March 18, 2026

The most profound compliment I have ever received came from my 17 year old son when he referred to me as a Proverbs 31 woman. Initially, I doubted my ability to embody such an esteemed standard. I have since come to understand that the 31st chapter of Proverbs does not depict an actual individual but rather outlines character traits that we all possess. If she were a real person, she would epitomize perfection.

I wish I had recorded everything my son shared with me. He mentioned that the Proverbs 31 woman is not perfect; rather, she embodies admirable character traits. He went on to discuss the various depictions of women in the Bible, asserting that I share those qualities as well.

Since it is a long passage, I am going to break this up into eleven sections as there is so much good to learn just in this alone. After I am done with that, then I will pull out the women of the Bible who represent a Proverbs 31 woman so this may take a few weeks or months to get through; make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

The title for the passage in Proverbs 31 is “A Woman Who Fears Yahweh”

She fears the Lord

This acknowledgment does not stem from fear of the Lord, but rather from a deep respect for His holiness and recognition of His Sovereignty. In every aspect of our lives, we must remember to invite God into both the smallest and the most significant activities of each day. Everything we do holds importance whether that’s changing a baby’s diaper, making dinner, or speaking at a women’s retreat.

I am reminded of the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” Those bracelets were a good reminder and there were also books written about this. Above each verse in this passage, you will find a word. Those words are letters in the Hebrew alphabet so you could say that we are learning from the “ABCs” of a proverbs 31 woman. Let’s dive right in!

Her worth is far above pearls – verse 10

You and I have the potential to make a positive impact, regardless of our current life circumstances—be it as singles, spouses, family, or friends. We have the capacity to effect change wherever we go and in whatever we do. While pearls are undoubtedly beautiful, your inner beauty is even more precious—a true treasure.

I recall a former high school peer who reached out to me a few years ago, expressing her gratitude for the encouragement I offered her during the school day, saying I would make sure to say something whenever I saw her. She remarked that I was the kindest person she encountered there. Reflecting on this, I thought, “Wow! I had no idea!” Such seemingly small gestures can have a significant impact.

Consider the interactions we have with others, such as the cashier at a store or a bank teller. Are there words of encouragement we can share to uplift them? I have always emphasized the importance of manners to my children, and over the years, I’ve observed them expressing kindness in their interactions. This doesn’t mean offering compliments that aren’t genuine, but there is always something positive we can find to brighten someone’s day.

Her husband trusts her – verse 11

This message is relevant not only to married individuals but to any woman. Can our husbands leave for work without being consumed by worry about our well-being? Do they walk away with confidence, assured that the household and children are in capable hands? What about if you are in a different season of life? Are you showing up to work, doing above and beyond what is expected of you? Can your co-workers see a Light in you that shines brightly? Are you shiny and salty?

If you find yourself thinking, “I lack confidence, so how could he possibly feel secure?” I empathize, as I speak from personal experience. Nearly every day, I woke up questioning my ability to navigate the day successfully. My problem was I thought I had to do figure it out all on my own. I have learned the importance of entrusting my day to Jesus, seeking His perspective, and asking for guidance in my words and actions. If you think you fail daily, you are in good company. We are all very flawed humans. 

The nice thing is God loves us so much, He will not keep us where we are at but desires to see us grow through any and all circumstances. It is our mess ups that teach the best lessons. God has placed each of us, whether married or single, precisely where we need to be, and He has confidence in our abilities. Husbands, it is essential to encourage your wives, as parenting is a demanding, round-the-clock responsibility. Ask yourself, “how can I encourage my wife?” Sometimes this will mean taking action. Pick up the dish rag or vacuum. Or take the children out so she can have time to herself. You just may shock her. We strive to teach our children through our missteps, being grateful once we have finally navigated them into adulthood and us through parenthood, that everyone made it. Whew!

To wrap up part one, a good reminder is each of us has the potential to embody the strength, wisdom, and compassion described in this chapter. It’s a reminder that we are all capable of kindness, diligence, and love in our daily lives. We will never be perfect until heaven, but it’s in our imperfections that growth happens and where our true beauty and strength can start shining through. Embracing the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman means celebrating our unique journey, supporting one another, and striving to be the best version of ourselves, not just for our own sake but for those around us. Together, we can uplift and inspire, creating a community of grace and resilience.

Blessings,
Jennifer