Proverbs 31 Woman in Our World Today

by Krista
(Mc Bain, Michigan USA)

I am a wife of 18 years and a mother of 2 teenage boys. I work part time outside of the home because my husband works at home. That way our boys are never without a parent. I enjoy horse back riding, four wheeling with our boys, and watching them play high school sports. My greatest enjoyment is my time alone with my husband.

I would like to learn how to be the woman God intended for me to be in a world where woman feel they need to be "the man". I want my own identity like the one described in Proverbs 31. How does God fit me in a world that thinks I am "outdated" and "old fashioned"?

I get so busy, I forget He is here, right beside me. I want to see Him walking beside me throughout the day, and now, I have lost that relationship. I need guidance to get me back close to Him again.

She Girds Herself With Strength...

by Sheri
(SW New Hampshire)

She girds herself with strength spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task...
- Proverbs 31:17 (AMP)

If I am to "gird myself with strength", then it is my responsibility to get strong spiritually, mentally and physically.

How do I do that?

Spiritually, sit at the Master's feet by spending time in the Word, prayer and worship daily!

Mentally, I should be learning new things everyday about the world that God has placed me in (and beyond). I should learn more about people and their needs and how to connect them with the resources that may minister to them.

Physically, I should be paying attention to the body I have been placed in. I need to eat more healthy each day- even that means just one healthy habit change over a week's time. I need to exercise more by parking further away from my destination and be willing to take the stairs when possible. I need to do what my doctor says to do so that I can take care of this temple of the Holy Spirit.

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Want to learn more about being a true woman of strength? Join us as we journey through God's Word in our free online women's Bible study.

Proberbs 31: For Christian Working Women

by Santasha Cooper
(Greenville, NC)

In lesson 2 of our Proverbs 31 Bible study, we talked about how a servants heart begins at home. Here is Santasha's response to this powerful lesson...

1. Do you feel like you are reaching the standard set by the Proverb 31 woman? If not, what areas do you need God's help in?
I am not reaching he standard set by the proverbs 31 woman. I am to busy trying to work to help with the finances. I am married with 4 girls. My husband always say I need to do more for them. You said it best , by the time I get home I am spent. I have nothing left to give but frustration and tiredness.

2. What is one thing that God has really brought before your heart through this study? Write it down so that you can reflect on it later on.
Getting at his feet. I must get in the presence of the Lord and stop being distracted by trying to accomplish some many things at one time.

3. If you work outside of the home, or even have a work at home business, are there any areas where you know in your heart that your family needs more than you are able to give? Pray and ask God to show you how to meet those needs of those most important to you.
yes

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Want to learn more about what it means to be a true virtuous woman? Read The Hem's free Bible study on Becoming a Proverb 31 Woman:

Lesson 1: Clothed in Strength and Dignity
Lesson 2: Let Her Works Praise Her

Is Proverbs 31 Unrealistic?

by Anita Logan
(S. Charleston, Ohio)

Is the Proverbs 31 woman realistic, or is it simply an unattainable ideal? We discussed that and more in our free Proverbs 31 Bible Study. Here is Anita's response to Lesson 1:

1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?
Yes, I know have a true Godly reference of what a REAL woman is.

2. Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?
Yes, because that's what seems to be accepted and it seems like men go for the society's definition of a strong woman I safeguard by staying at the feet of God.

3. Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?
Yes, because I believe that is the fiber I am made of...I believe it is inate...I now need to discipline myself even more to shine as the real woman God has made me

4. What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?
Getting up a little earlier to have more quality time with God, also blocking out 1 evening for just me and God, not church, but me and God.

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Do you want to learn more about becoming the woman that God called you to be? Read The Hem's free study of Proverbs 31 for yourself here!

Chayil:The Real Superwoman!

by Kylee
(North Carolina)

Ever feel like everyone expects you to be Superwoman? But, what does God expect? That is the question we confronted in our study of the Proverb 31 woman.

Here is Kylee's reaction to this lesson...


1)Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?
Yes this helps me so much. Many times I have found myself looking at this passage in a negative, demeaning way towards women. I can now see that God does not think so little of women.

2) Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?
I constantly fall into the trap of feeling like a failure to other women just because I work from home. For some reason there is so much value placed on being in corporate America and not being a Domestic Goddess! The way I can safeguard myself from this trap is by reminding myself that I am doing what the Lord intended and quite possibly my priorities are in the right place where most career minded women's are not.

3) Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?
I do believe that I can "adopt" the Proverbs 31 purpose in my life and start to focus more on God and His plan for my life and my family.

4) What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?
I could find more time to spend with the Lord by slowing down and not trying to be SuperWoman for my family, church, school, work and friends.

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Want to learn more about God's idea of a real Superwoman? Read The Hem's free study on the Proverb 31 Woman.

Are You a "Strong" Woman?

by Marie

What does it really mean to be a strong woman? In Proverbs 31, God shared His idea of what it really means to be a woman of strength. Here is Marie's response to lesson 1 of our free study on the "Chayil" woman that God describes...

(1) Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?
Being a prayer warrior, clothed with Full Armor of God,is described completely with one word, and sounds fashionable.

(2) Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?
Sweet niblets ,I hope not!!!I think the trap turns a female bi-sexual,or whoremonger.I love being a bride of Christ, sister, mother,wife, pretty, Blessed!!!

(3) Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?
It is being Christ-like in all my ways, and fulfilling my purpose.

(4) What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?
Sitting down applying my make-up. Being still sitting on floor or bed Indian style.,Preparing meals, If I can sit still throughout a movie or tv show I can go on an adventure with my Bible and a exciting Christian study/and or book. Enjoying classical or easy jazz,or Santana anywhere.

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Want to learn more about what God considers the strength of you as a woman? Read The Hem's free Proverbs 31 Bible study here.

Becoming a Chayil Woman

by SNP
(PA)

In our Bible study on Proverbs 31, we discussed becoming a chayil woman. Here is SNP's response to our reflection questions from that free lesson:


1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?
This makes me realize that I have to become a virtuous woman so that I can do God's work, not my own work.


2. Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?
I think a lot of us fall into this trap, and I am one of them. I always think I have to independent in all areas in order to be considered "strong". I need to just stay in God's word to safeguard myself from this. We all have to be dependent on the Lord, and not on ourselves.

3. Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?
Of course it's attainable. Why? Because we can do ALL THINGS through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! He will never put more on us than we can bare.


4. What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?
I could devote time to Jesus every day. I go to church and read my Bible, put I could be more active in my church, rather than just going on Sundays. I can take advantage of every opportunity to get closer to Him.

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Want to learn how you can become a true woman of strength? Read The Hem's free Bible study on what it means to Become a Chayil (virtuous) woman here.

On becoming a virtuous woman...

by Laylan

I'm Laylan, a 30yr old single woman. I've been a Christian for 5 yrs now and I can say, it hasn't been smooth sailing for me. I've stumbled over the years. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was in the area of purity.

Now I can say, in God's grace, that I'm consistently overcoming the temptations and becoming victorious little by little, learning to say no and turning away from things that might lead me away from from walk with God.

I've been looking for a place online where I can have fellowship with other women who can help mentor me, help me grow more and more in love with God, help me find contentment in Him and Him only.




What would you like to discuss?

Over the years I've focused on building my career, I even thought to myself that perhaps I wouldn't get married. But when I turned 30, things started to change. I don't know if this is a phase I'm just going through. Suddenly, all the efforts I've done to build my career felt meaningless. 20 yrs from now, will it still matter to me? What matters to me now is God. I've been thinking of marriage. Sometimes I think that maybe I'm sinning already in the sense that I'm desiring marriage too much. I'm afraid that it's becoming an idol to me, thinking that it will make me happy. I don't think I'm there yet, but I'd like to find contentment in God. I think I need help in that area.

I've never really thought about purity - and by this I don't just mean sexual purity... purity in thoughts, motives, actions, etc. Years ago I didn't value purity that I've compromised many times. I'd like to have fellowship with married and single women where we can share what we're going through, our struggles and help build up each other.

Now that I desire marriage, I've been praying for my future husband, whoever he is. =) These are my struggles right now:
1. Because I've been thinking of marrige much, there are times when I fail to see my brothers in Christ as that, brothers. Sometimes I think of them as potential husbands. I've even found myself asking if this and this person is a man I can follow. I know that I must see my guy friends as brothers in Christ and I feel guilty when I think otherwise.
2. In the area of purity. Elizabeth Elliot once said that if you take the path to purity, be prepared to think of as an odd person. And now I fully understand this. I'm getting pressure from my friends to go ahead and marry. Now that I'm 30, all the more that I'm feeling the pressure from my family and friends. I guess it is easy to marry when you follow your own desires. But I want to submit this area of my life to God. I don't want to just marry the first person who'd propose to me. I want to trust on God's timing, but I admit there are times I feel impatient. How do I deal with impatience and find mysecurity in Him?
3. As a single person, I want to know how I can prepare myself for marriage. I know truly understanding Proverbs 31 I think is best for me to do. I want to be that virtuous woman Solomon talked about. I need guidance from a godly woman, someone who can help me.

I hope to build strong friendships with other christian women from all over the world. =)

Woman of Strength

by Rachel
(Hebron, KY)

Really men were just the first draft then perfection came along...LOL....just kidding but seriously, my husband always says that i am his rock, and although he is the strongest person I know he says he is only that way because he gets his strength from me, which of course just makes me want to be more of a "rock" for him, we are a great team and only when we are together does life seem like it just "works".

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God made woman with a strength all her own. Discover the strength that lies inside of you as a woman of God in The Hems' free study Clothed in Strength and Dignity.

Is The Proverb 31 Woman Realistic?

by Kathy
(Huntsville, AL)

Is the Proverb 31 Woman realistic, or is she totally unattainable? Here is what Kathy had to say about it in her response to Clothed in Strength and Dignity - Lesson 1 of Your Free Proverb 31 Woman Bible study.


1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?

Not quite yet. It is a logical concept, however the implementation of such a task seems afar of for me,because it is all tangled up in my busy-ness

2.Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?

I have found myself at times questioning the direction and purpose of my life, I run around daily trying to find fulfillment in the things that I do hoping it will complete me; however, I rarely find it, because I have not created much time in my life and schedule to achieve this goal of a serious relationship with Jesus. I recognize that regular church attendance and giving of my time to church duties still is far-fetched from the missed relationship I desire to have with Christ.

3.Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?

It is attainable because God gives everyone according to the desires of their heart particularly; if it's to have a closer walk with Him and a better relationship.

4.What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?

Early morning devotion and spending time listening to the Lord and not talking so much,but listening (meditation) waiting to hear a word from the Lord for myself. Devoting at least two 15 minute time periods throughout my day to spend with the Lord. this will require that I literally STOP! and make time to do this.

Virtous Woman

by Crystal
(Independece, MO USA)

I am 31 and working on a virtuous woman bible study for the women of our church. I am married with no children of my own, but I know God will bless us when He is ready so I am trying to get to the virtuous woman stage after being in Upper Management for 15 years. It is difficult going from being in charge to being submissive.

I would like to discuss the roles of women, Godly characteristics of a woman, practical applications for the working woman, busy mom, and all others.

Proverbs 31

by LaSharon
(Maryland)

What does it really mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman? We answered that question in our free 2 part woman's Bible Study on Proverbs 31.

Here is LaSharon's response after completing Lesson 1: Clothed in Strength and Dignity.

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1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?

Yes, understanding the true meaning has changed the way I see God's plan for me.

2. Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?

I don't fall into the trap because as I sit under my pastor Dr. Freeman & his wife Dr. Dee Dee, I've learned to divorce myself from the opinions of others.

3. Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?

Yes, the example God gave is attainable, God will not put it in His word if it wasn't attainable. God word itself is attainable.

4. What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?

To be more like Mary I can get breakfast ready at night, still get up @ the same time & study, pray & meditate on the Word in the morning. I can cut off the TV @ night & spend my lunch break at work in study.

Proberbs 31 Virtuous Woman

by Kia M. Nolley-Smith
(Washington, DC)

Are you are Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman? In our Bible lesson on the Proverb 31 Woman, we discussed what it means to be a Real Woman in God's eyes!

Here is Kia's response to that lesson...

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1.) Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?

Chayil shows that as a woman of God I am strong and not weak. To me that means I have a balance of strenth and humbleness. Yet before I felt like my place was to be a humble and quiet.


2.) Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?

Yes, sometimes I get caught up in being too strong of a woman. Growing up I was raised by a single parent whom taught me to be independent. The major lesson I missed in my up bringing was that in that strength I do not need to over power every one. To prevent myself from being this way I need to stay close to the father and remind myself constantly of who I am.

3.) Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?

Anything that God places before us is attainable through Him. Staying focused on Him is the key. All women poses the power to be a Proverbs 31 woman, we just have to tap into it.

4.) What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?

In the morning I could wake up earlier and take time to be intimate with God. Then during the day I can talk to Him more through prayer. In the evening before I rest I can spend more time with the Lord by reading and understanding his Word.

Proverb 31 Virtuous Woman

by Karla
(Bellwood Il)

In our lesson on the Proverb 31 Virtuous Woman, we learned about God's description of a Real woman.

Here is Karla's response to that lesson.

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1. Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?

Yes, now I understand he wants me to be strong in all areas.

2. Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?

Yes. I can safeguard myself by spending more time with Him.

3. Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?

I feel that the Proverb 31 Virtuous woman I have to grow into.

4. What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?

Turn off the tv.

Proverb 31 25

by Dana
(Michingan)

I am a mother of 5. I have a wonderful husband who loves me. I grew up with an alcoholic Mom and a dad who believed in the big bang. I Believed In God. I felt His Spirit. I Have always craved love and tried so hard to always get it from my mom and Dad even other families. Until a few weeks ago. After starting the study on a virtuous Woman.

My mother just a few weeks ago was saying very mean things to me and really tearing me down. She was drunk as she usually is. I Went home feeling horrible, not understanding why I can't be loved. Then, realizing even though I am here with my children as I am a stay at home mom, that I don't know How to love my children. I was never taught. In fact I realized that I don't even except God's love for me.

Not any more!

I am going to learn His love for me and except it. When reading prov 31 25. Her strength and honor are her clothing. I realized I get my strength in knowing God's word and His love for me. I honor God, My self my mother when I stand up for my belief in God. Tell my mom in a loving manner when she starts on me saying something along the lines of, "Mom I love you and God loves you and me. He would not have you talk to me that way and I won't allow you to treat me that way any more. I am a child of God and I will not be hurt by your sin any more. I am a daughter of the most high...."

I just thought I would share that...





What would you like to discuss?

Becoming a Virtuous Woman

by Stephanie
(Brookeland, TX , US )

Meet Stephanie! She is new to our free Bible course on Becoming a Virtuous Woman.


A little about Stephanie...

I am a wife of 12 yrs mother to a 11 yr old and a 8 yr old a stay at home mom that loves reading the bible and learning new things my husband recently became a deacon at our church and i want to be a better helper to him in that way and in all ways .


What she would like to discuss with the group...

how i can be a better wife ,mother , helper , leader ,teacher in all a bwtter woman .

Living As The Proverbs 31 Woman

by Queenpmw
(Illinois)

Blessed be The Lord God!!!

I am so happy I found this site, you will NEVER understand just what it means to me. I know full well what it means to be a Proverb 31 Woman, and now spend my days working to attain the "make-up" it takes to get there.

I am no longer employed. While I worked in corporate america (making lots of money) I always knew there was something else He wanted me to do. I thought perhaps a nurse, but now at age 55, on ssd, and having lost EVERYTHING I worked for (except my car - praise His name) I see ever so clearly how this life just does not matter.

Service. I am to be of service to others.

I've always crocheted, knitted and almost everything else "Martha Stewardish" under the sun.

I now am starting from scratch. Having been homeless for over a year now, I was finally approved for SSD, and I believe in my heart that any day I will have my "dream home". No more homelessness, no more worries.

I hope to be able to help others on a deeper level than I did in the past. I have always had a tender heart, paying my tithes, etc., but now, God is giving me an opportunity to shoot for the stars - His stars.

I keep my ears and heart open to hear what He is saying to me, and EVERYTHING I do is out of faith.

Living in a hotel now, I have the faith that He still wants me to "....prosper and be in good health, even as my soul prospers." Only this time I will have a true understanding of every little miracle - like the one about keeping my car when I lost everything else.

God is awesome!!!

Pray for me, please because I am expecting Him to continue to show up and show out in my life. There are those who were actually glad to see me lose everything, but to God be the glory, not me when they look and see how my life is (speaking in faith) being restored, including relationships with my children.

My one sister just can't understand and says "why do bad things happen to Christians?" I tell her that when we are Christ Like that goes with the territory, and how we deal with each situation determines the outcome.

Oh, I weep and moan, but then I begin praising Him, even in the worse times and somehow I've made it through almost 2 years of "not being in a good place", but still being a christian!!!

Praise Him!!

I hope this wasn't too much to say. I just wanted to share a little.

Peace and blessings to all.

Growing Into the Proverbs 31 Woman

by Teri
(Alabama)

The Proverbs 31 verse is so uplifting and I try to apply it every day, but it seems that the more I try to apply it the more depressed, frustrated and angry I become. I believe that this is a growing process to strive for and not be completely filled in this human body.

I will start every morning with a knee bent praise and try not to fulfill everyone else's needs.

I believe that every woman has a sense of power and strength but, doesn't know how to use it properly. I am one of those women.

Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman

by Tara
(Gardendale)

In Lesson 1 of our Proverbs 31 Virtuous woman Bible study, Clothed in Strength and destiny we talked about God's woman being a woman of strength. We discussed the difference between what God sees as strength and what the world sees.

Here is Tara's response to that Proverbs 31 Virtuous woman Bible lesson.

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1.)Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you see God's plan for you as a woman?

Yes I know God has a plan for me. Sometimes I am not real sure of that plan.But to hear that God himself wants me to be women. He made me to be that women It's a awesome feeling.

2.) Do you ever fall into the trap of striving for the world's idea of a Strong Woman? Why or why not? If so, how can you safeguard yourself from doing this?

Sometimes I have been a stay at home mom and wife for 9 years and I made the decision to go back to work this year my son is 5 and is starting school this year. So I went back and front on it for a while but at the year i pray and I know it's the right move for me.

3.) Do you feel that the example God gives you in Proverb 31 is attainable? Why or why not?

Of course God always makes it attainable. You just have to want to be what God has already made you.

4.) What are a few ways that you personally could make more time to be like Mary and sit at Jesus' feet?

I am trying to spend my time at my father's feet.

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