AN INSPIRATION, NOT A ROLE MODEL

She’s perfect. She does everything perfectly. She says just the right thing. She has countless talents and abilities. Her household runs smoothly. She works tirelessly into the night. And her husband and children admire her and praise her. Who can live up to the description of the “ideal” woman in the book of Proverbs? I haven’t met a woman yet who comes close to her. If you’re not familiar with this perfect woman, you might want to read Proverbs 31: 10-31.

I get tired just reading about her. She does it all. There’s no task she can’t manage. To be like her, I would have to learn how to sew, spin wool, upholster furniture, and plant a vineyard. I’d also have to get up before dawn and work far into the night. Does God really expect me to be that perfect…that energetic?

With a sigh of relief, I read the answer to that question in the footnotes of my life application bible: “Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough to do everything she does! See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be. We can’t be just like her, but we can learn from her industry, integrity, and resourcefulness.”

Okay, I can handle that. She’s an inspiration, not a role model. So what is it about her that can inspire me? As I read this description of the perfect woman, I notice something peculiar. Not once, not even vaguely is her appearance ever mentioned. Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character. In today’s society, where physical appearance means so much, we can truly be inspired by a woman like this.

Isn’t it great to know that our physical appearance has no bearing on our value in God’s eyes. Only when we look to the world for appreciation do we get caught up in the shallow shell of physical appearance. What an inspiration to know a woman who is more concerned with her choice of words than her choice of lipstick.

Another source of inspiration this perfect woman offers is the way she relates to people, especially her husband. Her husband can trust her. She richly satisfies his needs, and she doesn’t hinder him, but helps him all her life.  I know women who thrive on flirting with any man that takes notice. They aren’t helpful to their husbands; they actually make life more difficult for them. And they could care less about satisfying any needs that aren’t their own.

How does a woman make life difficult for her husband? By failing to watch for bargains, she puts a financial burden on him. By living above her means and wanting things they can’t afford, she wears him out with her constant demands. By neglecting her household and being lazy, she makes life difficult for her entire family. To that, I must add that a husband and children are capable of helping with household chores and they should help when a woman works full-time outside the home. No woman should be expected to work two full-time jobs. Raising children and keeping a house is a full-time job in itself.

The perfect woman in the book of Proverbs has an overall helpful attitude toward everyone. She doesn’t see her husband as someone to compete with. She doesn’t see other women as competition. She doesn’t argue with people about trivial matters. She doesn’t take joy in making others look bad. She’s a helpmate to her husband. She helps the poor and has compassion for those less fortunate. She helps anyone in need. She’s a helpful force in her community, and she helps her children by teaching them and encouraging them. She has strength and dignity. Her words are wise and kindness is the rule for everything she says.

What an inspiration! The Proverbs woman has a caring heart, hard-working hands, financial wisdom, reverence for God, and mental foresight. These are the qualities we should be working on. Next time you put on make-up and fluff your hair think about the beauty that has no fear of old age. Inner beauty never fades. The world needs more of that kind of beauty. The perfect woman of Proverbs might not get a magazine cover, but she gets everything else that women want. Her inner beauty attracts all the desires of her heart.