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Eshet Chayil: A Woman of Valor
Are you a Proverbs 31 woman? This question has been asked on many book covers in the Christian bookstore section labeled “Women and the Bible.” The thought of actually embodying this mythical creature gives me the chills, the sweats, and an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. But, through the study of the Scriptures I have concluded some great facts to set my heart at ease and prayerfully yours also.
First, Proverbs 31 was not actually written directly towards women, but from a woman’s perspective to her son, the King; “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him” (Proverbs 31:1, NKJV). This is a Godly mother’s advice to her son, and in this Proverb King Lemuel recounts the wisdom imparted by his mother.
Secondly, beginning at verse 10 the commonly titled section “The Virtuous Women” begins with a Hebrew acrostic poem, with each following verse beginning with the next letter of the Hebraic alphabet. This is a poem, not a woman. Now, having stated that I do believe that this poem is a great example of the totality of womanhood, but can each virtue be mastered by all Christian women? Perhaps not. And is that okay? Absolutely!
Lastly, this Proverb in the Jewish culture commonly known as Eshet Chayil is almost like a battle cry spoken from women to women when something courageous is accomplished. The birth of a baby (Eshet Chayil), the completion of one’s formal education (Eshet Chayil), landing a job (Eshet Chayil)---for each achievement, this is our battle cry. The husbands of observant Jewish women sing Proverbs 31:10-31 (Eshet Chayvil) over them at Shabbat dinner. Whether they have embodied the virtues of the spiritual poem or not, this is their way to honor and encourage their wives. So I say to my fellow sisters in Christ, married or unmarried, perfect or imperfect, ESHET CHAYIL. Let this be the way we celebrate women of valor!
Three generations of Women of Valor and a Dad!
Copyright © 2008-2015 Courtney Pierce
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