Did you know that the prototype for today’s busy woman is found in Scripture?[1]
Proverbs 31:10-31 introduces the original busy woman, whose lifestyle, values, and character align with the Word of God — and she is a woman whose life busy women of the twenty-first century are challenged to emulate. Why? Because the changelessness of God comes into question if Proverbs 31:10-31 is no longer relevant. If we believe God changed His mind about one passage of Scripture, how can we be sure He has not changed His mind about others?
God never changes. Nor do the principles He calls us to live by. Thus, the principles He gave for women in the Old and New Testaments still apply to women of the twenty-first century. Today’s busy woman understands that the description of her Proverbs 31:10-31 counterpart is not presented to develop an inferiority complex within her. Rather, Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a biblical foundation that enables today’s woman to prioritize her life.
Eleven principles motivate the busy woman who seeks to please God:
1. She is virtuous (Proverbs 31:10).
2. She is trustworthy (Proverbs 31:11-12).
3. She is energetic (Proverbs 31:13-16, 19, 24, 27).
4. She is physically fit (Proverbs 31:17).
5. She is economical (Proverbs 31:18).
6. She is unselfish (Proverbs 31:18).
7. She is honorable (Proverbs 31:25).
8. She is lovable (Proverbs 31:28-29).
9. She is prepared (Proverbs 31:21-22).
10. She is prudent (Proverbs 31:26).
11. She is God-fearing (Proverbs 31:30).
Because these 11 principles are so important, I encourage you to examine each of them individually. However, before you begin your study, I want to give you a sneak preview of why it is important for the busy woman to embrace them. Proverbs 31:31 describes the reward of cultivating the 11 principles. When the busy woman seeks, through her heavenly Father’s strength, to make them a part of her life, eventually she receives her rewards “in the gates” (verse 31). This refers to the public assembly of people. Such a woman is often rewarded in this life and always in the hereafter (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:1-51;
2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12).
Moral purity, behaviors that model the Lord’s character, and thoughts that are put through the filter of Philippians 4:8-9 describe the lifestyle of a woman who pleases God. Moral purity means the busy woman chooses to avoid “all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). She will stop and think, What would Jesus do? before responding to any situation (1 Peter 2:21-25). Philippians 4:8-9 filters her thoughts so that they are commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
A goal most busy women desire to achieve is to positively influence their world. Virtue is an effective power and force that graciously generates power and demands respect, thus allowing her to achieve that goal.
The Old Testament book of Ruth describes such a woman. Ruth 3:11 is the only scriptural reference to a virtuous woman and explains that Boaz knew of Ruth because of her reputation for purity.
As others observe your life from a distance, as Boaz did Ruth’s, would they describe you as virtuous woman? Will you ask your heavenly Father to help you live a life characterized by virtue (Matthew 5:8)? Be sure to consistently look for evidence that He is saying “yes” to your prayer, and thank Him for giving you the strength to pursue a virtuous lifestyle (Philippians 4:13). Remember, content is the busy woman who filters her thoughts so that they are commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
If you are in the Fort Worth area, consider scheduling a tour of Horner Homemaking House, Southwestern’s Management Model where our Homemaking classes are taught. If you would like a sample chapter of The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook simply click on Contact Pat and request your copy.
As well, you might enjoy attending the “Building a Culture of Biblical Femininity in the Home, Church and Community” Conference on the Southwestern campus October 1-3. Visit www.RockCreekBC.org for more information.
[1] See Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock, Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, A Guide to Developing Your Biblical Potential (Chicago: Moody, 2003) for further elaboration.
