It might not be what you were expecting. The book of Proverbs closes with a famous poem praising a virtuous woman for her attitude and capability (Proverbs 31:10-31). We learn that she is diligent: “she works with willing hands” (31:13) and “rises while it is still night” (31:15).

As it turns out, the poem describes a woman who runs a complete start-to-finish clothing production company. She begins by obtaining wool and flax (31:13); she spins them into yarn (31:19), directs those who work for her (31:15), produces garments (31:22, 24), and knows that her business is going well (31:18). She also buys land and runs a farm (31:16). It is, perhaps, surprising to find that a biblical woman would be owning real estate and running a company: but there it is, right in the text. In addition, we learn that she is generous to the poor (31:20), instructs people with wisdom and kindness (31:26), and fears the Lord (31:30).

We should notice quite explicitly how little this matches up with what we might consider the ordinary stereotype of “womanhood.” Good looks and glamour are swept aside dismissively: “charm is deceitful, and beauty empty” (31:30). And the poem mentions motherhood only as a passing reference: “her children stand up and proclaim her blessed” (31:28).

The Bible praises her for her generous wisdom, her active and articulate piety, her business leadership, and her financial capability. Why, then, is so much of our present-day Christian culture so sure that the point of being a woman is physical attractiveness and motherhood?

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Teach us not to look merely on outward appearance, O Lord, but to value the gifts and capabilities that you have set within each of us, and to use these abilities well, so that we may all bring glory to you by accomplishing the good things you have made it possible for us to do.

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