Back to: The Pearl (Devotional for Women)
Pearl is a woman who honors God by seeking Him in everything she does and trusting Him wholeheartedly with her life. She has a heart of reverence that overflows into a life of spiritual maturity and wisdom.
The woman celebrated in Proverbs 31 does not present an impossible standard; she presents a godly standard — what we would call “Christlike” today. These verses should inspire us to desire her fear of the Lord, her dedication to earning the trust of her husband, her work ethic, and her strength and kindness Proverbs 31 encourages women to become strong, honorable and faithful Women of God.
Christian culture says that you have to be the perfect wife with five children, who attends all of their kids’ parent-teacher meetings, volunteer at every local organization, cook the most amazing meals for your family, and serve your local church and community.
While all of those things are amazing, none of them are necessary for being a Proverbs 31 woman. Truthfully, not all of us can relate to that. Some of us never will. And that’s okay.
There’s one crucial thing about the virtuous woman that we have been missing. This is what gives her the energy and the drive to do all of the things listed in the chapter: Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31: 30
My Proverbs 31 Story!
Before we study the Proverbs 31 in detail, I would like to share with you my journey into thriving towards becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman.
I grew up afflicted with a debilitating mental illness for all my childhood and most of my adult life. I wrestled in silence with, severe depression, anxiety and self-image issues that consumed my life to the point of insanity. Growing up in a broken home and witnessing the physical and emotional abuse my mother was subjected to, was one of the results of my broken mind.
I used alcohol, partying, smoking and friends to help me cope with my brokenness, to such extremes that it almost cost me my life several times.
I put my family through hell all because I was searching for something I didn’t even know I was missing- Identity, purpose & unconditional love.
I grew up in a Christian home and believed in God from a very young age, but even the knowledge of God alone was not enough to save me . It took me many years to finally realise ( 29 years) that going to church every Sunday could not give me the formula I desperately needed to get my life right. My transformation began during COVID. Lockdown forced me to finally sit still and respond to the call of God upon my life. My surrender & willingness to change set me on the path of repentance and healing. Once I understood that religion did not have the answers that I needed, I was led to seek God personally and this search cultivated the woman that I am today.
Teaching bible classes to past and present beneficiaries Teaching Sunday School at church & to my little nieces Posting motivational videos on Social Media Teaching Devotion at the foundation
Why Is She Relevant?
- The first nine verses of this chapter contain wisdom given to a king named Lemuel, as spoken by his mother.
- It is believed that Lemuel was King Solomon- Advice given by His mother Bathsheba.
- Lemuel’s mother searches for the right words for her son, then delivers some key advice.
- These are warnings about the destructive dangers of adultery and intoxication.
- As a leader. his focus needs to be on lending his abilities to those who are weak (Proverbs 31:1–9).
- The end of Proverbs chapter 31 describes an “excellent wife.” She is remarkable, in part, because of how rare it is to find such qualities (Proverbs 20:6). Over the course of the passage,
- she is noted with traits directly opposed to the “fools” mentioned in earlier passages.
- The Proverbs 31 traits speak of attributes any person would benefit from, and mark ideals to which they should aspire (Proverbs 31:10).
- This ideal woman is trustworthy, hardworking, diligent, prepared, caring, kind, wise, and honorable.
- A woman with the characteristics described in this poem is honored by both her family and the wider community (Proverbs 31:11–31).
21st Century Woman!
What can we, today’s women, learn from this ancient biblical ideal as we pass through our diverse and complex lifestyles, juggling family, home, work, career and business? Whether you are married, single, divorced, widowed, with or without children, young or old, there are many lessons to be learned from the Proverbs 31 woman.
We will focus on the very practical lessons and concepts that we can emulate and include in our lives.
Let us examine the characteristics of this remarkable woman and see if we can come any closer to this ideal in our own lives.
The Proverbs 31 Guideline
My take away is that our background does not difine us,as I have learned that Pearl is a God fearing women.Her life turned into spiritual maturity and wisdom. We are not supposed to present the impossible standards by serching for the things that we have lost or we have never get e.g love,care and support etc.We should present the Godly standard by honoring and being faithful to him.We are encouraged to be brave and to believe in him all the time.And we must also teach our children the word of God as Lamuel’s mother she searches the right word to guid her son.
Amen, thank you for completing the course. May God continue to bless you with more wisdom and understanding 🤗
I am one woman who was at the verge of almost losing my identity right at this moment as a get into this awakening lesson. All my efforts to build up tangible things have been in vain. Almost feeling I cannot achieve anything in my entire life. This lesson is an eye opener and I can feel I have rediscovered myself to move on as a woman of Proverb 31. Widowed in my old age I can still be that woman with the grace of God.Pearl’s profile strengthens me very much although you are like my daughter you gave me light to see how God can change my life. This lesson is so enlightening. Simply participating in attending church services is not complete in the sight of God. Knowing that there is God is not enough without fulfilling what is expected of true Godly stewardship. God requires a good woman to be righteous, to serve and fear God, to work for our families, to love and give, look/search and provide basic needs in family and society, seek God’s wisdom and to have inner beauty. Advocate for those who cannot help themselves.
I am really grateful God’s mercy has located me with this course I’m empowered my self esteem has been restored with God’s love I can do everything. My relationship with God is strengthened.I hope to continue to grow further in my knowledge of God and grow my stewardship in Him and serve and fulfil my purpose for the Lord.to His people.
I feel encouraged to learn more about my loving and caring God and to quench my thirst for this knowledge. I have a lot to learn to be able to fulfil my purpose for existence. What Pearl has revealed to me about her calling warmed my heart and I feel uplifted. I had lost all hope with myself ever achieving anything in the life left for me but I now have strength to lift myself up and move on with the power of God. I am not perfect but I can feel empowered to emulate those qualities of the good woman of Proverbs 31.
Pearl as I see is a woman who fears and honours God in all aspects. She is a new person who was transformed from a past strayed perspective or attitude about life of a Christian into a Christlike perspective. She missed her identity, purpose and unconditional love in the past,which she obtained after surrendering to God and repentance. After going through all sorts of life’s troubles she is now that virtuous woman who trusts in God and gives herself wholeheartedly to Gods work.She has devoted herself to working for God. She extends her capabilities to serving the church, preaching and leading in teaching others and sharing and giving out the knowledge of God. She works tirelessly mantori g other people to fight their bitter past experiences in order to achieve a pleasant and contented Christlike lifestyle.
Thank you for your beautiful feedback, appreciate your contribution