The appearance pressure on women is nearly suffocating. Absolutely exhausting. From teenagers to senior citizens, the quest for aesthetics is a relentless treadmill. An unachievable objective.
Even within Christian circles, there have been long standing and passionate debates related to women that involve clothing, hair, jewelry, and yes, roles and responsibilities.
In fact, I grew up with a legacy of gender roles that included women and men sitting in different sections in the church.
Perhaps all of this made the reading from Proverbs 31 this week more powerful and impactful than at any other time in my life.
Few passages in Scripture offer such a comprehensive and compelling portrait of noble character. And remarkably, this portrait is of a woman. In fact, the author of this beautiful text defines a Noble woman by using verbs. Words of action. Here they are:
Rewards
Selects
Works
Brings
Rises
Provides
Evaluates
Buys
Plants
Draws
Reveals
Sees
Extends
Holds
Reaches
Makes
Sells
Delivers
Laughs
Speaks
Watches
These are strong words. Leadership words. Powerful words.
They speak loudly of productivity, business savvy, courage, attentiveness, wisdom, grit and sacrifice.
These are not the words of passivity or insignificance. They are the words of dignity, initiative and strength.
And beneath all this activity is the foundation of her character: she fears the Lord.
Note the absence of appearance-based words.
These inspired words leave little doubt about the respect such women deserve and the responsibilities they are capable of carrying. And yes, they are flawlessly written.
While our culture applauds high cheek bones, God clearly elevates high character.
While the Church has tended to be dismissive or condescending, the Bible doesn’t substantiate such a posture.
Noble women are models. Teachers. Guides.
They are to be esteemed and respected. They are to be engaged and elevated. Never underestimated or marginalized. And this is not a new or enlightened view, this is Biblical. Yes, written at least 700 BC.
And the author knew full well, that “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.”
The approval of others may come in the form of likes and followers. But the approval that matters most isn’t found on a screen. It’s found in the words, “A woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”
As the result of this, men (and others) have an assignment… a Biblical command.
“Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!”(Proverbs 31:31, MSG)
Yes, everything she deserves. It’s Biblical.
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