As a people of God, there are attributes that should define us all (Gal. 5:22-24). When we begin to talk about gender there are some distinct differences beyond just the science of chromosomes. Like men, there were some roles that were assigned to women from the very beginning—helper, wife, mother of all the living, daughter of the Most High (Gen. 2:20-24; 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:18). However, those have been minimized, branded as outdated and swept aside for new standards. It seems that size, body type, sexual appeal or limiting “like a girl” stereotypes have never gone away. Even though there has been a cry for equality, rightfully so, in most cases, there have not been any real changes to pull the image of a woman to the height it was originally intended.
While the description a “woman who fears the Lord” may have been penned by an inspired man, the language is far from demeaning (Prov. 31:10-31). You do not read about a fearfully submissive lesser individual that some would have believed the Bible speaks about concerning woman. Listen to the words that describe her. “Merchant,” “she considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard” (15,16). “She senses that her gain is good” (18a). “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen” (24). “She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong” (17). “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future” (25). In everything she is doing she is showing wisdom and character. “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (26). She “does not eat the bread of idleness” (27b). “She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy” (20). This is not intended to be an exposition of Proverbs, but it should serve to draw our attention to the language of the text. We are talking about a strong woman who is truly fulfilling her role.
This image given to us from hundreds of years ago resonates with the image that has been laid out in the New Testament. “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). We need to unashamedly instill these things in our daughters. The context of 2 Corinthians 6:18 is the idea of being separate from those around us. “‘Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:17-18). Our Father is calling His daughters to be different than the world. We must teach our daughters to be His holy women.