A God fearing woman

https://odb.org/2025/11/10/a-god-fearing-woman

Proverbs 31:24–31 (NIV): 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The book of Proverbs introduces us to two central figures—Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly. Woman Wisdom is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. She entreats the public to follow her way, which is also the path of flourishing (1:20-33). Woman Folly, on the other hand, seduces those who hear her voice, causing them to choose the path of foolish disregard of divine wisdom (9:13-18). At the close of Proverbs, we’re also introduced to the “wife of noble character” (31:10; see also 12:4), whom we can understand as a person whose life genuinely reflects the wisdom of Woman Wisdom. (Monica La Rose, ODB Insight, 10th November 2025)

When it comes to choosing a spouse, Proverbs gives good advice, that is, choose a woman (and likewise a man) who fears the LORD. Beauty is of course a characteristic that men look for (I believe women too). But if we are able to look beyond the surface and look at the beauty within (hence the phrase beauty is skin deep), it will stand us in good stead in the long run. A beautiful woman and a handsome man is good to have but it should not be the main criteria. In these contemporary times, educated women with jobs are common. But less common are those who cook and do housework (and vice versa for men). This is because in modern households even her mother may not cook when she was growing up. Either they ate out or they ate at the granny’s.

But for believers, it is better to choose another believer because as Proverbs teaches, a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Looks, education, cooking skills are important but, in my view, are not as crucial as a heart that is for God. If both are upright in God, it is more likely that we will live and raise our children with upright lives. Perhaps some compromises may need to be made to adjust to the demands of the world, but it is unlikely that we’ll be living ungodly lives if we are both in the faith, especially when we are both serving God. As a man, it is always better to choose a woman who puts God first as usually the spouse is the one with the final say on most things and thus if she fears the Lord, it can only be good for the family!

Have a good week ahead, everyone! Life is not without its twists and turns. Commit our week and our ways unto the Lord, He will make our paths straight and smooth! Oh Lord, give us the wisdom to resolve the issues we face at work and at home so that your Name may be glorified at all times! Amen!