The Honor of Motherhood: Kingdom Business!

The Proverbs 31 Woman, the symbolic Proverbial Wisdom Woman, is a very popular example of the model wife and mother used both in religious and nonreligious circles. Whether or not she is a literal woman or a metaphorical Wisdom Woman, has been a scholarly debate for many generations. Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, you may find what follows to be extremely liberating!

The actual Hebrew translation brings a delightful shift in understanding her role, function and platform. Proverbs 31:10 KJV, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." A Rough Hebrew (word for word) Translation renders the following, "A woman of power, might, strength, wealth, army who can find? And far above rubies is her value."

As seen above, “eshet” translates as woman of, and “chayil” translates as power, wealth, strength, army, force, valor, substance, capacity, efficiency and more. Virtuous, the translation of choice for some versions of this scripture, meaning to have or show high moral standards, is an incomplete translation of this text, as it diminishes the connotations of strength, might and power found in the original Hebrew. This Wisdom Woman is a force to be reckoned with, as the attributes of God, Himself are activated in her life.

Eshet chayil is not only applied to married women, but single as well. In fact, had she not been portrayed as married with children, the activated power unleashed in her life would still greatly impact those around her, because that’s simply who she is designed (wired) to be and how she is designed (wired) to behave. The Proverbial Woman did not receive her identity from matrimony and motherhood. No! Her identity derived from the powerful godly distinctions that were deposited and activated in her life. She was already a great woman of power, valor and unlimited capacity. As a result, everyone who entered into relationship with her, and came in contact with her, including her spouse, children, business partners, and neighbors, were impacted by this great force!

As a result of her divine activation, which fueled her purposeful works and deeds, she is known as the “mediator of YHWH’s blessings to the house” (Murphy, 246). She has the ability to change the atmosphere, making it one charged with faith, hope and confidence, and an overall sense of well-being. This eshet chayil solves problems, and makes the current situation better than it was. She prevents disaster, and works for the overall good of others, even beyond family members. She lifts those around her to a higher state of glory, which ultimately brings glory to the Father. She is shown canceling the darkness of lack, starvation, famine, homelessness, fear and more, while illuminating the lives of so many with joy and peace. Like you and I, she is a portrait of a life which contains a divine deposit, intended to positively impact the earth and its inhabitants.

The Proverbs 31 Woman moves about the earth fulfilling her specific, divine assignment, as a representative, as one (Wisdom) sent by God! In this light, we receive a slightly different perspective of motherhood. Motherhood then, is the honor of parenting bestowed on us by the Creator, who trusts us with a first-hand influence on our (His) children. It is a relational position of authority that requires much prayer, strategy, insight and foresight, as we seek God’s heart concerning our children! Motherhood is no easy task, and requires great enthusiasm and energy! Motherhood is deliberate and very intentional as we nurture, guide and groom our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), a specific manner unique to their individual purposes. The result is their ability to fulfill their life-assignments! They too carry a deposit for the earth! They too must impact God’s creation on His behalf, and bring Him Honor and Great Glory! Motherhood is Kingdom Business! The Wisdom Woman, a Kingdom ambassador, is not just an overworked wife and mother, but an activated believer, and all who embrace her receive YHWH’s blessings! No wonder her children rise and bless her!

May God give us His wisdom and insight concerning our children! May they live to Honor the King as a result of our loving influence!

The above is taken from “The Christians Kingdom Identity: Ish Chayil & Eshet Chayil" by Crystal Pleasant.