"The Marks of Biblical Womanhood"

September 22, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: The Marks of Biblical Womanhood

Scripture Passage: Proverbs 31:10-31

10 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.[c]

22 She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

-PRAY

Three Points:

Her Character

Her Conduct

Her Commitment

Introduction:

In today’s world, the conversation around gender and identity is more intense than ever.

News reports, social media, and schools constantly bring up LGBTQ issues, making many wonder what it means to be a man or a woman.

Young people, especially, are growing up in a culture that encourages them to question their roles and their identities.

While this debate rages, many women are left asking, “What is true womanhood?”

Who are the role models that women today can look to for guidance, strength, and purpose?

With so many voices telling us who we should be, the Word of God offers a clear and timeless picture of what true, biblical womanhood looks like.

Proverbs 31 gives us a portrait of a woman who embodies God’s design—one that is as relevant today as it was when it was written.

I. Her Character—She is Virtuous (v.10-12)

“10 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.”

The first mark of biblical womanhood is virtue.

Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

The word “virtuous” here comes from the Hebrew word chayil, which conveys strength, ability, and moral excellence.

This woman’s character is like a precious jewel—rare, valuable, and beautiful.

Her Devotion: Verses 11-12 show her commitment to her husband and family.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Her virtue is grounded in her devotion to the Lord and to those she loves.

Her Integrity: She is trustworthy (v.11), dependable, and consistent in her walk with God. In a world that celebrates self-promotion, she reflects the selfless nature of Christ in her integrity.

Her Faithfulness: Like the virtuous woman of Proverbs, biblical womanhood starts with the heart. Her faithfulness to God overflows into every aspect of her life.

II. Her Conduct—She is Valiant (v.13-27)

The second mark of biblical womanhood is her valiance.

Proverbs 31 portrays a woman of strength, energy, and action.

She is not idle or passive; she actively engages in her home, her community, and her work.

Her Work Ethic: Verse 13 says she "works with willing hands.”

Whether it is through her business (v.16) or her household duties (v.27), this woman is industrious.

She doesn’t shy away from challenges; she meets them head-on, with strength and determination.

Her Generosity: In verse 20, we see that she “opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

She is compassionate and giving, reflecting the heart of God in her actions.

Her Strength: Verse 17 tells us that she “girds herself with strength.”

The Hebrew word chayil is used again here, meaning that she has a warrior-like strength.

She faces life’s difficulties with courage, diligence, and purpose.

In a world that often suggests women must compromise their femininity to show strength & that be a christian or Godly women is weak, , the Proverbs 31 woman shows us that true strength lies in godly conduct.

III. Her Commitment—She is Virtuous (v.28-31)

“28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Finally, the mark of biblical womanhood is her commitment.

This woman is not only committed to her family and work, but she is ultimately committed to the Lord.

Her Praise: Verse 28 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Her godly commitment is not just noticed by those inside her home but also by those who know her best.

Her life of sacrifice and love creates a legacy.

Her Fear of the Lord: In verse 30, we read that “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Her fear of God is the foundation of all that she does.

This reverence and awe of God are what fuels her commitment, keeps her humble, and sustains her through the trials of life.

Her Reward: Finally, verse 31 declares, “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

The life of a committed woman of God does not go unnoticed or unrewarded.

Her legacy of faithfulness will impact future generations.

Life Applications

As we reflect on this portrait of biblical womanhood, what can we take away today? Here are three practical applications:

1. Cultivate Character: Like the Proverbs 31 woman, godly women should prioritize character above all else. Virtue, integrity, and faithfulness to God must be the foundation of their lives.

Character is something that cannot be bought; it is formed by a life submitted to God’s Word.

2. Engage in Meaningful Work: Whether in the home, workplace, or ministry, women should embrace the strength God has given them to work diligently and purposefully.

Seek to serve others with compassion and a generous heart, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

3. Fear the Lord Above All: True biblical womanhood is grounded in a reverent fear of God.

Let your commitment to Him guide every decision, action, and relationship.

As you fear the Lord, you will reflect His beauty and wisdom to a watching world, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Closing:

In a culture where role models are needed more than ever, the woman of Proverbs 31 stands as an enduring example of what it means to live a life of godly womanhood.

She reflects the heart of God in her character, conduct, and commitment, offering us all a clear and timeless model to follow.

-Pray

-Invitation