King Solomon writes about the ideal woman in this chapter. (Proverbs 31). It seems that the words are his mother’s…and she is, of course, Bathsheba!! I find that fascinating that the words of a someone who was part of the biggest scandal in Old Testament times has such a powerful say. Plus, she is a woman…not someone who was listened to or respected much in those times. This last weekend I have had to hold four meetings in a little local church. The subject I was given to speak about was…the role of women in today’s church! Heavy! I could start a revolution! In Mwiseni, TZ. Haha!
I am far from the ideal woman. She works, takes care of the home, raises Godly children, loves Jesus with all her heart, she is handy with her hands, an entrepreneur, and her husband has the respect of the village elders because of her. A long list. Also a bit of a contradiction to what the world sees a woman as. In the world, she must first be beautiful, thin, educated, successful, the ideal mother, rich….hey wait a minute! That almost sounds the same!!! Except for the rich, beautiful and thin part…in verse 30 it says that, “charm is deceitful and beauty is passing.” (That’s a relief…I see my wrinkles and blotchy skin in the mirror every day. Such vanity!! That’s a different topic…read Ecclesiastes! Lol)
What can we do to get closer to this ideal? I struggle with it every day. It tires me out at times, if I can be honest. If we truly give up the struggle to Jesus, and know that He is the only source of strength that we can rely on…then the walk becomes easier. We can’t compare ourselves to anyone else. All of the women out there have issues and doubts, doesn’t matter what it looks like on the outside. All of us are striving to be the ideal woman.
As I read this chapter I see a few bits that give me hope. It says that she is trustworthy, good and not evil, and she fears The Lord. I can do that. It is part of the daily walk towards the fulfillment of God’s will in my life. I can surrender it all to Him. He guides me and tells me when I am straying. I am learning to hear that still small voice. He speaks to me in my dreams, and through His Word.
Hebrews 13:5b-6, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
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