Bible Reading: Proverbs 31:10–31

Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her…Provers 31:28 (NASV)

The role of a woman in society is a subject which fills countless pages of books and magazines today. Noisy feminists blame the church for suppressing women for centuries by proclaiming a servanthood for women which is akin to slavery.

What they do no realize is that God, in Proverbs 31, sketched for us a most lovely and liberated woman. While focusing on her life on providing for her family and honoring her God, she nonetheless discovered many productive and pleasant ways to use her God-given abilities.

She is elegant, dressing herself in “silk and purple.” But at the same time, she “girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong,” working “with her hands in delight” tirelessly “day and night.” She scrupulously tended to the domestic needs of her family. But she also became a recognized and respected business woman. She traded her goods and did not forget the poor and needy, and through all her domestic and economic activities she spoke with “wisdom” and “kindness.” She brought honor to her husband and reaped the highest praise from him and from her children. What more could any woman desire?

Modern appliances of every description have released more time for today’s woman. Many are wasting that time. Christian women – look within yourselves for latent talents. Develop them and invest them to enhance your own happiness and enrich the kingdom of God at home and in society. A dying world stands waiting for what the Lord has equipped you to give.