The Proverbs 31 Woman - What She Is and Isn't

The Proverbs 31 Woman is part of a lesson taught to King Lemuel by his mother. In its original language, it was written so that each verse began with each consecutive letter of the alphabet, making it easier for a young child to memorize.

This wise mother was teaching her son what to look for in a wife, and it's an amazing example for us as Christian women to pattern our lives after.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is:
- trustworthy (v11)
- thoughtful (v12)
- willing (v13)
- diligent (v14)
- productive (v15)
- thrifty (v16)
- strong (v17)
- industrious (v18)
- crafty (v19)
- compassionate (v20)
- protective (v21)
- considerate (v22)
- an influence (v23)
- entrepreneurial (v24)
- honorable (v25)
- wise (v26)
- hard-working (v27)
- God-fearing (v30)

All of this seems like a heavy load for us, though. I don't know about you, but this list of expectations can be a bit overwhelming.We look at this list and think we could never measure up. But we also need to look at the things she isn't.

The Proverbs 31 is NOT:
- perfect
- tireless
- a robot
- going nonstop
- SuperWoman
- always ... anything

She is an example for you and me - something to strive for in our daily lives. We aren't expected to use her as a checklist to make sure we accomplish everything she would do every single day. That would be both exhausting and unnecessary.

Instead, as she has been included in the cannon of Scripture for our learning, we can look to her as God's pattern for a godly woman. I pray that you will read this passage of Scripture often and pray that the Lord will show you where you can grow to be like her and show you the ways you already are.

The Proverbs 31 Woman should be an encouragement to us that we can truly be the women God wants us to be.

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