We often think of the last half of the last chapter of Proverbs as the teaching of a man describing a godly woman. Reading this passage with this understanding may leave the idea that it is a chauvinistic view on the role of a woman. Yet, this is not the context of this writing, nor is it the perspective we should view it in.

The first words of the chapter reveal an important fact about this text. They say, "The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him..." (Proverbs 31:1). Therefore, the wisdom is not that from the perspective of a man. It is from the perspective of a woman-an older woman-advising her son in what to look for in a wife. Considered from this proper perspective, it is no longer a text that leaves the taste of a woman's oppression behind the ideals of men. It sings of the freedom a woman has to choose to serve those in her life in such a way that primarily glorifies her Maker, but also leads to others having reason to praise her virtue and honor. It no longer resonates as a text that reeks of anti-feminism sentiment. It is a description of genuine femininity, as God, our glorious creator, has intended and designed. It can no longer be diminished by the concept of a woman chaffing under the confining role of subservience to a husband and family. It is a master thesis on the ability of a woman to find her greatest fulfillment in living the role that God has given her, to the best of her ability with the uniquely amazing talents with which God has blessed her.

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a wise woman's view on what it takes to be a worthy woman. As we learn to value such wisdom in our lives, let us all teach our daughters the priceless nature of such wisdom in their lives. Women of this kind of virtue are, "very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4).