged because of the inner conflict we have over our sins? Guilt can have a most tremendous impact upon our emotional well-being. We must seek the Lord’s way of dismissing guilt, then we too can rejoice at the time to come—the day of judgment will be a glad day, and not one to dread.

Is our emotional roller coaster out of habitually getting upset over mundane matters? Would we not be able to be more confident and more joyful if we were to value some temporal things less? Are you familiar with an old saying, “Don’t make mountains out of mole-hills?” This sage advice is still as valid as in the good old days.

This Too Shall Pass

We as confident, strong and honorable women can be energized for our tasks if we keep close to the Lord. Even when we are not feeling our best, we can be hopeful and contented because we know that this too shall pass–either in the near future or in our eternal home of comfort.

The energetic worthy woman does not accomplish all that she does simply to be labeled “Super-woman.” She does not covet attention because she is a good manager, because she is benevolent, because she is an entrepreneur, a brilliant businesswoman and a trustworthy wife and good mother. She does not crave any of this from the world, rather her reward is the recognition of her family for the love she has shown through her vigilant teaching and care for them. How thankful are her children and her beloved mate!

In conclusion, the worthy woman’s fear of the Lord guides her throughout her life and into eternity. She is eager to hear those wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, ? enter into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt. 25:21).

Related Articles

The Spiritual Person, Wayne Jackson, http://christiancourier.com/articles/read/the_spiritual_person

Spiritual Warfare Is Real, Difficult, and Dangerous, Jason Jackson, http://christiancourier.com/articles/read/spiritual_warfare_is_real_difficult_and_dangerous

Divine Power For Our Lives, Betty Jackson, Women of Hope, November 4, 2004