Proverbs 31
Ishah Chayil: Part Three
As we’ve looked at this strong woman of Proverbs 31 I hope you’ve recognized some characteristics you want to emulate. Question: How do you grow in your ability to be like her? Answer: Time with God. He’s the only way to become an Ishah Chayil: a powerful woman of God.
The next three Hebrew words from Proverbs 31 are inward characteristics; (verses 16-18) you don’t see her doing anything but her mind is quite active. Take the word consider from verse 16. When you consider you’re actively and intentionally thinking about something: entertaining thoughts. The example is a field she’s considering buying for the purpose of planting. As she spends time with Jesus she begins to think like He does, take His perspective, and receive His opinion through His Word or impression.
But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16b ESV
Considering means you’ve examined, investigated, and questioned God about the subject of your thoughts. You’ve spent time in His Word and received His direction. You have the potential to have the mind of Christ, obviously not all of it, but by the Spirit you can receive His thoughts, renewing your mind, and think like He does. Jesus asked his followers …
“What do you think?” Matthew 18:12a ESV
The next inward characteristic formed during your time with God is in verse 17. She puts on spiritual clothing, strength, and wears it well. The Hebrew word can mean ‘dresses’ but more importantly she arms herself with God’s ability. Ishah Chayil knows her strength, empowerment, and divine energy comes from God.
… and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might … Ephesians 1:19 ESV
The ‘force within her’ is the Holy Spirit and His remaining presence in order to get the job done for each day. She has the power to bring about change, to put things in motion, and act on what she’s been considering. She recognizes and is dependent on the leading of the Holy Spirit every day, for every task, and to benefit those around her.
The Hebrew word that begins verse 18 is perceives or senses; she has learned to discern. That means you can also learn to distinguish between God’s voice and your enemy’s. Satan will try to deceive you but you have the mind of Christ and receive His thoughts. You know God so well that Satan’s lies are now obvious and you reject them.
Ishah Chayil can detect the enemy because she’s armed to the hilt with His armor (Eph. 6) and goes to war for her family, church, work place, neighborhood, or nation. She has gained endurance, her lamp doesn’t go out, and she is prepared for whatever lies ahead: even suffering. She will continue to stand because she remains in Christ. That’s a powerful, valiant woman who won’t concede or yield to her enemy: she is empowered by the Spirit of God.
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