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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhile reading Proverbs 31, many of you, like me, have probably cringed at what appear to be standards for women\u2014and impossible ones at that. But we miss the point because the poem\u2019s original structure is lost to us in translation, and because we are not all wives. But each of us can find inspiration from this woman to live with God-honoring excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Imagine an older man sitting down three thousand years ago to write something to honor his wife on some special occasion: Starting with the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, he bases his writing on his mother\u2019s teachings (31:1). He creates twenty-two phrases that describe the woman he loves with a lot of flourish and perhaps a bit of exaggeration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind he wrote this in a society that expected all women to be wives, mothers, and in charge of their households. How might we apply a similar idea today? Perhaps we need a new acrostic to honor a WOMAN. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is:
Wise in business and at home,
Open to listen to others,
Mindful of those less fortunate,
Attentive to God\u2019s Spirit
Neighborly\u2014a friend to all she meets.
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis, too, is an ideal that none of us entirely fulfills. So, how do you be \u201ca virtuous and capable\u201d (31:10) you? Try asking God how he sees you. Write an acrostic using the letters of your name. Using Scripture, pen how you are God\u2019s beloved image-bearer and steward of creation (Genesis 1:26-28), daughter of God and heir to the Kingdom (Romans 8:17), gifted and called to serve God (Philippians 3:12-13), and more!
The good news is that God knows you. He calls you by name. And his Word shows us all how to live as women \u201cwho fear the Lord\u201d and \u201cwill be greatly praised\u201d (31:30).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflection Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How is God shaping you into a \u201cvirtuous and capable\u201d person? ELIZABETH GLANVILLE, PhD, is retired faculty from Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Mission and Theology. She is an international teacher on missions and leadership and chaplain for a local police department and her retirement community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does reflecting on how God sees you change how you view yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n