If you were to read the 31st chapter of Proverbs you would see an amazing woman. A woman with Dignity, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (31:10); Patience, “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” (31:13;16); Diligence, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (31:17); Generosity, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (31:20); Courage, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (31:25); Wisdom, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (31:26); Devotion, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (31:30).
Now you might be wondering, “Did I get the wrong blog this morning? I thought this was men’s ministry. Why the scripture verses on a woman?” Well, I’m glad you asked.
In 1 Peter 3:7, Husbands are called to live with our wife in an understanding way. (No that’s not a typo; you are supposed to seek the understanding of a woman. ha-ha) As with someone weaker, and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.
Men, we are called to submit to the loving duty of being sensitive to the needs, fears, and feelings of your wife, your girlfriend, and your sister in Christ. While the woman is fully equal in Christ and not inferior spiritually because she is a woman (Gal 3:28), she is physically weaker, and in need of protection, provision, and strength.
What really draws my attention about the proverbs 31 woman is all the virtues: Dignity, Patience, Diligence, Generosity, Courage, Wisdom, and Devotion. These all represent the intrinsic values of Godly womanhood. These are not what a woman looks like, but who she is. Men, we must be careful not to honor women not by their appearance, not by how well they take care of the home, not because she is a good businesswoman, etc. We honor her because she is first devoted to God. All of her virtuous qualities are founded on her devotion to the Lord.
So here is my challenge for you this week. Men, do you lead the woman in your life according to how scripture calls you to lead? Do you encourage them to seek and know their value in the Lord, or is her value only as good as the limitations you have set (whether unintentionally or not)? Do you honor her when she shows patience and restraint, or are you the one who is constantly trying her patience? Do you honor her diligence and encourage her to press on in the Lord whom strength comes from? Do you honor her heart of compassion as she seeks generosity for those around her? Do you support her as she finds courage from God to tackle yet another day? Do you listen to her as she speaks with wisdom? Do you show honor as she is devoted to the Lord? Do you lead the woman in your life by being devoted to the Lord yourself?
Men, God has called you to lead! But never forget you are a co-heir with Christ and equal with the women next to you. Lead by example. Continue to surrender to God and if you aren’t, there is no better time to start.
Written By: Jordan Hampton
