What does "a woman who fears the LORD" mean in today's context? Setting the Verse in Context Proverbs 31 closes with this declaration: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) This verse caps a portrait of the “excellent wife” (Proverbs 31:10) whose diligence, compassion, and wisdom bless her family and community. The lynchpin of all those qualities is her fear of the LORD. Understanding the Fear of the LORD • Not terror, but reverent awe—recognizing God’s holiness and absolute authority (Psalm 111:10). • A posture that treasures God’s Word as wholly true and binding (Isaiah 66:2). • The beginning of wisdom for every sphere of life (Proverbs 9:10). Marks of a Woman Who Fears the LORD Today • Heart-deep devotion – Cultivates an inner life of worship, prayer, and Scripture meditation (Luke 10:39; Colossians 3:16). • Upright character – Integrity in speech and action, whether in the home, workplace, or public square (Proverbs 10:31-32). • God-centered priorities – Values spiritual fruit above external appearance (1 Peter 3:3-4). – Pursues holiness rather than cultural applause (Romans 12:2). • Other-oriented service – Looks “well to the ways of her household” (Proverbs 31:27) yet also extends her hands to the poor (Proverbs 31:20). • Steadfast courage – “Strength and dignity are her clothing” (Proverbs 31:25), enabling calm confidence amid uncertainty (Psalm 112:7). • Humble teachability – Receives correction, loves wisdom, and willingly passes it on (Titus 2:3-5). Living Out This Fear in Daily Life • In relationships – Honors marriage by faithfulness and respect (Ephesians 5:33). – Nurtures children with Scripture-saturated instruction (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:5). • In work – Performs tasks “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-23). – Sees vocation as stewardship, not self-promotion. • In culture – Speaks truth with grace (Ephesians 4:15). – Models modesty and purity that reflect God’s worth (1 Timothy 2:9-10). • In trials – Trusts God’s sovereignty, echoing Mary’s faith: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord will fulfill His word to her” (Luke 1:45). Encouragement for Women and Those Around Them • Scripture promises lasting honor—not fleeting charm—for those who fear the LORD (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Samuel 2:30). • Such women become pillars in families, churches, and communities, radiating hope in a restless world (Philippians 2:15). • Celebrate and support them: “Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:31) |
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