Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, women of wisdom are often depicted as paragons of virtue, faith, and discernment. These women, through their actions and decisions, have left an indelible mark on the history of God's people, serving as examples of godly wisdom and righteousness. Their stories are woven throughout Scripture, offering insights into the nature of wisdom and the role of women in God's redemptive plan.Abigail: A Model of Discretion and Peacemaking One of the most notable wise women in the Bible is Abigail, the wife of Nabal. Her story is found in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail is described as "intelligent and beautiful" (1 Samuel 25:3). When her husband Nabal foolishly insults David, Abigail acts swiftly and wisely to avert disaster. She prepares a generous gift and approaches David with humility and respect, acknowledging his future as king and appealing to his conscience. Her wise intervention prevents bloodshed and earns David's blessing: "Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you for restraining me from bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hands" (1 Samuel 25:33). Abigail's wisdom not only saves her household but also aligns her with God's purposes, eventually leading to her becoming David's wife. Deborah: A Prophetess and Judge Deborah stands out as a wise and courageous leader in Israel during a time of oppression. Her story is recounted in Judges 4-5. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah is endowed with wisdom and authority, guiding the people of Israel with God's counsel. She summons Barak to lead an army against the Canaanite oppressors, assuring him of the Lord's promise of victory. Deborah's wisdom is evident in her ability to inspire and lead, as well as in her prophetic insight. Her song of victory in Judges 5 celebrates God's deliverance and highlights the importance of wise leadership in achieving God's purposes. Esther: A Queen of Courage and Strategy The story of Esther is a testament to the power of wisdom coupled with courage. As a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, Esther finds herself in a position to save her people from annihilation. Her wisdom is demonstrated in her strategic approach to the king, as she carefully plans her request and reveals Haman's plot against the Jews. Esther's famous declaration, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), underscores her bravery and commitment to her people. Her wise actions lead to the deliverance of the Jews and the establishment of the Feast of Purim, commemorating God's providential care. Mary, Mother of Jesus: A Model of Pondering and Obedience Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies wisdom through her reflective nature and obedience to God's will. When the angel Gabriel announces that she will bear the Son of God, Mary responds with faith and submission: "I am the Lord's servant. May it happen to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). Throughout her life, Mary is portrayed as one who "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Her wisdom is evident in her ability to discern and embrace God's plan, even when it defies human understanding. Conclusion The wise women of the Bible serve as enduring examples of faith, courage, and discernment. Their stories remind believers of the vital role that wisdom plays in fulfilling God's purposes. Through their lives, these women demonstrate that true wisdom is rooted in a deep relationship with God, characterized by humility, obedience, and a commitment to righteousness. As such, they continue to inspire and instruct those who seek to live wisely in accordance with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:1,2,4Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Rule for Interpreting those Sayings and Actions which are Ascribed ... Daily Thoughts, A Wise Desire The Woman and Dragon. The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest. The Wise and Foolish virgins The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. The Temple of Wisdom Prayer and Trouble God's Banished Ones Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |