Embodying the Essence of Proverbs 31

Every day there’s a tension inside you—who you want to be compared to who you think you are. And it doesn’t seem like you can win because confidence and confusion are in a constant fight. Just when you think you’re on the right path or you’ve figured out what you’re supposed to do, impossible expectations creep in or you’re reminded of how different you are. Unfortunately, the very scriptures meant to encourage you are too often used to hold you back. You can embody the essence of Proverbs 31 in a very unique way.

There’s a Proverbs 31 woman in all of us no matter what you’ve been told before. Even if you doubt yourself or doubt God when life doesn’t make, she’s there. If you have more questions than answers, your faith remains valuable. At her core, the Proverbs 31 woman is a woman of character, someone whose life is moving her closer to God even if the path is winding.

The value of her story

Sure, as a character in a mother’s story, the Proverbs 31 woman could be seen as an interesting character without usefulness today. I think we need to keep studying her though.

I can understand why you aren’t particularly interested in becoming her. She’s some kind of superwoman, doing everything all at once perfectly. Since no one can ever be perfect why would you put that pressure on yourself? Most of the time you have the pressure thing handled all on your own.

If you only read this story as an impossible standard, you’ll miss the message. Imagine what you want to teach your children about their future spouse. What kind of person do you dream of? Now reread the story. The mother was describing a strong, wise woman who would be respected and encouraged by her son.

You have an important role as a wife, mama, and woman. Don’t doubt your value

The way she lived

How the Proverbs 31 woman lived is much more important than what she did. She focused on using her gifts wisely, caring for her family, helping others, and caring for herself. Look at your calendar, you’re doing the same things. (In a world of smartphones and Amazon, we need to look past the spindles and oil lamps to see the similarities.)

Your character shows through actions, in ways our words cannot always express.

The Proverbs 31 woman was…

trustworthy, ambitious, diligent, dependable, thoughtful, aware, proactive, brave, strong, wise, kind, and praiseworthy.

Kelly Beckley Shank

Proverbs 31 for you

Even if the story seems antiquated and useless, fight the urge to turn the page. I made that mistake for too long. Instead of understanding who she was and the awesome example she was for me, I avoided Proverbs 31. I believed she was an overbearing example of everything I am not instead of seeing her as a woman who was equipped and encouraged by those who loved her.

When you start worrying that you’re not good enough, not qualified, or too far out on the fringe, remember this truth—you are a child of God and he has a great plan for you (1 John 3:1-2).

Even if you’re doubting yourself right now, you’re a child of God. He has a plan for you. Study her. See the possibilities of what she did. Remind yourself of who she was and how she lived. She’s worth your time.

Embody the essence of Proverbs 31

I really only have 1 hope for you today—take the next step towards becoming who God is asking you to be. Don’t do it for me. Don’t do it for your family. Do it for yourself.

trustworthy, ambitious, diligent, dependable, thoughtful, aware, proactive, brave, strong, wise, kind, and praiseworthy

Who she was is someone you want to be. You know God created you for something awesome. This isn’t easy. Doing the hard work of self-reflection, self-evaluation, and self-improvement is intense and requires a level of humility and trust in Christ we don’t often allow, but the results are invaluable.

Focus on her character because who she was will guide you to embodying the essence of Proverbs 31.


Be Realistic. Discover the possibilities of Proverbs 31.


Enjoy the full Realistic series

Handle Yourself with Care, Pause before Reading Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31: Don’t Let the Description Scare You
Embodying the Essence of Proverbs 31


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Embodying The Essence Of Proverbs

Barrier-busting coaching for women ready to
OWN THEIR MOXIE and live their God-Given Purposes.

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