Eschet Chayil – Woman of Valor
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You Can Be A Woman of Valor
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10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand, she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. - PROVERBS 31:10-31
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"Eschet Chayil" is a Hebrew phrase meaning “Woman of Valor.” Biblically, it is most often associated with Proverbs 31, where, beginning in verse 10, King Lemuel’s mother describes the virtues of a godly woman. She is strong, diligent, wise, and compassionate—a woman fit to be a queen and worthy of admiration.
What many may not realize is that Ruth was also called a woman of valor (Ruth 3:11). Though she was a Moabite widow in a foreign land, she displayed courage, faithfulness, and integrity—proving that valor is not about status or perfection but about the character of one's heart.
In today’s world, the Proverbs 31 woman can feel like an impossible standard. What mother do you know whose “lamp does not go out at night” (v. 18), yet she still “rises while it is yet night” (v. 15) and manages to “rejoice in times to come” (v. 25)? Any woman with a newborn can attest to how unattainable that sounds! Or consider the woman who “seeks wool and flax” (v. 13), “brings her food from afar” (v. 14), “buys a field,” and “plants a vineyard” (v. 16). That’s quite a list—even for an entrepreneur!
So, what do we do with this passage? In my younger years, I felt overwhelmed and even resentful of what I thought Proverbs 31 demanded of me. But after nearly twenty-three years of marriage, I have come to see it differently. What once felt like an unfair measuring stick has become a hopeful declaration.
Instead of allowing Proverbs 31 to feel like pressure, I now embrace it as a promise. Rather than viewing it as an unattainable checklist, I see it as a menu of possibilities to explore. Instead of comparing myself to everything the woman of valor is, I celebrate the ways in which I already reflect her strength. Rather than focusing on all that she does, I recognize what she is not—she is not weak, nor controlled, nor passive. Her accomplishments do not require permission or supervision. Her children and husband are not neglected, nor are they bitter. Her possibilities are unlimited. Her hope is unending.
See? Proverbs 31 is not about perfection. It’s about living with purpose, courage, and faith. The virtuous woman was Ruth. She is me. And she can be you.
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Declare Proverbs 31 over yourself. Read through the passage and find verses that speak to your heart. Turn them into personal declarations of truth.
Recognize the praiseworthy moments in your daily life.
Did you love your husband well by making his favorite meal?
Did you stay up late working on a new project?
Did you fill your mind with God's Word today?
Even when no one else notices, God sees these moments—and He rejoices over you.
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Father, thank You for the privilege of being a woman of valor. Help me to release any false expectations and embrace the truth of who You say I am. Lead me with grace and courage, and grow in me the strength to love well, serve faithfully, and glorify You in all I do. I choose to believe that I am fully equipped for this life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Read Proverbs 31:10-31 and make a list of virtues you admire.
In what ways do you already reflect these virtues?
Are there any you would like to grow in?
Think of the women in your life who embody honor, courage, godliness, and virtue.
What makes your friend an admirable mother?
What makes your niece a noble young woman?
Are there qualities you see in them that you desire to cultivate in your own life?
If so, pray and ask God to grow these traits within you so that His glory may shine through your life.
