Who can find a woman of valor? (Proverbs 31:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible).
The dictionary defines valor as “courage and bravery in the face of danger.” But the Hebrew word for valor, chayil, is much more vibrant, depicting a “warrior, army, strength, honor, even wealth.”
Chayil, is actually a military term. So I was surprised to discover that the famed Proverbs 31 woman is called eishet chayil, or “woman of valor.”
Woman of valor. What a beautiful description. All over the world, on Friday evening before Shabbat, the Jewish husband will recite or sing “Woman of Valor” as a way to honor his wife—to reflect upon all she has done for him, his family and for the community (Proverbs 31:10-31).
But again, why a military term? Let’s remember that life for the Proverbs 31 woman would not have been easy. She likely faced marauding thieves, extreme heat, cold, and all manner of pestilence. She needed to be strong, brave, and always prepared, because in one way or another, she was always at war.
On a spiritual level, it makes sense that every woman, every home, every community, in every part of the world is also at war. The Bible warns all believers to be alert, watchful, armed, and ready for battle against the enemy of our souls. It makes me wonder why we lost sight of the woman of valor in the first place.
From the beginning, the devil has been intent upon robbing the woman of her true purpose and worth. God created her part nurturer and part warrior.
Let’s face it. If you attack the woman, you can destroy marriages, families, and communities. My friend Barbara, who ministered for many years in the inner-city, once said it this way: “If you take down the mamas, you will take down the babies.”
I hope you’ll agree. It’s time to reclaim the woman of valor.
Adapted from: Marilynn Chadwick, Woman of Valor: Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017).