Faithful on Fridays Blog

Ishah Chayil

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25 ESV

This isn’t Wonder Woman, this is a God Woman who is a strong, bold, forceful follower of Christ who’s willing to go to battle against the enemy for her family and friends and she’s prepared. This woman is relentless and ready for war because she knows who she is ‘in Christ’; she’s made new in likeness and image. Sound familiar? Check out Gen. 1:27.

… and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 ESV

… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:10 ESV

She’s received strength and dignity, also translated victorious equipment, for her assignment in her prayer-time. She’s a power to be reckoned with and joyful as she anticipates her future. She’s fearless.

Verse 26 focuses us, by the Hebrew word, on one of her most effective strategies: her words. Ishah Chayil recognizes the power of her mouth and tongue using them wisely. She knows they can justify or condemn (Matt. 12:37) and bring death or life (Pv. 18:21) to those around her; she’s learned to harness that power and bring a positive influence (James 3:3-12).

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Proverbs 25:11-12 ESV

Lastly, verse 27 begins with the Hebrew word translated ‘looks’. This isn’t just seeing your surroundings with your natural eyesight but looking closely and keeping watch, spiritually. Ishah Chayil is a watchman at heart. She’s as alert as a spy within her family, neighborhood, or church, eagerly watching for signs of trouble: discouragement, deception, or any fiery dart the enemy releases. As a prayer warrior she’s prepared with armor and one weapon (Eph. 6:17) to go into spiritual warfare at a moment’s notice.

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
Psalms 5:3 ESV

Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw … 2 Kings 9:17a ESV

Ishah Chayil isn’t a metaphor, she’s real and she’s attainable but it’ll take some work. Your thoughts and attitudes matter; what about those motivations and skewed perspectives? Are you making judgments on others as you compare yourself? Do you always have an answer when no one has asked a question? Tell yourself the truth, repent, and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit every day to walk in His image and likeness. Remain in Him and get dressed.

And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:49 ESV