(Prov. 31: 10 – 31) (Gen. 2: 4 – 25)
The Christian Woman: From the above scriptures, we see thatGod has a purpose for the creation of woman and these include:
1. The Christian woman is a creator: Like the man, the Christian woman is a creator because she is made in the image and the likeness of the living God.
2. The Christian woman is an overcomer: In Gen. 1:28 above, God commanded both the man and the woman to subdue the earth and to dominate it; to be fruitful and to multiply in it. It is in line with God’s purpose for them to conquer and to overcome obstacles in life because they are made for that.
3. The Christian woman is a help mate: In Gen. 2:18, God said “it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” God created the woman to help and to support the vision of the man.
4. The Christian woman is loyal, faithful, and steadfast in her allegiance: In Prov. 31: 11, the Bible says a virtuous woman is trusted by her husband. Ruth was an example of a virtuous woman. Despite her heathen background, she was loyal in her relationship with Naomi her mother-in-law (Ruth 1: 15-18)
5. The Christian woman is respectful: Ruth had a deep respect for Naomi (Ruth 2:16). She submitted herself totally to her out of respect (Ruth 2:16). The Bible also says in I Pet. 3:1 and Eph. 5:22 that wives should submit themselves to their husbands, as unto the Lord.
6. The Christian woman is industrious: To be industrious means to be hard-working. Prov. 31: 10-31 extols the virtues of a Christian woman, including hard work. Ruth was industrious (Ruth 2:1-3). She worked hard, not for herself alone, but for her family and God blessed her hard work with favor.
7. The Christian woman is strong: Strength here refers not to the outer but the inner strength that only God can give. It takes strength for Ruth to go out and look for work in a strange land. She worked from sunrise to sunset to earn a living. Prov. 31:25 says strength and honor are the clothing of a virtuous woman. Esther stood before the king at the risk of her life because of strength.
8. The Christian woman is generous: Prov. 31:20 says “she stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Ruth labored to take care of her mother-in-law and she was generous to her (Ruth 2: 17-18).
9. The Christian woman is wise: Prov 31: 26 says “she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” The life of Ruth demonstrates the wisdom of God (Ruth 3: 1-5) and she was mightily blessed because of it.
10. The Christian woman is beautiful: Beauty here refers first to inner purity before the external one (Prov. 31:30). The Bible also describes the beauty of a Christian woman in I Pet. 3: 1-6. Ruth demonstrates this beauty (Ruth 2: 8-16).