Read on, and find out!
RE-INTRODUCING THE G.O.A.T.
The woman from Proverbs 31 (v. 10-31) -- we all know her well -- men and women alike. She has been envied for years! Literally, for thousands and thousands of years, women want to be her and men want to marry her! She is what we would refer to today as the G.O.A.T. SIS WAS BAD!! She was detailed, creative, prepared, and an early riser. She worked out, gave to the poor, and she spoke with wisdom and kindness. She had it all together -- her home, her career, her businesses, her husband, her children -- everything about her was deemed excellent.
Let’s be honest, she’s always seemed like a myth or a legend -- you know, a good biblical example of what a woman should strive for -- but in reality never quite attainable. I think back to all the womens’ conferences that I have sat in, where we debated the efficacy of being the Proverbs 31 woman. The debate always got heated as women shared their thoughts: “she had servants to help her” “it’s not like how it is now in our society” “she doesn’t have a demanding career like mine” --- and the list went on. We ultimately would conclude that she was ideal, but not realistic.
A CHAYIL WOMAN DEFINED
Truthfully, I was one of those women that believed I could try to emulate as many of her characteristics, but I could never be her fully. But then I began looking deeper into what Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, REALLY meant when she spoke about a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.
The word “woman” in verse 10 is translated from the Hebrew word Eshet. The word “virtuous” or “noble” or “excellent” or “good” is translated from the Hebrew word Chayil (khah'-yil). The two words together, Eshet Chayil in Hebrew literally translates to Woman of Valor. According to the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, chayil is defined by both Bible Study Tools and Bible Tools as:
strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
strength
ability, efficiency
wealth
force, army
Picture of a Warrior Woman
Bible Tools further defines chayil as, “probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:--able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+)valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily).”
Blue Letter Bible also cites that the word chayil is used in the King James Version of the Old Testament a total of 243 times in 228 verses. Each time it is used, it is used in the following way: army (56x), man of valour (37x), host (29x), forces (14x), valiant (13x), strength (12x), riches (11x), wealth (10x), power (9x), substance (8x), might (6x), strong (5x), miscellaneous (33x).
Merriam-Webster defines valor as, “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness: personal bravery.”
So we find that the word chayil is used in the bible mostly in the place of warfare and battle, showing strength, force, and courage. The word is cited to be used to describe “valor” 37 times. Dictionary.com defines valor as “boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.” Merriam-Webster defines valor as, “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness: personal bravery.”
So, the Proverbs 31 Woman, the Woman of Valor, an Eshet Chayil is a woman who courageously, and with all boldness and bravery confronts every challenge, battle, and obstacle that comes her way. She is a woman of military strength. She is a woman with the capacity to fight. She is a warrior woman! Ready for battle!
THE SOURCE OF HER STRENGTH
But the question still stands, “is this woman attainable?” -- a warrior woman that juggles it all, and basically laughs at the face of fear and obstacles. It took a revelation for me to figure out the answer to this question -- but I figured it out!! The Proverbs 31 woman is 100% attainable!!
HOW?!?, you ask me. I found the answer in verse 30, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” BAM! Did you see that there? -- a woman who FEARS the Lord will be praised!
I know what you’re thinking -- how could it be so simple. But look at what verse 29 says, “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Hhhhmmmm...okay, so basically there are other women of valor out there. There are other women out there killing it already in their daily lives. But guess what? the Proverbs 31 woman SURPASSES THEM ALL!! Sis is the QUEEN of killing it!! She’s doing it better than others. She is a trailblazer in being a woman of valor. So the thing that gives her the edge over other women killing it is the fear of God.
Many times we think of fear as terror, being afraid, being anxiously concerned, or the anticipation of something bad or dangerous. But when we talk about the fear of God, it’s a love kind of fear. You know that feeling that you got as a child or a teenager, when you were contemplating doing something you know was wrong, but you think to yourself, “if I do this thing my Mom or Dad will be disappointed in me.” It’s that kind of reverence and fear.
Dictionary.com defines the fear of God as, “reverential awe”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “profound reverence and awe”. And being in awe is all about having admiration and to be in wonder of a person or thing. So when we talk about the Proverbs 31 woman fearing God, we’re saying that she reveres God, and honors, respects, obeys, and looks up to Him.
THE BENEFIT OF FEARING GOD
There are so many benefits to fearing God. But in the context of our discussion here today, the key benefit of fearing God is that He gives us the chayil, valor, strength, and courage that we need to be a virtuous woman -- a Chayil Woman. Let’s look at a few biblical references of how God gives chayil to those that fear Him.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV) - But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get chayil [wealth], that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Judges 6:12 (KJV) - And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of chayil [valor].
Ruth 3:11 (KJV) - And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a chayil [virtuous] woman.
2 Samuels 22:33 (KJV) - God is my strength and chayil [power]: and he maketh my way perfect.
Psalm 18:39 (KJV) - For thou hast girded me with chayil [strength] unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Habakuk 3:19 (KJV) - The LORD God is my chayil [strength], and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Zechariah 4:6 (KJV) - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by chayil [might], nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
We find over and over and over again how having that edge that comes from fearing God, is what give us the ability to be an outstanding woman, a chayil woman.
ARE YOU A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?
The reality is, none of us are perfect or have it all together. We wake up every morning trying our best to do our best. But circumstances in life can make us feel unworthy, powerless, hopeless, or just not enough. That voice in our head and our fleshly proclivities are what leave us believing that we could never be that Proverb 31 woman. But Sis, fear not! I am here to tell you today, that YOU ARE a virtuous woman!! I AM a virtuous woman!! Any woman who fears the Lord and is intentional in whole-heartedly putting her trust in Him is a Chayil Woman. Because when we feel unworthy, God makes us able. When we feel powerless, God gives us His power. God gives us chayil, which is our force for virtue.
God gives us chayil, which is our force for virtue.
Take this Chayil Lifestyle one day at a time, knowing that while we are not perfect, our God is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). And Sis, if you’re thinking, “I don’t have that fear of the God in me” or “I don’t even have a relationship with God like that”, It’s okay! Take heart in knowing you can start today. God loves us unconditionally and steadfastly, and He promises to draw nearer to us as we draw near to Him (James 4:8). So just talk to him today and let Him know your heart, and that you desire to draw closer to Him. He will give you the grace each day to live this Chayil Lifestyle.
My favorite way that I enjoy scripture is to personalize the scripture for myself. Below, I have personalized Proverbs 31:10-31 (AMP) with my name. Read it aloud now, and insert your name where I have inserted mine:
10 An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Fiona’s value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
11 The heart of Fiona's husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], and he will have no lack of gain.
12 Fiona comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 Fiona looks for wool and flax and works with willing hands in delight.
14 Fiona is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure]; she brings her [household’s] food from far away.
15 Fiona rises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household and assigns tasks to her maids.
16 Fiona considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently];
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17 Fiona equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong.
18 Fiona sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].
19 Fiona stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
20 Fiona opens and extends her hand to the poor, and she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
21 Fiona does not fear the snow for her household, for all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].
22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Fiona’s clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].
23 Fiona’s husband is known in the [city’s] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 Fiona makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; and supplies sashes to the merchants.
25 Strength and dignity are Fiona’s clothing and her position is strong and secure; and Fiona smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
26 Fiona opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
27 Fiona looks well to how things go in her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Fiona’s children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
29 “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but Fiona excel them all.”
30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but Fiona fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
31 Give Fiona of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].
Share in the comment below the characteristics of the chayil woman that you most ascribe to. If you have feedback on the post or have topics you want us to cover, message me! Thanks for dropping by!