A Proverbs 31 Woman

I know that not all of my readers are female but as a woman I wanted to read and interpret this famous passage for myself. Many interpret this passage in the roles of wife and mother, and though I want to eventually be both I recognized that these two roles are not the only ones I will hold throughout my life. I also recognized that these two roles are not the roles that every other woman in the world will possess. So I began to wonder and to read the passage in terms of what a modern day God fearing woman looks like--whether she is a wife/mother or striving to be one or not. This passage is a powerful look at what a God fearing woman is capable of.I have a shirt that declares "I am a Proverbs 31 Woman: I am Strong" and on the back "Never Underestimate a Woman with a Plan and a Prayer." Since I have a shirt that declares I am a Proverbs 31 woman I started to think I should take a look at this passage. This past semester I have been taking a Women in the Bible course and a week ago I was listening to presentations and a girl presented on the Proverbs 31 woman. So I got to thinking, how can this woman be interpreted in today's world?In my bible Proverbs 31:10-31 is titled "Ode to a Capable Wife," however, I read a commentary on Proverbs 31 and they titled this woman "The Woman of Strength." So lets call this woman a woman of strength not just a capable wife. This woman is so much more than simply a role. All women can learn from her, she is hard working, giving, compassionate, loving and above all else she fears God.Proverbs 31: 10"A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." This woman is special, she is precious and cannot be bought with any monetary amount. This woman has a heart for God, she lives her life to honor God. She loves and helps her neighbor and works hard.Proverbs 31:25-26"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." She is strong, unafraid of the future, wise and kind.Proverbs 31: 30"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."We are all capable of becoming Women of Strength. She represents an ideal, and by no means should we strive to be perfect. But what we should strive for, through our faith in God, are the qualities she embodies: courage, strength, compassion, hard work, love, kindness and wisdom. Through our dedication to God we can become these women.A God fearing woman is a powerful woman, she cannot be stopped. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."Sisters in Christ, go forth and laugh at the future. Have no fear because God is with you and will go with you wherever you go. And no one should ever underestimate a woman with a plan and a prayer--she will always go far.May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.