An excellent woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

(Paraphrased from Proverbs 31.10)

Some people mistakenly think that the Bible puts women down. They thought that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile, and domestic. I say they probably have not read the Bible too carefully.

Both the Old and the New Testaments portrayed many women as pioneers and heroes of their times. According to biblical account, when Eve was created, Adam's jaw almost felt out because she was so perfect, and he promptly declared her to be his equal. And then there were others. Deborah, a God-appointed judge, led the Israelites to victory over superior Canaanite forces. Ruth the Moabite showed unfaltering loyalty to her mother in law Naomi and to her God, by courageously declaring Naomi's people to be her people, and Naomi's God her God. Esther, a Jewish girl in captive under the Persian rule, acted boldly and cleverly to save her people from a murderous plot fueled by anti-Semitism. In the New Testament times, Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdelene, Elizabeth, the Samaritan woman all showed great faith, strength, and courage.

In Proverbs 31.10-31, we find a woman who is almost too good to be true. She can multi-task and is certainly multi-talented. She commands the respect and confidence of those who are close to her. No one bad thing is said about her. Interestingly, the passage ends with a warning to not rely solely on looks or personality. Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

There is much that we can learn from such a wonder woman, be we male or female. In the passage, I see 4 ingredients that contribute to her success and quest for excellence.

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