Keep Ya Head Up: An encouraging word for all God-fearing women

Women of the Word ministry hopes you are inspired and encouraged by the Bible. We have highlighted many women of faith, from Sarah, Rebecca, Achsah, Jochebed, Hannah and Huldah to Lydia, Anna, Rizpah, Asenath, Dorcas and the daughters of Zelophehad in the Bible Stories Section of our website: Bible Study Lessons – Women Of The Word (wordconsultingllc.com)

God holds women and their roles in high esteem.

For example, look at the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. This woman takes care of her husband, children, and household staff. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens (Proverbs 31:15). She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. In the final verses of the chapter, the virtuous woman is praised by her husband and is called “blessed” by her children. The virtuous woman represents one of MANY examples given where women are honored.

Did you know there is another woman, in the book of Proverbs, who is highly praised? God makes it clear that we should all get to know this woman and pattern our lives on her values. Who are we talking about? Wisdom!

Wisdom is the coveted characteristic that has a female personification throughout the scriptures.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, is the beginning of Proverbs 3:13, which highlights a father’s earnest plea for his son.

The companion wisdom has benefits, the scripture promises. Unlike today’s idea of “friends with benefits relationships” that are noncommittal, the Bible is clear there are no regrets in a relationship with wisdom. Benefits include acquiring understanding and discernment. Worldly gain pales in comparison to the advantages of the person who hitches up with wisdom.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her, according to Proverbs 3:14-18.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God likens our femininity to one of the essential traits of every true disciple of Jesus Christ- WISDOM.

The Old Testament gives many examples of women who made wise decisions because they feared God. In a Bible story on Nov. 1, 2022, WOW told how Shiphrah and Puah feared God, and that gave them both the wisdom and the courage to defy the Pharaoh (Exodus 1: 15-21). Rahab, in our lesson on Jan. 30, 2023, took a risk in siding with an opposing army because she became convinced that “The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below” (Joshua 2:11). In our lesson on March 21, 2022, Deborah knew that it was God who sent a storm that destroyed the enemy’s army (Judges 5:4). Huldah, in a WOW lesson on July 11, 2023, spoke fearlessly to the king and his courtiers, beginning four times with the words, “Thus says the Lord!” (2 Kings 22: 14-20).

There is a common thread relating the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 and wisdom in Proverbs 3. We find that the virtuous woman uses wisdom in every aspect of her daily life. In Proverbs 3, a father instructs his son to seek wisdom. In both scenarios, wisdom requires forethought; the virtuous woman adeptly prepares for an entire household before sunrise while the son is advised to seek wisdom rather than material riches.

As these scenes show us, the believer must take careful consideration of what is necessary to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives and make daily decisions to support it.

Also, another component of God’s wisdom is compassion. The virtuous woman considers those in need outside her family. She stretchth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:20).

By comparison, in Proverbs 3:17, we learn that the ways of wisdom are pleasantness and peace. The result, in both scenarios, is that those who encounter the virtuous woman or wise son benefit from the interaction. Proverbs 3:18 says, She (wisdom) is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Finally, the virtuous woman and wisdom are valued above precious jewels and metals. Proverbs 31:10 states, Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

In a similar way, Proverbs 3:13-15 states, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She [wisdom] is more precious than rubies.

In God’s economy, wisdom is of premium value. As we draw close to God in daily prayer, Bible reading and fellowship with like-minded believers, He will increase our wisdom. Wisdom ultimately comes from our Heavenly Father. If we need wisdom, God tells us to ask for it.

In the New Testament, the scripture states, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Therefore, we encourage each of you to continue reading the Bible and let the Holy Spirit give you more wisdom daily. When we hook up with wisdom, we embrace what really matters in life.

 We have the opportunity to get her (wisdom) by seeking after Him (God).

Written by COH