On this International Women’s Day it seems right to post an old paraphrase that I once did of Proverbs 31 – May this bless you today.
An Excellent Femininity:
The Proverbs 31 Woman Paraphrased
An excellent femininity who can find?
SHE has more dimensions than any precious jewel.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
she invests in her man’s prosperity.
Perceiving what is good for him (and while refusing harm),
she fully engages—
good is her investment in their years together.
With a ready spirit and an honest and enterprising heart she does not turn from the challenges of what she wants.
Because of this her world is large and she gleans from numerous resources for the benefit of her family.
Actively engaging her own needs and the needs of her family, she rises to meet each day with gladness and an eager spirit;
extending without prejudice a “welcome to the day”
to those about her.
Taking calculated risks her decision making finds profit
enabling her to invest yet again in more of her tomorrows.
She is strong in her inner self, her body too is strong, and in this her self respect is evident.
Rightly understanding what she has to bring to the table
as valuable, she offers it boldly.
When life is hard and all is ‘night’ she continues on
in the light of her God.
She is okay with menial tasks; it doesn’t have to be all about drama. She is not so overworked that she is not aware of,
nor unable to reach out to needs of others; her life has margin.
Hardships to come do not frighten her, for she
dresses her household in the blood of Christ daily in her prayers.
Refusing the temptation to neglect her own being, she cares for herself as diligently as anyone else;
And in her bearing and dress it’s clear she’s a daughter of The King.
Her husband, having his own something to offer
and in the bounty of her respect and respite freely offered him,
courageously takes his rightful place of influence.
She is not afraid of the marketplace, for knowing she has something worthy to offer confidently finds her place among it;
the marketplace is richer for her essence.
Her presence speaks of strength and dignity and from
an inner serenity with past and present
she delights to consider what her future holds for her.
Her mouth dispenses wisdom, her words, her spirit, and her manner model kindness and graciousness.
She is not lazy, but sacrifices and prioritizes in the care of her home and those in it.
Her children grow and one day thank her.
Her husband loves her.
The mere form of femininity is a lie, but a woman who risks to shine in all she is created to be by her God will have substance
worthy of praise.
Give her the fruit of her hands,
and may her reputation be known by all.