Bible Thoughts

November 3, 2002

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised"(Proverbs 31:30).

The Bible has many examples of women who fit this verse. The Proverb writer had been noting the characteristics of a proper wife. He concludes the chapter with the above passage as well as stating the praise that such a one certainly deserves. It is appropriate that we identify some of those who fit this description. Let these godly women be an inspiration to all of those who would serve the Lord in an acceptable manner.

"Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time"(Judges 4:4). She was a woman of power and influence, using such to guide the people of Israel through troubled times. Her court was held under a "palm tree." "The sons of Israel came up to her for judgment"(Judges 4:5). Deborah did not hesitate to go with the men of war as they fought the enemies of Israel. She identified herself as a "mother in Israel"(Judges 5:7). Truly a woman of great strength, she was instrumental in that "the land was undisturbed for forty years"(Judges 5:9). This worthy woman was a comfort to Israel in conflict and in peace!

Mordecia, a Jew, was "bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter"(Esther 2:7). While the influence of her uncle was great in her life, Esther was, in herself, a person of integrity who had leadership qualities. Mordecai recognized the potential in Esther to help the Hebrews during this period of oppression.

Esther was chosen to be among the women who waited upon King Ahasuerus. Vashti had displeased him and she was banished from his presence. It was time for the King to search for a successor to his banished wife. The young women were paraded before him and the beauty of Esther captured his interest. Eventually, she became queen. This Jewish woman would inform the king of a plot against him and two men were hanged. Later, the wicked Haman sought to destroy the Hebrews through a decree signed by the king. Learning of the plot, Mordecai sought the help of Esther. At a banquet, Esther revealed the plot of Haman. The result: Haman was hanged due to the anger of the king. The Hebrews would now have peace and Mordecai would have a place in that nation, second only to Ahasuerus. None of this would have occurred without the help of a woman who cared for the welfare of God's people. This worthy woman's life was quite an accomplishment for an orphan!

During the period of the judges, a famine occurred in the land. Elimelech, a certain man of Bethlehem, sojourned in the land of Moab in order to survive. The man died, leaving two sons who later died. Noami, his widow, encouraged the two daughters-in-law to return to their mother's household. One did as Naomi advised, but Ruth refused, stating, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God"(Ruth 1:16).

Naomi had a near kinsman by the name of Boaz. Ruth was gleaning in his field after the reapers were done and Boaz inquired about her. As the circumstances of her life were revealed and the need to glean for herself and her mother- in-law, Boaz was attracted to Ruth and he treated her kindly. When she told Naomi about what had occurred, instructions were given as to how she should behave in the presence of Boaz. As a result of her instructions, Ruth became the wife of Boaz. This worthy woman is an ancestor of David and Jesus.

Of all the women of the Bible, none should stand out greater than one who is named Mary. The wife of Joseph, birthing a son by the Holy Spirit, and caring for the young child called Jesus, she is the epitome of women. Her early life was filled with the joy of her son. She had great compassion for him as he grew into a man. The care of this mother was evident even as her earthly son was taken to be crucified. While there are only a few verses that speak of Mary, this good woman is a great example for all women of every age. A worthy woman indeed!

Paul and Luke discovered a woman by a river side who was honest and upright, willing to accept the truth of God(Acts 14-15). Her nature is indicated by her presence at a place of prayer. When she heard the teachings of Christ from these men, her heart was opened and she obeyed the gospel of Christ. Lydia was concerned, not only for her own soul, but the souls of those in her household. Her readiness to accept the truth and influence others becomes a model for all of those who desire the truth of God. A righteous influence by a worthy woman can influence her family and her friends in becoming disciples or improving those who are already disciples. Never forget the power of a good woman.

Paul encouraged the brethren at Rome to "Salute Priscilla and Aquilla my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus"(Romans 16:3). This couple was dedicated to the gospel of Christ and put forth their efforts in leading people to become Christians(Acts 18:26). Such dedication found in this couple can be seen in their willingness to lay "down their own necks" for the life of Paul(Romans 16:4). "The churches of the Gentiles" were thankful for their willingness to work for the cause of Christ. The Lord's church has always needed those women who are willing to live for the Lord, teaching His word, and setting an example for others. A righteous wife can be an asset to any Christian. She provides the encouragement and example that will strengthen not only her own faith, but the faith of her husband and children. It can truly be said, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future"(Proverbs 31:25). Priscilla is a proper model for all women.

"Every father should realize the great obligation resting upon him in the training of the immortal soul that has been given into his keeping. The soul of his child is of more value than all else in this world and to nurture it is his highest privilege. Man has been endowed with the ability to achieve great things. He has built the Pyramids and Parthenon; he has tunneled the Alps and made a way for trains under the East River; he has dug the Suez and Panama Canals; he has erected great cities and accomplished many wonderful works--but the greatest of his endowments is the ability to work with God in training a human soul in the way of eternal life. It is a task big enough to call forth the best effort of the greatest men of this or any other time. Great men of all ages have realized this obligation."-George A. Miller, 1921