7 Ways that the Proverbs 31 Woman Practiced Self-Care
In society, women work and are expected to take on other roles outside of work, such as being a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a neighbor, etc. With all the expectations and roles that we play, it can become overwhelming, and we can start to prioritize a very work-based mindset, which results in us becoming more anxious, depressed, and exhausted. On the other hand, there is the opposite side of the spectrum, where we feel we need to be pampered at all times and live the “soft” life, which results in a lot of idleness and laziness. However, Biblical femininity can be accessed when we rest in God while we work.
The Proverbs 31 woman comes to mind for me when I think of an example of biblical femininity, and a question of where did the Proverbs 31 rest and how she accomplished so much? I also understand that some scholars have argued that the Proverbs 31 woman is a symbol of wisdom and not an actual person, but if we take a deeper look, we can glean from the ways that the Proverbs 31 Woman operated, which allowed her to do so much. When we look at the Proverbs 31 woman, we see a woman who was well rested and did so much for her loved ones, her household, her community, and ultimately for God. Below are some practical tips and reflections on how the Proverbs 31 woman rested in God as she went, and how you can also rest as you go.
She has trusting relationships - The Proverbs 31 woman is a wife, mother, and businesswoman. She walks in purpose by caring for her household, she has trusting relationships with her husband and children, and they call her blessed. Her trust in God allows her to do all that she can do and be all that she can be for others and for herself. She can accomplish and do much because she has a sound mind rooted in trust in God. We can see that her husband trusts her and praises her. If we are single or married, we can also take the example of the husband and relate that to our relationship with Christ. Moreover, the Proverbs 31 woman’s children stand and bless her as a result of how she has built trust in being a mother to her children. This can also be an opportunity to see how the fruit of what we produce blesses us because of our trust in God. The Proverbs 31 woman is validated by those closest to her as she trusts in God and has trusting relationships, which brings ease to the mind.
She pursues wisdom - Throughout the book of Proverbs 31, we can see her making wise decisions. The Bible says in Luke 6:45 that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and so, we know that the Proverbs 31 woman pursues wisdom because she speaks wisdom. Time spent with God and His word will eventually produce fruit. Wisdom comes from God, and so we can see the relationship she has with Christ is demonstrated through what words come out of her mouth, as well as the wise and prosperous decisions she has made. When we lean not on our own understanding but rely on the word of God, we will find that we can rest knowing that we have consulted with God and His wisdom.
She makes sound decisions - The Proverbs 31 woman considers fields and buys them. She makes sound business decisions. Have you ever had a time when you felt stuck between two decisions? It is not a restful place to be, but once the right decision is made, there is rest. We can rest when we make sound decisions and stick by them. We can rest when we know that our thoughts line up with our decisions.
She laughs - Some translations in the Bible use the word “rejoice” instead of the word laugh. We are continuously commanded to rejoice in the Bible. When we rejoice, we also get the opportunity to reflect on and recognize the times where God has brought us through situations, provided for us, and cared for us, as well as reflect on the joy of the Lord that we have in Christ. We can rejoice knowing that we are God’s daughters. Research also tells us that laughter is shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Akimbekov NS, Razzaque MS, 2021). This is so great to know that we can gain much rest and relaxation with laughter.
She praises and speaks with kindness - Someone who fears the Lord praises Him with their life. The Proverbs 31 woman had a heart that reverenced God, and through that heart posture, she praised God with her life’s actions. As we praise God, our souls begin to rest in Him, remembering who He is to us. When we speak kindness, we are speaking life over the situation and to people. Have you ever met someone who was truly kind, and when they spoke, there was a sense of calm and rest? That is what it is like when we choose to speak with kindness. There is a difference between being nice and being kind. Being nice is the opposite of rest because it is rooted in fear, but kindness is rooted in faith and trust. We can rest when we speak with kindness, knowing the words we spoke were spoken with love and rooted in fear of the Lord.
The work she did was restful - Research shows that working with your hands reduces anxiety. The Proverbs 31 woman was very wise because the type of work she did was restful work. She sewed and made fine linens and undergarments with her hands. Additionally, the Proverbs 31 woman helps the poor and needy. It is better to give than to receive. Research and different therapeutic practices highlight the act of giving back to reduce stress and depression. The act of giving to those in need is something that can help us feel a sense of purpose and rest.
Christ is reflected in the work that she did - Jesus is represented in the work of the Proverbs 31 woman. Linen in the bible represents righteousness and holiness. Linen was incorporated into the garments that priests wore and can be referenced in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 44. This can represent how Jesus is our high priest. The Proverbs 31 woman worked with purple, which can symbolize authority and royalty. Jesus has been given all authority, and He is the King of Kings. Lastly, she worked in business, and she stewarded well, making profitable decisions. Jesus is Lord, and the term Lord has associations with business. The work that the Proverbs 31 woman did reflected Christ, and Matthew 11:28 lets us know that our rest can be found in Jesus.
References
Akimbekov NS, Razzaque MS. Laughter therapy: A humor-induced hormonal intervention to reduce stress and anxiety. Curr Res Physiol. 2021;4:135-138. doi: 10.1016/j.crphys.2021.04.002. Epub 2021 Apr 30. PMID: 34642668; PMCID: PMC8496883.
