Key Verse: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
- Proverbs 31:10 KJV
Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of a virtuous woman, emphasizing her value and the importance of her character. In the Bible, Godly women are celebrated for their qualities, and exemplify faith, obedience, and courage. Each woman's story offers profound lessons and inspiration to all women.
One such example is Ruth, who demonstrated loyalty and devotion. When her mother-in-law Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Ruth pledged her allegiance to Naomi, saying, "...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" Ruth 1:16.
Another notable figure is Deborah, who exemplified leadership and wisdom. She was a prophetess and judge in Israel, leading the nation with discernment and confidence. When Barak was hesitant to fight against the Canaanites, Deborah encouraged him, saying, "...Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord gone out before thee?..." Judges 4:14
Abigail is known for her wisdom and quick thinking. When she encountered
David, who was about to take revenge on her husband for his
foolishness, she interceded with a generous offering and words of peace.
"...The soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling" (1 Samuel 25:29b). Her
actions prevented a bloodshed and earned her David's respect and
gratitude. Abigail's story highlights the importance of using wisdom and
compassion to resolve conflicts and seek peace.
Esther is a powerful example of a woman who stood up for what was right,
even in the face of danger and death. When the king of Persia issued a decree to
exterminate the Jews, Esther, who had become queen, risked her life to
intercede on behalf of her people. "...So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16b).
Her bravery and faith in God led to the salvation of the Jewish people,
demonstrating the impact of standing firm in one's convictions and
trusting in divine providence.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is a remarkable figure, known for her unwavering faith and
obedience to God. Mary's qualifications to be the mother of Jesus include her virginity, obedience, and faithfulness, as indicated in Luke 1, 28, 30, 38, and 47. Additionally, her humble background and willingness to serve God are highlighted as important factors. When the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would
bear the Son of God, she responded with a heart full of trust and
submission. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to
thy word" (Luke 1:38 ). Mary's life
is a testament to the importance of being a humble servant of God,
willing to carry out His will even when it disrupts our plans.
In addition to Proverbs 31, Titus 2 also highlights the qualities of a Godly woman, encouraging older women to teach the younger ones to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
These verses and examples from the Bible remind us of the importance of embodying Godly virtues and leading with faith, wisdom, and devotion. As women of faith, we are called to emulate these qualities and encourage one another to live lives that honor God.
