The Proverbs Woman

Bible Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31

The book of Proverbs ends with an acrostic poem praising a woman who is a wise manager of diverse enterprises, ranging from weaving to winemaking to market trading. She took care of her business in addition to her home and the helpers! Translators have used various words like 'virtuous' or 'woman of noble character' to describe this woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. But the commentators tell us that these terms fail to capture the element of strength or might present in the underlying Hebrew word chayil .  Proverbs 31:17 says, "She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong."   This same term is translated as 'strength' when applied to a man, as in Proverbs 31:3. 

The text focuses on the woman's work as an entrepreneur with a cottage industry, managing the servants or workers. This text affirms the dignity of every person's work and role by praising this woman's actions. Calling this woman the 'valiant woman' is entirely appropriate since it captures both the strength and virtue of the Hebrew word chayil .  How did she obtain this wisdom?  The Bible says she obtained it by her fear of the Lord!  The Bible says, “The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

God gave the gift of work to men and women equally (Genesis 1 and 2), and God's wisdom is also available to men and women equally.  But getting acceptance in a workplace as a woman manager or an entrepreneur is quite difficult.  After I finished engineering, I joined as the first lady engineer, and as I rose through the ranks, I became the first woman to hold that position in that Public Sector Company.  I had to manage a predominantly male workforce. It was through God's help and guidance that I completed my assignments successfully.  The Lord gave me the wisdom to handle people and issues delicately, which got me the cooperation and the support of the people around me.   As in the book of Proverbs, the way of wisdom always flows out of the fear of the Lord.  

My friend, we can gain knowledge by taking various courses, but for both men and women, the wisdom to carry out our daily tasks comes only from depending on the Lord.  

Dear Lord Jesus, give me a heart of obedience to Your Word so that I will be the salt and light in my place of work. Amen.