Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 32:2 (Spring 2018)
Article: Finding “The Proverbs 31 Woman”
Author: Hannah Rasmussen

PP 32:2 (Spring 2018) p. 21

Finding “The Proverbs 31 Woman”

Hannah Rasmussen

Hannah Rasmussen authored Good News about Gender: A Bible Study for Young Adults (Christians for Biblical Equality, 2016) and has spoken at conferences of CBE’s East African partner, EFOGE. She is pursuing her MA in biblical studies at Africa International University in Nairobi, Kenya. She coaches African authors of Christian books as an Associate Acquisitions Editor at Oasis International. She was also an editorial manager of the Africa Study Bible (Oasis International, 2017).

The Ladies’ Ministry at my church kicked off its first meeting with icebreakers and a potluck picnic. As ladies of all ages settled in a circle on the grass, the leader produced a boxful of multicolored pastel cupcakes, one for each of us. Each woman introduced herself and read the words iced on the top of her cupcake. Each was a character trait of “the Proverbs 31 woman,” such as generous, wise, or hardworking. The leader then shared how Prov 31:10–31 had challenged her to be a better wife, mother, and businesswoman. She encouraged each of us to try to put into practice the trait on her cupcake.

Countless bridal showers, conferences, books, and blogs for women have taken a similar approach to Prov 31:10–31. The woman described in this passage is held up as a role model for all women—and women only—to emulate.1 Some women embrace it and promote it.2 Others feel anxiety at the impossible task.3 However they react, many Christian women know Prov 31 offhand because of how often it is quoted to them. Men, however, are often unfamiliar with the reference. Although the characteristics of the woman in Prov 31:10–31 are admirable, we risk muffling God’s word when we assume that any part of the Bible applies exclusively to women, men, or any other group. The whole Bible is God’s word to God’s whole people.

Because this woman is viewed as a standard, interpretations of this passage are often cited in debates about women and their appropriate roles. These discussions disproportionately focus on mapping the specific details of the woman’s work onto today, with implications for what women should be doing. Some say this woman trades and invests, so women should join the workforce. Others argue that all her work happens out of her home in order to highlight the woman’s concern for her family, implying women shoul...