I am leading the Bible study Esther by Beth Moore on Monday nights. This past Monday, during the video session, Beth points out that in Proverbs 31:10, the Hebrew word translated as "noble" in the NIV translation of the Bible is the same word used in Judges 6:12 that is translated as "valor". It means "to be brave". In other words, we may describe the wife of noble character in Proverbs as a brave wife--a woman of courage. I like that, don't you? This confirms to me that we should pursue courage and strength.
Women may be the "weaker partner" (1 Peter 3:7), but that does not mean weakest. Being weaker than something that is very strong does not mean that we have no strength. Additionally, God uses the weak--He declares that "my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). I think that the world may confuse gentility with wimpiness. I also think that women forget that being brave doesn't mean that you have no fear--it means that you press on despite of your fear.
I was encouraged to know that being a woman of virtue is more than being good--it means being a woman of valor!
Blessings and peace,
Jennifer
Brave! I like that! I never knew that was in that word, but it certainly paints a different picture of the woman of virtue. Yes, being brave is pressing on regardless of fear. I need to reminded of that quite often. Thanks for the reminder and the insights.
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