Godly Woman, Shmodly Shwoman.

(Disclaimer: The following post may come across negative in the beginning, but it's only because I'm not that great at getting my thoughts out through words. Stick with me 'til the end, and you'll understand where my heart is, even if the delivery is rough.)

Every Christ-following girl I know wants to be the Proverbs 31 woman. Including me. I've noticed something about these girls, though (I'm still including myself). Usually in their pursuit to be "The Proverbs 31 Woman," girls lose the reason for the pursuit... which is, of course, to be a Woman of God. The focus usually switches somewhere between, oh I'd say, verses 10 and 11. "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies...... oh look, this is the part about a HUSBAND! So all Godly women have husbands? I WANT TO BE A GODLY WOMAN!!!!! Her husband has full confidence in her! And lacks nothing of value?!? I want to be HER!" See what I mean? The focus switches from being a godly woman for the sake of being God-like, to being a godly woman for the sake of attracting a godly man. There's a serious issue with this. The suffix -ly means "in this way" or describes a manner of BEING. So being a godLY woman would mean BEING like God. Understand what I mean? It isn't a ploy to win over a man. Being godly is the first step to being a Woman of God, which isn't a "title" to be taken lightly. I think most women of God would probably never consider themselves that... (I feel like I'm rambling.. This is the poorest writing I've done in a while). I think there are two points to Proverbs 31 (neither of which are finding a husband).

1. Being Christ-like. It's a full time job, ladies. Break verses 10-31 up into pieces (I'll paraphrase). First, this woman is rare. True Christ-like women are not just everywhere, because the job entails much. Her husband trusts her completely. She brings him goodness, no harm or hurt, ALL the days of her life. She is eager to work(!!!!). She brings the food in for the family. She wakes up early *while it is still dark* and provides for her family, and for others. She doesn't throw her money around- before she buys a field to grow food on, she thinks about it, considers it and examines it, making sure it is a wise investment. She works vigorously, and she is fit for her work. She knows that she's making a living, but doesn't stop because she's making a profit, she continues on through the night, working hard all the time. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy ('nough said). Through all the seasons, she knows her family is provided for, even in the harsh snows. She keeps the beds warm with blankets, she is clothed appropriately and elegantly. She doesn't make her husband look bad, she doesn't embarrass him, and he is still respected among the people of their community. She makes a living to provide for her family. She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come (she isn't stressed out, she knows she can make it through whatever comes her way). She speaks with wisdom, and every time she opens her mouth, she has something of value to say. She is never idle, and she can manage her household with ease. Her children love her and call her blessed, and her husband knows that she is the best of the best and he praises her. She knows that beauty doesn't last forever, but she fears the Lord. She is honored for the work she does. Pretty big load on one woman, don't you think? That's what she's RARE. You have to work to be her!


2. To pass on the godliness. Most girls only pay attention to verses 10-31, but one of the main points of the scripture is in verse 1. Lemuel's mother taught him about godly women. She told him everything in verses 10-31. The godly woman teaches her children how to be godly, and what to look for in mate (the best leading is done by example).

The fact is, a girl pretending to be a godly woman may attract a boy pretending to be a godly man, but two halves don't make a whole. Two wholes make a whole. That's right, 1+1=1.

A real godLY (don't forget the definition for the suffix -ly: describes a manner of BEING, "in this way") woman is a woman striving to be like Christ, striving to be WHOLE in HIM. "A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man has to seek Him to find her."

Ladies: Proverbs 31 is not a guide for "How to Get a Godly Date." It's an example of how to please your Maker, the Lover of your soul, the One who so intricately designed you, and knows the innermost parts of your heart better than your "soul-mate" ever will. Please, don't demean the chapter by using it to get a guy. It's about so much more than that.

Men: Make sure your gal isn't trying to fool ya.

And please, stop throwing around the terms Man of God and Woman of God so loosely.