Witness, You are a Noble Woman

Proverbs 31: 10-31

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes covering for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watched over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Growing up I was lonely. I was quiet and I suffered quite a bit from being outcasted. I saw others being praised and called, “Pretty” and “Skinny” looking down at myself and just hating me.

I looked in the mirror and cried, wanting to shatter the glass with my fist.

Why couldn’t I be loved?

Why couldn’t I be pretty and skinny?

Why couldn’t I be one of them?

Adored by friends and adorned by beautiful things.

My family struggled.

Days we had food, days we did not.

It was never certain when I was young.

I just wanted to be liked and loved.

But no matter what I was given, it was never enough.

I lost my confidence as quick as a flame goes out when wind swallows it.

I felt like I would never be anything.

Then one day, I looked in the mirror and thought, called to Him and prayed,

“God, why?” tears began to blind me and I couldn’t see my own reflection. “Why can’t I ever be enough? Why can’t I just be happy with my body image and who I am. Why?”

I felt the silence as if I was alone.

I lowered my head and waited to feel His presence. But nothing for days.

So, instead, I just kept my promises.

Ate according to my plan, and worked out and walked in silence.

I stuck to my tasks of building my business.

Still no answer. Still no clients.

I looked up from my desk thinking, “God, did you abandon me? Are you mad?”

Then the night before my epiphany, I cried alone, holding myself in the darkness.

As I did as a child when the night was finally calm.

Parents asleep, no fighting.

No need to keep a watchful eye and I could cry myself to sleep finally.

I returned to my bed and then awoke to the sun shortly after.

It was my progress check-in day.

I gruelled it, but something told me to just do as I promised and then I’ll move on.

At this point, everything felt like I was on autopilot.

Barely alive in my head.

My body just moving of its own accord.

I changed into my clothing and noticed a different fit, but quickly dismissed it.

Took my progress pictures and examined them.

My eyes slightly widened but then I dismissed it, yet again.

There seemed to be a difference, but I knew better than to get my hopes up.

Then came the scale.

The numbers.

I inhaled deeply and stepped on it, lifting my eyes to the heavens and feeling hopeless as I always did.

“Look down.”

I felt an emotional shift in my chest.

A tightness in my throat and my brows furrowed as I looked down.

I exhaled sharply.

All these days.

Silence.

God was working.

I had finally passed my plateau.

There was finally progress.

After months of no change.

I stepped off and panted slowly, covering my mouth then crying.

How terrible it was that these numbers had such a tight hold of me.

It was at this moment, I realized just keeping my promises was all I had to do.

I was worth it, and God was trying to tell me, but I was wanting something quick and easy.

Quick and easy fades.

You learn nothing.

But it is from the struggles.

The silence we find our way out of the darkness and finally see His light that He illuminates for us.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” –Proverbs 31:30

What this means is more than what you read.

The beautiful things are not the worlds ideas of it.

Being skinny, pretty or rich.

It’s not as beautiful as the rays of sun that shine on you when you know your truth.

You are a noble woman.

You fill the cup of others.

You tend to those in need while keeping your promises to the LORD, your family, and yourself.

Your worth is rare and immeasurable.

You are trustworthy, steady, and consistently good to yourself and others.

You work with skill, diligence, and initiative.

You invest wisely and expand your family’s and your future.

You are strong, capable always, and hands-on.

Your generosity extends beyond your family and yourself, but to others as well.

You prepare with foresight and adorn your home not with beautiful things but with quality and care. Cleanliness.

Your influence elevates you and those who love you.

You create, sell, and carry yourself with strength and dignity.

Your words are wise and compassionate.

You are attentive and responsible.

All those who love you rise to bless you.

Your life speaks for itself; your works praise you publicly.

Because a woman whose life is rooted in God becomes a source of strength, wisdom, provision, and flourishing not only for herself, but for everyone connected to her.

So, I implore you, keep your promises.

Pull up your craft—sharpen your skills and trust in Him.

You are beyond growth.

Turn the dirt and allow yourself to live noble.

For you are a daughter of the LORD and you know—you feel it in your bones—soul that this promise must be honored.

Not for selfish purposes but the greater good of all those who surround you.

Because what is life alone with riches?

Is it not still lonely?

Share your riches with others, see your brothers and sisters thrive.

This world was never meant to feel lonely.

Open your hand to them, and grow together in Christ name, Amen.