"She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future."
(New Living Translation)
"When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly."
(Message Version)
Strong: Not mild or weak, but rich in some active agent (Faith!)
Dignified: State of being worthy of honor or esteem
Peaceful: Not anxious, but has faith in the God's provision &
sovereignty
Not a Chatterbox: Knows the power & peril of words
Kind in Conflict: Handles confrontation with grace & kindness
Breakdown:
I felt that both versions of this verse were worth discussing & indeed different in their interpretations. For ease of understanding, we'll break it down one version at a time.
New Living Translation (Vs. 25):
The Proverbs 31 Woman is described as "Being clothed in strength & dignity". These character qualities are so visible upon her that they are likened to the way clothing decorates & drapes upon the body. She is strong. The definition I found described strength as being "rich in some agent"...we know this to be her faith. Our culture puts much emphasis on independence & self-confidence, but strength should not derive from who or what we are but from Who & What He is. We should be strong because we know our identity lies in being a daughter of the Most High God...great security rises from that. The P31W is also dignified, she is worthy of respect, honor, & esteem. This is profound! Every trait we have discussed from this passage combines together to make the P31W dignified...deserving of respect. To possess dignity is to have made it to P31W status! The Proverbs 31 Woman has faith & trust in the Father's provision & sovereignty...she does not sit & bite her nails as she worries over things. She does not pace & make herself sick with anxiety...she knows that her Father has everything under control. When troubles come her way she can leave them at the feet of the Lord, & go forth with Joy, knowing He will handle it. This verse is a caution to not be anxious...a plague which grips many women.
Message Version (Vs. 26):
The Proverbs 31 Woman (P31W) is aware of the power of words. She knows that words can kill & that words can bring life, so she chooses her words wisely. The P31W doesn't jabber on and one with no point to her words. She doesn't delight in just hearing herself speak...She truly considers what she has to say, weighs its importance & impact before she speaks. Women are often weak when guarding their tongues. They are often malicious & hurtful with the things that pass from their lips...a godly woman strives to keep control of her tongue & of the words that leave her mouth...ever mindful that they either build up or tear down. If the P31W feels impressed upon to hold someone accountable, to show an error, or to convict...she does so kindly, lovingly...with an intent & a heart for reconciliation. She does not step on the toes of someone for the sake of hurting or to uplift herself, but to be a beacon of grace to them. The P31W knows not to speak out in the heat of the moment, not to let her emotions control her tongue...she handles confrontation with graces & kindness. It's important to note that a scripture says "Be still & know that I am God."...it's very hard to hear the Lord when we do not close out mouths long enough to listen.
(Further verses about the power of the tongue & words)
Proverbs 25: 23
"As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!"
Proverbs 26:28
"A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin"
Proverbs 15:4
"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 21:23
"Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."
Proverbs 13:3
"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."
Proverbs 18:21
"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
I found a link which made an acronym out of the word "Think" so that we will think before we speak...I thought it was worthy of sharing with you.
T: Is it true?
H: Is it helpful?
I: Is it inspiring?
N: Is it Necessary?
K: Is it Kind?
Application:
Be strong, not in self-confidence but in God-confidence. We are nearing the end of the descriptions of the godly woman, analyze yourself & determine if you are dignified (worthy of respect, esteem)...if so rejoice! God has faithfully led you on the journey to being a Proverbs 31, godly Woman! If not then start at the beginning. Go back to verse 10 & re-examine & apply the character qualities...become dignified!
Be mindful & cautious of your words. The Bible makes clear that words are powerful, filled with the ability to tear down or to build up. Even in conflict strive to use your words in a loving, & uplifting manner. Apply the THINK acronym. I am going to begin teaching this to my daughters as young girls so that as young women they might be wise in this area.
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