Proverbs 31:25-26 – Proverbs 31 Woman
Guest post by: Kaylah Crosier
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
“Strength and dignity” are the Proverbs 31 woman’s clothing, not because of her femininity but because she is the Lord’s. She doesn't walk in her own strength or in her own dignity because we have none – at least none that matters eternally. Our righteousness is but filthy rags and we can do nothing without faith. This “strength and dignity” is found in Him and in Him alone. We need to clothe ourselves in the Spirit. Put on humility, have this mind of Christ...then and only then can we rejoice in times to come. Again, not because we trust in ourselves, but because “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) We can also smile at the future because of His promises. He has proven Himself faithful so we can continue to walk in faith. Remember His Word says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;” (Psalm 138:8a) “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
If the things that are on her mouth are wisdom and kindness, it is sure that those things are on her heart. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). If it isn’t our desire to come across as harsh, foolish, rude women, it is very important that we look to the Lord to transform and sanctify our hearts. Again, we must clothe ourselves in humility and have this mind on Christ.
When I hear Proverbs 31, I immediately think of the woman I long to be. Sometimes, I feel as though I will never achieve “31 status”, but then I remember the Bible says these things were written for our example. This chapter stirs me up to good works and encourages women to godliness. Bottomline, we will never be the perfect woman on our own, but God is just as faithful to do the work in us as He was to save us. So, when you read this passage and reflect on your own growth, remember, we have not yet obtained it, but we need to press on toward the prize.
Godly femininity is under attack. There are many ideas in the world concerning gender equality and feminism. As Christians, our minds are not to be conformed to the world. We are to be different. We have a higher calling. No matter what society says, our definition of femininity comes from the Word of God. Let us break down stereotypes and preconceived notions of what women are capable of! Let us embrace how God has created us to be and ask Him to teach us how to be the Proverbs 31 woman!
Examine yourself…
Do you dress yourself according to your flesh or as unto the Spirit?
How can you grow in trusting God with your future and the unknown?
Are you speaking wisdom or foolishness? Are your words kind or harsh?
How are you glorifying God in your femininity? These two verses center on heart issues. Ask God to change you from the inside out, so all may see and glorify Him.