By Marvie C. Paraiso

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. 
Proverbs 31:25-31

Women are created in the image of God – the same way men are, so in terms of worth and dignity, men and women are equal.

You may be familiar with the Proverbs 31 Woman. It’s a chapter in the book of Proverbs where the author asked, “Who can find a virtuous woman?” and then proceeded to narrate what she is like or supposed to be like which kind of sets a high standard for women. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be clothed with strength and dignity? Who instead of fearing the future, is laughing in the present? Whose words are wise and kind, is diligent and hands-on in her household; and above all fears the LORD? Such a high standard, right?

But according to Bible Scholars, this passage is usually interpreted “as being addressed to women but is more accurately spoken by a woman to a man so he could know the character and potential character of a good wife before marriage, and value and praise his wife for her virtuous character once married. It is primarily a search-list for a man, and only secondarily a check-list for a woman.”

For NLEX peeps, what’s the essence of a woman then? Here are some of their responses:

“I still believe in mothers are ILAW NG TAHANAN, so I think, a mother’s essence is that when you can guide them  and be a light to your children to become a better person.” –Nea Dela Pena

“A woman is connected to her true self. She knows her worth. She is strong and gentle. You can bend her but will not break. She is not afraid to fail and cry. Most of all, she brings balance and makes this world a better place to live in.” –Tin Cruz

“Woman is the strongest creature God has ever made. The world will try to break her to pieces but will rise up stronger than ever. Tears may roll down her face but as it falls down, her spirit goes up even more to fight.” –Joy Guballa

“Woman is an affectionate mother, a devoted Wife, a caring daughter, a trustworthy sister, and a loyal friend. A woman is the personification of ageless beauty, selfless Love, Purity, Grace, and dignity. In a true sense, a woman is an incredible wonder that inspires us all.” –Elaine Noveda

“A woman in her glory, a woman of beauty, is a woman who is not striving to become beautiful or worthy or enough. She knows in her quiet center where God dwells that He finds her beautiful, has deemed her worthy and in him, she is enough. In fact, the only thing getting in the way of our being fully captivating and enjoyed is our hiding and striving.” –April Carangan

“Ang babae po ay isang marupok na sisidlan na dapat pong ingatan at pahalagahan. Kasama at katulong sa buhay sa pagtataguyod ng disiplinado at mabuting ehemplo sa sambayanang Pilipino.” –Ranee Rumpon

“A woman is a gift from God that makes a childish boy to be a real man.” –Joms Eugenio

“True enough, in aspects of physical strength, hormonal balance, emotionality, and many others, women are observed to be more vulnerable than men. Yet, as God perfectly designed humans, only she could naturally bear a child which makes her an essential being in this world. Despite her many weaknesses, she is as well strong in overcoming them by possessing the qualities of a warrior, a multitasker, a forgiver, and a support system all in one body. She is a package anyone would love to have!

A woman could be a mother, a daughter, a sister, a student, or a professional. She could be me, or you. Despite this diversity, every woman is beautifully made by God in the best ways we could think of.” –Kate Alucday

“God gave Adam Eve because He saw Adam being alone. A woman for me is a man’s companion for a reason God sees everything what a man needs in this life.” –Julien Cloma

A worthy woman, who can find? She is found within her by her because she knows her worth.

SOURCES:

Holy Bible, New Living Translation by Tyndale House Foundation

Proverbs 31

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