Happy 'Woman of Valor" Day
This last week I did a bit of an impromptu study of Proverbs 31, and the famous (or infamous, depending on your opinion) Proverbs 31 "woman". It's the Epilogue of the book of Proverbs in the Bible and outlines in poetic Hebrew fashion, the perfect woman.
Honestly I never have paid much attention to this prose before. I had read Proverbs, but had not seriously taken it upon myself to meditate on that scripture. As I was preparing for a women's event this last Friday, it struck me that, being Mother's Day on the Horizon, it made sense to check out these verses and see what was said about this "ultimate woman" of the Bible.
I found a great blog here which really got me interested. Contrary to our "wife of nobel character", we find our lady originally described in Hebrew quite differently—as a mighty "woman of valor"—a Hebrew word chayil is used, which in the Old Testament, describes David's mighty men, Ruth, and others who exhibit great bravery, gusto, and basically, fight.
For me, this frames this seemingly domesticated, lovely, do-all woman of ancient days, in a completely different way. And not all together different from our women today.
I think that the words and prose in Proverbs 31 are supposed to be a "composite" if you will, of many women, it was after all a poem meant to epitomize everything that this mighty woman of valor should be. And more so -- not all that she was supposed to do, but HOW she was to do it. You see, I think it's her attitude and her love for the Lord, that enables her to do all these things, and "be" all these things. She is practicing the first commandment (love the Lord) and the second (love your neighbor—insert, husband, children, the poor, the needy), and that is why we should find her desirable.
I think this mother's day should be "woman of valor" day, for after all, who else is as brave and mighty, and filled with merciful fight, than our mothers?
The Proverbs 31 Woman ~ in the 21st Century
(A creative re-write by Amy Huzil)
A woman of strength and bravery — good character —who can find her?
She is priceless! Worth far more than a new pair of Jimmy Choo's.
Her husband does not doubt her, because she offers him all that he would need.
She is good to him, she doesn't disrespect him, all the days of her life.
She goes to Walmart and Target and finds all the great deals—and she loves going!
She's like a buyer for Pier One or World Market, she finds all the good stuff.
She's up before the dawn—preparing breakfast for her family.
When she goes to the garden center, she's looking for plants that are beautiful and that will be fruitful for her family.
She is a go-getter, and she's really good at what she does.
She provides for her family and is always thinking about what she can do to help— and she's creative!
She makes things with her hands, she doesn't turn away those who need—she cares for the poor.
When it gets cold, she doesn't worry because she knows her family will be warm and cared for.
She's a decorator of her home, and herself — she is dressed like a queen.
Her husband is respected at work, and in their community.
She's industrious and a crafter, she could even sell things on etsy if she wanted.
But she herself, she wears strength and dignity — and she doesn't worry at all about the future!
When she speaks, she is wise and she gives faithful advice, She takes care of her home, she doesn't let it get run-down.
When her children get up — they call her blessed, and her husband says
"I love you honey. Many women do amazing things, have great Pinterest boards, lots of friends and followers, manage bake sales, start companies, raise families, face heartaches or sickness with hope in hand, but YOU surpass them all!"
Because charm is not for real, and beauty will not last—it will be gone and is in vain—but a women who truly loves the Lord—she is to be praised!
Let's honor each other, encourage each other and build one another as the body of Christ.
Happy "Women of Valor" Day to all the momma's I know ~ be encouraged today!
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