The Priceless Woman – Virtues of a Godly Woman
Categories: Bible Study LessonsThe prophecy that King Lemuel’s mother taught him over twenty-seven hundred years ago concerning the virtues of a godly woman in Proverbs 31 is just as true today as it was then.
Woman’s Role
The subjective, submissive role of women in the home and church has never lent itself to public accolades or front-page recognition. It is unfortunate that we forget the many references Paul makes to our equality of value in Christ where “there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
The very nature of a woman’s glory is in her quiet spirit, so that their husbands “may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold her chaste conversation coupled with fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).
God’s Divine Stamp Of Approval
During the creation process, God stated that everything created was “good” (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25) with one exception. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). In the creation of the woman, God placed His divine stamp on her value, and no sleight of hand by mindless men will ever diminish anything from its reality.
Contributions Of Godly Women
The contributions of godly women so often go unheralded, yet the church rarely lacks for them. Their commitment to Christ and His church is conspicuous in their constant attendance, often in spite of a non-supportive husband. Their dedication is demonstrated in their preparations for fellowship meals; meals for members of bereaved families; meals for members who are sick at home; visits to the sick; sending cards to the sick of the congregation; and other selfless acts of kindness.
God has employed women throughout the history of mankind to benefit the race, beginning with Eve. Sarah called Abraham “lord” (1 Peter 3:6). Deborah shamed Barak into action (Judges 4:9) while Ruth brightened the dark ages of Israel’s history (Ruth 1:1ff). Jochebed bravely hid Moses (Exodus 2:2) and Hannah dedicated Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11). Jehosheba saved a king of Israel (2 Kings 11:2) and Esther saved Israel from a king (Esther 4:16). Aged Elizabeth was blessed in her patience (Luke 1:25) and Mary “found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). Joanna and Susanna walked with our Lord (Luke 8:2-3) and Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim the risen Savior (Mark 16:9). Without Lois and Eunice, there would have been no promising young evangelist named Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5).
With godly women, it was never an issue of “who leads” or “who gets the glory”. In fact, many godly women remain nameless to this day but heaven’s record lists them each one beside their wonderful godly works (Note the godly women listed in Romans 16:1-15).
There is truly no replacement for a godly woman and wife, and though “her price is far above rubies,” she rarely receives any recognition for her efforts.
The wise husband “praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28). The godly wife is an essential element to a successful marriage. There is no substitute for the godly mother who “giveth meat to her household … for all her household are clothed with scarlet … she looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed … (and) her own works praise her in the gate” (Proverbs 31:15,21,27-28,31). “Honour thy … mother” is part of “the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2) and should be perpetually practiced.
There is no alternative to godly women in the church. Their place of submissive service is critical to the church and invaluable to its growth. They have been blessed with the responsibility of continuing “in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety” (1 Timothy 2:15).
Conclusion
Brothers, let us as godly men always give our support, understanding and praise that is due (and overdue) to such godly women in “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38) for “her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10).