A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels, and her value is far above rubies or pearls. Prov 31:10 (AMP)
As a woman, this verse can be quite intimidating. I think its often read to say “capable, intelligent and virtuous women are VERY rare – most are frivolous, unintelligent and not at all virtuous. Lucky is the man who can find such a rare gem in an ocean of pebbles.” (NB dramatic sarcasm…)
Needless to say, I do not at all think that this is what the scripture is implying. Every woman is valuable and capable. Every woman is worth more than diamonds and should be celebrated.
Every woman is beautiful.
A different way to look at this verse could be this: how can we look beyond what the media and Hollywood tells us is important and truly see into the heart of every woman – see her gifts and abilities, see her passions and strengths, see her heartaches and character. Take the time to look beyond her physical form and find out what makes her tick, what she gives her mind too and what occupies her heart. If anything, I think this verse challenges us not to be better, but to look harder and to see into the soul of every woman, and in turn, every person.
The pressure for women to be body beautiful and the thought that her value is tied up in flawless skin, current styles and youthful appeal is an issue women have been facing for centuries, and it's a pressure men face as well. We are more than how we look; we are more than pictures and statues… all of us, men and women alike, have souls screaming to be heard, and hearts longing to be loved.
Maggie McGlone in the movie ‘The Guardian’ says “…if my muscles ache, it’s because I’ve used em… I got a few wrinkles here and there, but I’ve layed under thousands of skies with sunny days. I look and feel this way… cos I lived and I loved…”
Look beyond skin today: stare deep into the soul of every woman in your world. Let's make value about the internal, the value of a human heart. True beauty is from the inside out. A truly beautiful relationship is deeper than skin and celebrates the scars, the living of life, and the sharing of hearts.
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