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“A WOMAN OF VALOR WHO CAN FIND?”

May 8, 2016 By Sarah Christmyer 2 Comments

Here’s a shout-out to all the women in my life on Mother’s Day, starting with my mother and grandmothers and aunts and my daughter and extending to my friends far and near:

“A woman of valor who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value.”

That’s Proverbs 31:10 in the Masoretic (Hebrew) text, which the Revised Standard Version translates “A good wife who can find? She is more precious than jewels.” A whole 21 verses at the end of this book of wisdom are devoted to praise of this “woman of valor” [eshet chayil]— words that King Lemuel learned from his mother.

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 here

The Hebrew word translated “valor” or “good” is chayil: it means capable; valiant; virtuous. The word is often used of warriors. It refers to their strength and valor on the battlefield. It reminds me of Deborah in the book of Judges, “a mother in Israel” who not only settles disputes and provides wisdom as a judge, but also leads Israel into battle. The Proverbs 31 woman is a trustworthy spouse, strong at home and at work. She is a hard-working administrator, a profitable merchant, and a capable craftsman. She is generous to the poor. She is strong and wise and conducts herself with dignity and kindness and humor. No wonder her value is “more precious than jewels,” or “beyond pearls.”

I like the comparison to gems. Diamonds begin as lowly carbon, but years of heat and pressure turn black grit to brilliant clarity. True pearls begin as grit as well; slowly the oyster bathes the irritant in smooth layers of nacre until it forms an iridescent globe. Like both of those jewels, a “women of valor” is forged as she deals with adversity. Her beauty comes from valor in the battlefield of life.

This describes so many women in my life, women who love and serve God and who have been a tremendous witness to me and to others. Thank you all (you know who you are). And may the Lord bless you richly this day and always!

… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
(Proverbs 31:30b-31)

© 2016 Sarah Christmyer

Filed Under: Scripture Reflection, Women of the Bible

Comments

  1. Abigail Adams says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Happy Mother’s Day! This is a beautiful post. I am so thankful for my mother and grandmother and all the mothers in my life!

  2. Tena says

    December 22, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    This was the perfect word for me at the perfect time!

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Sarah Christmyer writes and speaks about Scripture and the Catholic faith with the goal of helping people meet Jesus in his Word. “The Bible isn’t just a book about God or instructions for a good life; it’s a place to meet God and be changed by him,” she says. Her love of Scripture fuels her writing of Bible studies and related books; her teaching of Philadelphia seminarians; her speaking at conferences and retreats; and writing for blogs such as this one. “Come Into the Word” draws people into the Bible and encourages and equips them to explore it on their own.

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