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.

1. Character

Like two book ends, the passage begins with a statement that the Proverbs 31 woman is a wife of noble character (verse 10 in NIV) and ends with a description of her as one who does noble things (verse 29). She excels because of her noble and upright character, which is shaped not by rank, title or birth, but by personal qualities and high moral principles. In a world that worships looks, money, charm, status, the Bible affirms that character matters more.

2. Creativity

The passage summarizes a long list of talents that the Proverbs 31 woman possesses. Although this trait is not immediately apparent on a casual reading of the text, creativity undergirds the activities that the Proverbs 31 woman does. She turns wool and flax into fabrics. She trades what she has for things from afar. She buys a field with her own funds and turns it into a productive vineyard. She uses the raw materials she found and makes them into fine linen and bed coverings. She is a textile manufacturer, trader, real estate investor, vineyard owner, seamstress, and manager. A woman of many talents. It takes a creative mind with great organization skills to do all these things well. Her wide range of activities is a fueled by her creative energy and her desire and drive to excel.

3. Constancy

he crown of the Proverbs 31 woman is her constancy and faithfulness. Her husband has great faith in her and knows that he can rely on her. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. When she speaks, people listen, because from her lips come great wisdom and instructions. She is highly disciplined and manages her time well. She maintains a consistent schedule and gets things down. She is one who think about the what-ifs. When bad times come, she is prepared.

4. Compassion

The Proverbs 31 woman has a kind and compassionate heart. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. She practices what we called today mercy ministry or corporate social responsibility. In a world which trumpets that greed is good, she does her part to make it kinder and gentler. When she sees someone hungry, she gives him something to eat. When she sees someone thirsty, she gives him something to drink. When she sees a stranger, she provides him shelter. When she sees someone needed clothes, she gives him clothes. When she sees someone sick, she looks after him. And when she sees someone in prison, she goes and visits. She does all these quietly, without boasting or fanfare.

I sometimes doubt whether such wonderful qualities can exist all in one person. She may not be one woman at all. Perhaps she is a composite portrayal of an ideal woman......And then perhaps she is the portrayal of Lady Wisdom, that is being heralded throughout the Book of Proverbs. If one "marries" Lady Wisdom, she will transform him or her over time into a person with these 4 godly ingredients: Character, Creativity, Constancy, and Compassion. If you are looking for a mate, don't look for looks, money, charm, status. Rather, look for Character, Creativity, Constancy, and Compassion.

If you don't know Lady Wisdom, may I introduce you to her. Read one chapter of Proverbs a day in the next 31 days. If you start on the 26th of this month, read Chapter 26, and go through the book in the next 31 days. Or you can wait until the 1st of next month, and start with Chapter 1. I have done this for many years, and believe me, you will never be disappointed.

David Sun

February 2012