“A WOMAN OF VALOR WHO CAN FIND?”

Here’s a shout-out to all the women in my life on Mother’s Day, starting with my mother and aunts and daughter and daughters-in-law and extending to friends far and near—both “actual” mothers and those who are mothers in a spiritual sense:

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

“Woman of valor” – or “good wife”?

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.

What the Hebrew really says

The word eshet, in Hebrew, can mean either “woman” or “wife of.” The translation gets interesting when you consider how she is described. Chayil evokes strength and power and efficiency. It’s used over 100 times in the Old Testament to describe military strength (think Pharaoh’s army) or warriors like David’s mighty men. It means capable; valiant; virtuous. 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. But chayil is only used twice in Scripture to describe women: in Ruth 3:11, where Ruth’s husband describes her as eshet chayil, and here in Proverbs 31.

What is a “woman of valor?” Read Proverbs 31 (or Ruth!) to find out. Here she 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 “far beyond pearls.”

Beauty forged like a gem

I like the comparison to gems. Diamonds begin as lowly carbon, but years of heat and pressure turn black grit to brilliant clarity. 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.

A word of gratitude

This describes so many women in my life, women who love and serve God, who hope and trust through pain and sorrow, hardship and loss. Thank you all (you know who you are). I am infinitely grateful for your witness. 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)

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I’ve written a book featuring the legacy of biblical women like Eve and Sarah, Rachel and Leah, Miriam and Hannah and Esther and Ruth. Each chapter highlights first a story of faith in the life of a woman who mothered me spiritually. I hope that like me, you will see the connection: that we can live their legacy of faith and pass it on.

Read more at the link and download a free chapter: Becoming Women of the Word: How to Answer God’s Call with Purpose and Joy (A spiritual pilgrimage through the Old Testament)

Available from Ave Maria Press or Amazon.

© 2016 Sarah Christmyer. Re-posted with updates 2026.