Wisdom. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

As a single mom for the last eleven years, I am desperate for it and pray for it every day. But when it comes to the Proverbs 31 woman (read Proverbs 31:10-31), she seems to stop me in my tracks every time I come across her in scripture.

Anyone else intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman?

I’ve been a Christian most of my life. And growing up in the church, I’ve heard all about her. Twenty-two whole verses describing, in great detail, how amazing she is. Well-rounded. Talented. Creative. Smart. Respected.

For some, this can be inspirational; for others, downright defeating.

Even though I know this passage of scripture is presented to us with good intentions, it sometimes leaves a bitter taste of guilt and shame. So I decided to tackle it for us here. And after some study on this passage, I found that most likely she wasn’t actually a real person but an ideal (very large sigh of relief).

Either way, it really is a humbling depiction of beauty. And who wouldn’t relish in identifying with these esteemed and dignified characteristics of being a woman of noble character? Honestly, I really do want to be her, all of her, but I can’t say that I ever feel like I live up to the standard.

One thing is for certain, this process isn’t quick. I’m pretty sure it takes a lifetime to develop the characteristics and the habits that make one a Proverbs 31 kind of woman.

God calls us to the narrow path (Matthew 7:14) not the wide road most people travel on. We are called to make tough choices, not easy ones. With this in mind, we are wise to remember that developing wisdom isn’t an easy road.

It’s quite obvious that life was not handed to our Proverbs 31 prodigy on a silver platter. She worked, and she worked hard. She was strong, resourceful, and wise.

The big question is: How willing are we to roll up our sleeves and work the narrow path? Not just the physical level of hard work either. This kind of unique strength and dignity requires us to work our emotional muscles, our relational muscles, and our faith muscles as well.

Every day we have a choice to make. This process is not going to happen overnight. It will be one foot in front of the other, doing the very next thing God puts in our path to do.

Although this woman is clearly depicted as being who she is by what she does (and how she does it), I think we are cheating her, ourselves, and God if that is all we see. Instead, we might ask why she is who she is, and what is the essence of her being?

It is clear, when we ask those defining questions, that she is a woman who loves God. And because of her love for God, everything she does flows forth from this place of passion and devotion.

So, our take home from this picture of Lady Wisdom—don’t try and do more, or be more, in order to model this ideal. We need to ditch the guilt and shame when it comes to living up to this standard. I believe, when we put our passion and our focus on Christ, we will become more of who God has created and called us to be.

And that makes each of us a beautiful work in progress.

Reflect and Respond:

This week I would like to encourage you to shift your focus from comparing yourself to others and focus solely on seeking the woman God is calling you to be.

Don’t let the Proverbs 31 woman intimidate you. Let her inspire you. Let her be your mentor. You are her. I am her too. We are just a work in progress. Embrace it. Enjoy it. And work it!

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed. Be strong. Be beautiful.