The Noble Woman
In the ancient wisdom literature of Proverbs 31:10-31, the portrayal of the “Noble Woman” embodies a harmonious blend of productivity and relational depth, embodying the archetype of strength and wisdom. She is depicted as a multifaceted individual, equally adept at economic pursuits and nurturing relationships within her family and community. The ideal woman is portrayed as a public professional, who demonstrates resourcefulness and diligence in her various ventures, as well as a domestic homemaker, who demonstrates love and care for the people closest to her.
She engages in commerce, investing in fields and vineyards, and actively participates in profitable trading. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her ability to identify opportunities and generate revenue streams, showcasing her independence and capability in the marketplace. Simultaneously, she is deeply rooted in her familial and communal connections and responsibilities. She prioritizes the well-being of her household, ensuring that her family is provided for and cared for with love and dedication. She is respected within her community and her husband is esteemed among the elders at the city gate, reflecting her influence and leadership beyond the domestic sphere.
This portrayal emphasizes the integration of courage and compassion in the character of a complete woman where she is both a leader and a caregiver. These two realities are not meant to be juxtaposed but fully complimentary. She embodies the ideal of an integrated life, where success in business and financial gain is complemented by thriving relationships and active engagement in community life.
In a modern context, this archetype serves as a reminder of the enduring value of a holistic women who can excel in both professional and personal realms, fostering a society where success is defined not only by economic achievements but also by meaningful connections and overall well-being. It's time to embrace and celebrate the richness of such multifaceted individuals who embody compassionate leadership both in the home and in the marketplace. It’s time for the both / and not the either / or. Women don’t need to starve one arena for the other but can steward both well.
THE INTEGRATED LIFE
Look at the following verses and see how well balanced the writing alternates between the relational / communal / domestic sphere and the professional / financial / public sphere. You’ll notice a perfect balance of 10 verses for each sphere.
HIGHLIGHT COLOR CODE
RED = Personal / Relational / Domestic
GREEN = Professional / Financial / Public
10 A woman of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
When you break down all of the verses mentioned, there are 5 categories of personal heath and 5 categories of professional health for the archetypal woman
PERSONAL HEALTH
1. GOD - a genuine respect and relationship with God even above human relationships, knowing that His opinion and direction is whats most important
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
2. HUSBAND - a deep and abiding trust in your closest friend, partner, and confidant and willingness to serve and bless that person.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
3. KIDS - a sacrificial and enduring mothering that is willing to work hard, prepare meals, and maintain a strong bond with her children.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
4. HOME - a determination to master domestic affairs and even produce with her own hands the things needed for the family and household.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
5. FITNESS - a work ethic to take care of her own mental and physical health in order to continue optimal output and capacity.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH
1. LEADERSHIP - a confidence to speak, instruct, and offer guidance, wisdom, and direction to others within her sphere of influence
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
2. BUSINESS - a willingness to produce, market, and sell goods or services in order to be distributed to the public and generate profits
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
3. REAL ESTATE - a wisdom to invest in land and property that will produce passive income and assets for generational wealth
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
4. MANAGEMENT - a proactive investigation and inventory to care for the financials and records of the businesses, properties, and investments
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night
5. GENEROSITY - a connectedness and awareness to the needs of those around her developing both opportunities and philanthropy.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the portrayal of the Noble Woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 serves as a timeless reminder that women need not choose between professional success and personal fulfillment. They are capable of thriving in both spheres, embodying strength, resilience, and relational grace. However, in our pursuit of women's empowerment and rights, our culture may have inadvertently swung the pendulum too far, emphasizing professional achievements at the expense of personal well-being and family connection. It's essential to recognize that true empowerment encompasses the ability to steward both working aspirations and relational responsibilities, creating a harmonious balance that nurtures the holistic well-being of women. As we strive for progress and equality, let us embrace a paradigm that celebrates the multifaceted nature of women, ensuring that they are empowered to flourish in all aspects of their lives, professionally and personally.
