For centuries, the Proverbs 31 Woman has been an example of what a God-fearing woman should be. This woman is many things to many women who have tried to emulate her in every way. She is without any doubt a leader and there are many leadership lessons that other women can learn from her story.
In Proverbs 31:10-31, the Bible says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
The leadership lessons from the life of this great woman that many aspire to be like, are as follows;
- She is an extraordinary woman. She is in high demand, she is sought after, because of the qualities she possesses. She is different from other women. She is a rare breed. She stands out from the crowd and not only is she different, she is comfortable with being different. She is truly a leader.
- She understands that trust is a vital part of every relationship and she does nothing to break trust with her husband. She follows her husband’s leadership without rebellion or criticism. Her words and actions are in congruence; therefore, her husband can trust her. She is a leader.
- She is a seeker. She does not wait for work to come to her or to be offered employment. She goes looking for something to do. She does not sit at home bemoaning a lack of a job, she seeks work and when she finds it, she works willingly, not out of compulsion. She has a great attitude to work. She is a leader.
- She is highly organised and highly efficient. She plans her work and works her plan. She takes responsibility for the care and feeding of her household. She is in charge. She is a leader.
- She does not invest her money without proper thought. She is a deep thinker and buys only after due consideration. She spends her money wisely, not on trivial things but on things which will yield returns. She does not invest in liabilities but in assets. She is a leader.
- She is a hard worker. She takes her time to produce quality goods. And she knows the value of her products. She does not require anyone to encourage or motivate her. She is self-motivated. She is a leader.
- She puts a smile on the faces of others. She does not turn away from the sufferings of the less privileged. She reaches out to all who are poor and needy around her and she meets their needs. She is full of love and compassion for all. She has made herself of service to those around her. She is a leader.
- She makes plans for the future and so is never caught unawares or taken by surprise. Thus, she does not need to fear; for when snow arrives, the appropriate clothing for her family is in place. She lives ready. She is a leader.
- She views herself as royalty and this is reflected in her clothing of silk and purple, which symbolise wealth and prestige. She does not see herself as trash so she does not dress like trash. Her choice of clothing is a reflection that she honours herself. She is a leader.
- She is the proverbial successful woman behind a successful man. Her presence in her husband’s life adds value to him. His life is better and not worse with her in it. Her honour, dignity and success help her husband to succeed and give him a dignified place among the great men in the land. She is a leader.
- She understands the importance of words and so she chooses her words carefully. She speaks words that build and not destroy. She motivates those around her with her words. She is a leader.
- She understands that charity begins at home and therefore she pays attention to her household. Nothing happens in her home that she is unaware of. She understands well the needs of her husband and children and she rises to meet those needs. She does not stay idle. She is not a busybody caring for another’s vineyard while leaving hers unkempt. She is a leader.
- She is a woman praised by those who are closest to her and who know her well. Her husband and children are happy to identify with her. She has made their lives better. This woman is without a doubt a leader.
- She is an example and an inspiration to all women. She is a pacesetter and a trailblazer. Many are inspired by her. Many seek to be like her. She is a leader.
