5 Attributes of a Godly Woman
Proverbs 31 is often mentioned in discussions of the characteristics of a godly woman - she is clothed in strength and dignity.
Here are five attributes of a godly woman.
1 - Hard Working
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker (NLT).
We are called to work wholeheartedly for the Lord. Our work should be done with diligence and excellence. It is a joy to partner with the Lord to produce quality projects for His kingdom.
2 - Loving & Humble
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
We are called to love one another in action and truth. We are called to love generously, for the world will know we are Jesus’ disciples by our love. 1 John 3:18, John 13:35
Each day is another opportunity to practice cultivating humility, putting others above ourselves no matter what the cost.
3 - Strength & Dignity
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
The NLT renders the ending of this verse, “She laughs without fear of the future”.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve used fig leaves to clothe themselves in weakness and shame to hide from God. But then God clothed them with animal skins, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
We are now clothed in Christ, He is our holiness, righteousness and redemption.
When we try to run from God in fear and shame, He clothes us with His perfect love. He restores our dignity even when we don’t deserve it.
We may not know what our future holds, but we know who holds our future. Therefore, we can have hope and a joyful expectancy even in the unknown, because God is faithful and has good plans for us. Jeremiah 29:11
4 - Wisdom & Kindness
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
The NLV says, “the teaching of kindness is on her tongue”.
We can gain wisdom through our life experience and from others. We can then teach others the Word and ways of God.
Proverbs 10:31 says, “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom”.
We are the righteousness of God in Christ and we have the Spirit of wisdom.
5 - Fear of the Lord
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Our outward appearances change, but true beauty comes from the heart.
1 Peter 3:3-4 talks about the unfading beauty of a meek and gentle spirit, which is precious and of great worth in God’s sight.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and I believe it sums up all of these other attributes.
Fearing God has to do with revering and honoring Him, having a holy awe for who He is. A person who fears God will obey His voice above all others.
We should pursue His heart by loving what He loves and hating what He hates. We should esteem His Word and ways above all else.
Additional Virtues of a Godly Woman
Godly Women are Peaceful
A godly woman stands as a symbol of peace. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, “In your anger do not sin” encouraging us to control our anger and seek reconciliation. Similarly, Matthew 5:9 extols the virtues of peacemakers as they will be called children of God. A peaceful woman does not indulge in conflict but looks for ways to foster understanding and harmony. She knows that her tranquility is a reflection of her trust in God’s sovereignty.
Kindness Towards Self and Others
A godly woman radiates kindness, as Matthew 22:29 advises us to love our neighbor as ourselves. This challenges us to extend compassion not just to others but also to ourselves. In doing so, she understands that self-kindness is not selfishness but a recognition of her own value in God’s eyes. Her kindness becomes a wellspring from which others can draw.
Integrity
Integrity is the hallmark of a godly woman’s character. Whether in relationships, finances, or her daily tasks, she conducts herself with honesty and uprightness. Her word is dependable and her actions are consistent with her beliefs. This integrity earns her the trust and respect of those in her life.
Choosing Words Carefully
Recognizing the power of the tongue, a godly woman chooses her words with care. She steers clear of gossip, hurtful comments and negativity. Her words are seasoned with grace, offering encouragement and wisdom. In her speech, she reflects the love and truth of Christ.
Teachable Spirit
A godly woman embraces a spirit of humility and teachability. She acknowledges that wisdom comes from learning and is open to correction and new insights. This teachable spirit keeps her growing in her faith and understanding, never stagnant in her spiritual journey.
Selflessness and Serving Others
Balancing self-care and selflessness, a godly woman joyfully serves others. She sees serving as an expression of God’s love and seeks to meet the needs of those around her. Her selflessness is not about neglecting her needs but about prioritizing the welfare of others in a way that glorifies God.
Self-Care
A godly woman understands that her body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and takes care of herself. She knows that to serve God and others effectively, she must be spiritually, emotionally and physically healthy. Self-care for her is an act of stewardship over the life God has given her.
Humility
As Philippians 2:4 suggests, a godly woman looks not only to her interests but also to the interests of others. This humility is not self-degradation; it is a realistic assessment of her dependence on God and the value of others. She walks humbly with her God, knowing that all she is and has comes from Him.
Sharing the Light of Christ
A godly woman is not shy about her faith. She shares the light of Christ in her actions and words, as 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to be ready to explain our hope in Christ. Her life is a testimony to God’s grace and she uses every opportunity to point others to Him.
Including these qualities into daily life is a journey of continuous growth and personal development. Reflecting on these traits, we are reminded to ask ourselves:
How am I cultivating peace and kindness?
Am I respectful and have integrity in all my relationships?
Do my words reflect Christ’s love? How am I growing in humility and teachability?
In what ways am I serving others while taking care of myself?
How am I sharing the light of Christ in my daily interactions?
These questions are not meant to overwhelm but to guide us as we strive to mirror the image of Christ in our lives. Let’s remember that our strength and ability to embody them come from God. He is the potter and we are the clay, being shaped into His likeness, day by day!