If you’re like me, the woman of Proverbs 31 holds a special place in your heart. Yet, her noble qualities and ambition are inspiring yet overwhelming at the same time.
I used to wonder how could I ever live up to those standards without losing my mind? Eventually, I came to understand what makes a Proverbs 31 woman and that we can authentically embrace those qualities.
What Makes a Proverbs 31 Woman?
A few years ago, I was working really hard to be the ultimate Proverbs 31 woman. I didn’t have a husband or kids, but I was trying my best to show every quality she served.
I soon became overwhelmed with feelings of failure and wondered why this “work” wasn’t paying off.
Fortunately, I got my first clue when a friend shared something insightful from an unlikely place. Her emails.
Two different guys sent her emails. They described her as sophisticated, graceful and full of poise.
One guy simply pointed out that she was a modern day Proverbs 31 woman.
That part caught my attention! I never had considered those as Proverbs 31 qualities yet there they were.
Wearing Virtuous Qualities
I also realized my friend really did embody those qualities without effort.
Most importantly, it made me really observe how she wore the qualities of a virtuous woman overall. She does the following:
- Loves herself in a healthy way and feels really comfortable in her skin.
- She is a great friend to others.
- Lives her daily life without conforming to the world’s parameters while embracing her worth in Christ.
- Volunteers at local fundraisers and give out care packages to the homeless.
- Her advice is always sound, heart centered in her dealings and she doesn’t gossip.
- She is dependable and takes great care of her family.
- She is a leader at work and very respected.
Her lifestyle became a living example to me. It all made so much sense.
The qualities of a virtuous woman come across in a subtle, authentic and effortless manner.
Finally, I had received my first piece of freedom in my virtuous woman journey.
At that point, it was clear that I was going about this the wrong way because my “work” wasn’t paying off.
Living Authentically
In Proverbs 31, King Lemuel’s mother is giving him advice. She shares her wisdom about being a good ruler, being fair, and the ideal woman to marry.
While studying my bible, I realized that the Proverbs 31 passage describes a woman who is authentically living her truth.
Like my friend, this biblical character wasn’t checking off boxes. She wasn’t even comparing herself to that same checklist as we do!
The passages describe qualities of noble character that many of us already demonstrate in some way.
I’ve come to know many virtuous women who effortlessly embody the spirit of that scripture. It’s simply who they are.
Also, some of your Proverbs 31 qualities may not be represented in the same way as the Bible or demonstrated the same way as your friend does.
For example, I noticed a possible parallel long after I purchased my home.
Proverbs 31:16 NIV says:
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
While I did not buy a field or plant a vineyard, I did buy a home with a little yard so that I could have a small garden. It is the same garden where I share veggies with my friends and neighbors.
Sharing is simply part of who I am. It is one of the outlets (my garden) that I choose to share with others.
Basically, I am simply being who I am and living in my authentic space!
Virtuous Women Radiate
Honestly, I think we all have Proverbs 31 qualities within us that have been developed throughout our life. Don’t force it and simply allow it to be revealed to others.
Just set love as your priority and be you! By doing that, you’re already doing the good work that reveals your best qualities.
We all are at different points of our journey and are bearing fruits of this scripture in different forms.
For me, a Proverbs 31 woman is self-confident, gracious, a good manager, nurturing and simply ready for anything that life throws at her. This really resonates with who I currently am as a single Christian woman.
When you’re being your authentic self, it shines from within and inadvertently catches everyone’s attention. It all starts on the inside and radiates outward.
So, let’s stand in agreement to stop living your life according to a checklist and please do not allow others to do it to you.
It’s time to display the confident, authentic individual that we were all created to be in this world!
By the way, my friend that I mentioned got married not too long ago. Her qualities are even more amplified now as a wife.
Her husband truly found a woman who is “worth far more than rubies”.
I hope this helps you on your journey to finding your authentic space as a Proverbs 31 woman!
By the way, are there any Proverbs 31 scriptures that resonate with you?
This post was all about being your authentic self as a Proverbs 31 woman.