Finishing this three-part series today, I'd like to pose a question:
What do we do with a Proverbs 31 woman?

Now, I will try not to be too political or wave-making here... but I'd like to propose that while Biblical debate on feminism can take place with both sides of the argument toe-to-toe and verse-for-verse, I'd like to suggest that this particular chapter, Proverbs 31, leaves us on the side of feminism. 

What do we do with a Proverbs 31 woman?  A woman who can- and does- seem to do it all? A woman with business savvy, athleticism, a generous spirit, and a kind heart.  A woman who makes her own decisions and has the wisdom and knowledge to make those decisions.  (I don't believe I've quoted Beyoncé since the Irreplaceable video came out in '06, but I think she sums it up with the lyric, "...we're smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bear the children then get back to business.")  

What do we do with her?  What is our response?

Do we restrict her?  Do we tell her she can't- or shouldn't- do these things?  Do we tell her not to worry her pretty little head?  Do we call her crazy?  Do we tell her she is too masculine? 

Do we confine her? Do we shield her from the world (and the world from her)?  Do we relegate her to the world of home and domesticity? 

Do we deny her an education?  The right to hold property?  A ballot in an election?  Bar her from leadership positions?  

Do we shrink back?  Do we shy away in fear?  Do we get angry? Do we allow ourselves (male or female) to feel inferior?  Do we tell her husband that he is less of a man?  Do we try to control her- or suggest that someone needs to rein her in?

No.

We arise and call her blessed.  We honor her.  We praise her at the city gate.  

I believe that feminism is, ultimately, a movement seeking to facilitate and empower a world of Proverbs 31 women.  Does this include creating women who "fear the Lord"-- maybe not in the secular world.  But it can.  The Proverbs 31 woman is not a 1950s housewife.  She can be-- but she doesn't have to be.  

Look at the world.  Look at the places where women are discouraged or inhibited from exercising the freedom necessary to be like this ideal woman.  Some of them are in your own country, your own town, your own job, your own church.  Now let's remove those barriers.  

Only then can we truly say that we are responding to these women correctly.
Arise and call her blessed.  Honor her.  Praise her at the city gate.  

Continuing from last week, I'll continue exploring the Proverbs 31 woman today, starting at verse 20 (through verse 27).  

She is generous. She has a heart for justice.  She is filled with compassion.  She also acts-- these are more than good intentions.  More than a facebook status.  I'd also note that- it doesn't only look like she's donating money or food or toiletries here- although maybe she is, and it sure sounds like she would (and she can certainly afford it).  She does not get dressed up to hold a fundraising dinner.  She opens her arms.  She extends her hands.  She's unafraid to reach out and help someone up, without looking down on them.  

She takes care of her business.  Her family is well taken care of.  She is well dressed.  She can heat her house and both her and her family have warm clothes and blankets.  She's not out saving the world while her own home crumbles.  It's in fact out of this abundance that she's so able to help others... 

These two are a power couple.  They're a team.  Neither one of them has to feel inferior or shrink out of the spotlight to make room for the other.  They both excel in what they do (and whatever they do).  Nowadays, we might even have a ridiculous celebrity couple name for them,  à la Kimye, Brangelina, or Bennifer. 

This woman seems to make everything by hand.  Is she on Pinterest?? Or maybe Etsy... She is an entrepreneur.  Industrious.  Again, out of the abundance she has created, she first supplies her house- then donates or sells the excess.  Nothing is wasted.  She makes more than she needs and she sees this as an opportunity both to share and give back, as well as to create income and engage in the local economy... or even the not-so-local economy (see commentary about those merchants).

I'm pretty sure this mostly speaks for itself.  She's an incredible, wise, strong woman.  She is prepared and courageous.  She instructs others- and she does this well too.  (Other translations say "loving instruction" or "teaching of kindness"-- but it is clear that she is teaching someone, and her teaching is filled with all of the compassion, wisdom, and dignity that she is known by.)  

She does not eat the bread of idleness.  She is ambitious.  She is not lazy, or bored.  She is ready, willing, and prepared to do the work that needs to be done- both in her family, and in the world.  She is not overwhelmed.  She can laugh at the days to come.  She knows she's something special.  She knows how hard she can work, how smart she is, how much talent she has.  She looks at the future, smiles, and says, "Bring it."