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Proverbs 31:25: Strength, Dignity, & Laughing at the Days to Come

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Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.

PROVERBS 31:25 (ESV)

In several prior verses from this chapter, we learn that the Proverbs 31 woman makes clothing and garments for herself, her family, and others (She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple in Proverbs 31:22, for example), but in this verse, we see a glimpse of her “spiritual clothing.” There are several references throughout the Bible on what we “put on” ourselves or “clothing ourselves with Christ.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27 (ESV)
image of woman laughing with the textExamining Proverbs 31:25: Strength, Dignity and Lauging at the Days to Come

When we first believed, we were clothed with Christ and became children of God through faith. We put on our clothing of strength and dignity by growing in our faith and asking the Holy Spirit to work in us (Galatians 5:16-26)

We also find a reference to clothing ourselves with strength in Isaiah 52:1.

Awake, awake,
    put on your strength, O Zion;
put on your beautiful garments,
    O Jerusalem, the holy city;
for there shall no more come into you
    the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Isaiah 52:1 (ESV)

It is God’s desire for us as Christian women, as referenced in Proverbs 31:25, to wrap ourselves in honor, inner beauty, and strength. We can do this by seeking God in all we do and studying His Word to learn how He wants us to live. 

All around us in today’s world are things that are not of God. We see and hear the worldview on television, in music, in the workplace, and, my goodness, even on Facebook. Only by genuinely seeking Him and surrounding ourselves with things (and people) of God can we clothe ourselves in strength and dignity.

Little steps, such as listening to Christian music and spending time with other believers, can help draw us closer to Him and further from worldviews. Of course, we can never escape the worldview unless we want to live in a remote cabin with no neighbors or technology, but we can take practical steps to intimately know and seek God.

Let’s dive deeper into each part of Proverbs 31:25, shall we?

Strength and Dignity in Proverbs 31:25

Strength in Proverbs 31:25

The “strength” reference in Proverbs 31:25 indicates a person’s capacity to withstand adversity. The woman is strong because she has the fortitude to be fair and prudent at home and in public.

The Proverbs 31 woman is the model of a godly, strong-minded individual. She spends her days tirelessly tending to responsibilities with wise choices so that she and her family can have their needs provided.

She spends her days honing and cultivating each project that needs completion. She’s invested, sold goods (and donated them), may have planted seeds to grow flowers or vegetables – even volunteered at church!

She has an entrepreneurial spirit with strong moral values: work ethic coupled with generosity makes up this woman who is dedicated and known for her gratitude to God because he gives us everything we have, including our talents.

Her selfless diligence leads her husband and children to “call her blessed” and praise her.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28 (ESV)

Dignity in Proverbs 31:25

The Proverbs 31 woman is a go-getter who understands the opportunity each day brings to reflect God’s glory in her everyday conduct. It’s not just about doing what needs to be done but also making sure it’s done with honor and praise for our Creator!

The Proverbs 31 woman puts her best foot forward and doesn’t let the missteps in life keep her from eagerly getting on with meeting responsibilities. Her well-ordered priorities allow for a value of strength and dignity over charm or beauty, which is called “deceptive” and “fleeting” in scripture.

Her hope for the future allows her not to worry so much, which keeps those moments of sorrow from getting too heavy.

Moreover, her joyful and hopeful demeanor prevents her from worrying about the future so she can “laugh at the days to come.”

A Look at the Symbolism of Clothing in the Bible?

We can only talk about Proverbs 31 by considering the symbolic power of clothes in Scripture. Think back to Adam and Eve—the fig leaves they used weren’t simply a way to cover up their flesh but also an outward symbol of the shame that had come upon them after disobeying God. Clothing was more than just practicality; it also took on deeper spiritual meaning! (Genesis 3:7-8).

As Christians, we know that our faith empowers us to be clothed in the full armor of God – allowing us to fight godly battles against worldly temptations. (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Revelation paints a vivid picture of those who ascend to heaven, adorning them in bright white garments that symbolize their spiritual purity and righteousness. (Revelation 7:9-14).

Proverbs 31 is a powerful reminder of what it means to be an honorable woman. Instead of relying on her own “strength or dignity,” she approaches life with unshakeable faith and trust in God – recognizing that without Him, we can do nothing but fall short. Her righteousness lies not within herself but from the Lord above.

Embracing God allows us to tap into an inner strength and dignity that we can’t access any other way. By inviting the Holy Spirit in, dressing with humility, and living like Jesus’ t, our journey ahead becomes blessedly brighter – no matter what challenges may come. In fact, we can laugh at the days to come!

We are in Christ, not because we have faith in ourselves and our capabilities.

 Again, not because we trust in ourselves, but because “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.”

You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Life can be unpredictable, but God’s faithfulness gives us hope for the future. Moreover, he has repeatedly proven Himself that we can keep believing in His promises with total confidence.

In Psalm 138, we read:

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

PSALM 138:8 (ESV)

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

The Proverbs 31:25 woman is a living example of wisdom and kindness. Her actions are reflections of her pure heart.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

MATTHEW 12:34 (ESV)

Being kind and gentle while having a humble spirit is what Jesus teaches us. When we take that to heart, it helps transform us into the perfect people He desires! 

Proverbs 31 encourages me to strive for excellence and exemplify godliness as I navigate through life. When things get challenging, this chapter reminds me that no matter my circumstances, with God’s help, I can become the woman He intended.

You are on an incredible journey of growth and spiritual maturity. But, just like a marathon runner doesn’t give up before the finish line, it’s essential to keep pushing ahead with faith: our heavenly Father knows exactly where He wants us to be!

With a wardrobe of strength and bearing the grace of dignity, women are an essential part of life. He has declared us as His own, so we arise with courage and poise every morning! We walk through this world in power, knowing that our true worth lies within Him – never needing validation from any other source.

Proverbs 31:25 and Ezer Kenegdo

Proverbs 31:25 has been an inspiring reminder for women throughout the ages, challenging perceptions about women being the weaker sex and celebrating womanhood. The truth is that God created us as equals in strength to men – a perfect complement to them like wings on airplanes or both oars of a boat! Women were born warriors here to assist our male counterparts; we are part of something greater than ourselves when together.

From the very beginning in Genesis 2:18, God called us to be strong. He said, 

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Genesis 2:18 (ESV)

Did you know that the Hebrew word for ‘helper’ in Scripture has two meanings? It means both to rescue and be strong. God is described Himself as an ezer, a helper, 16 times throughout Old Testament – and remarkably, He uses it twice when referring to Eve! This reminds us of how important it is for women (just like men) to come alongside those struggling or hurting with strength & support.

It’s incredible to think about – the first woman created was given a name that meant “warrior”! That shows just how powerful and capable women can be. It might seem daunting, but each of us is equipped with the strength we need to fight for what matters most; our children, husbands (if applicable), and even ourselves! The world needs mighty warriors like us more than ever before.

With the rise of inspiring heroes like Wonder Woman and Super Girl, it’s clear that there is a strong desire for female strength and dignity. These fierce women are, in some ways,  modern-day tributes to Deborah! 

Instead of being overwhelmed by society’s expectations, we should take time every day to proudly display our strength and dignity. After all, God has always dressed us in garments of strength and dignity to wear confidently.

“She is clothed …with strength and dignity.”

The translation, therefore, of “ezer kenegdo” is a strong, equal partner.

Even in biblical times, women were concerned with their appearance. But 1 Peter 3:3 says,

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—

1 Peter 3:3 (ESV)

A godly woman’s character shines brighter than any gold jewelry or fine clothes. Instead, her faith, her God, is her guide, helping provide protection and set boundaries for her family – like the gates of a fortress!

A woman’s strength isn’t measured in physical or professional accomplishments – it lies much further within. A strong woman is one who draws courage and resolve from her faith, letting that wisdom guide every endeavor she embarks on.

A woman of faith is much more than just the sum of her Bible knowledge and church involvement. She’s strong, courageous, and loving – an embodiment of what it means to be a faithful Christian.

A woman of true faith doesn’t just take on the strength God provides, she uses it to fight for His truths. Her courage is bold, and her conviction unwavering – a Jesus-glorifying demonstration at its finest that stands strong in even the deepest trenches of falsehoods.

A woman of strength is something far greater than just physical fortitude – she’s a warrior, driven by her faith and convictions to stand up for what she believes in. Such courage manifests itself as an unwavering hope that only comes from The Father.

A Proverbs 31:25 Woman is a woman of strength, dignity, and grace – she knows her worth and doesn’t fear taking risks or hard work to achieve success. She leads with kindness, speaks words of wisdom, and displays unwavering faith in all that she does. Her true power comes from God; through her courage and resilience, the world can be made better for those around her.

It can be really overwhelming trying to live up to the model of a Proverbs 31 woman: strong, capable and confident in their faith. I’ve realized that all these qualities come from spending time with God and focusing on Him above anything else – like a worldly affirmation or comparing ourselves to other people. That’s something we’re so used to doing now, but if you look at it through this biblical lens, true strength comes from honoring only HIM; His protection is our ultimate refuge!

image of a small child with her hands raised to the sky

5 Ways Christian Women Can Remain Clothed in Strength and Dignity

Proverbs 31:25 lessons of strength, dignity, and hope were written for men to find the godly wife and to celebrate them, but these values can serve as guidelines for both genders.

Here are five ways for Christian women to clothe themselves in strength and dignity

1 – Be Trustworthy

Proverbs 31:25 connects dignity with honesty. Be dependable in your words and deeds. Let truthfulness guide you when it comes time for decision-making; make sure the word is reliable so “yes” means yes and “no” means no!

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.

Proverbs 31:11 (ESV)

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

MATTHEW 5:37 (ESV)

2 – Demonstrate Trust in Your Spouse

Similarly, sensibly trust your spouse. The husband of the Proverbs 31:25 woman “has full confidence” in his honest and principled wife. Ask yourself if you’re likely to second-guess or micromanage your husband, even knowing that he has sound judgment or expertise in a less familiar matter. 

3 – Keep Your Priorities Straight

The Proverbs 31:25 woman knows it takes conscious and disciplined effort to keep a household (or business) running efficiently. This virtuous woman “works with eager hands,” considers options, and then decisively acts upon them (Proverbs 31:16), remaining watchful of her responsibilities by not falling into idleness. This ideal woman is also an ideal citizen, helping others in need.

When you fill your days with fruitful acts, you will be more likely to align your priorities with how God wants us to live and treat one another.  

4 – Praise Your Spouse

Proverbs 31 instructs men to “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:31). Spouses should praise each other’s efforts and respect each other’s opinions even when they don’t see eye to eye. Doing so shows honor for one another and teaches children the value of respect and gratitude (Proverbs 31:28).

As important as it is to show respect for each other inside the home, spouses should act with dignity outside their homes. They shouldn’t malign or speak harshly about one another in front of people who are not even part of your relationship – whether they’re friends or family members.  This includes making jokes at your husband’s expense.

Likewise, we should not remain silent when someone speaks against our husbands. Instead, we’re to treasure our spouse by defending them (in a loving manner) so that he receives only praise “at the city gate” (outside of the home).

5 – Trust in God’s Plan for Your Life

Proverbs 31 ends with a critical point that the woman of noble character is praised first and foremost because of her faithfulness to God (Proverbs 31:30). This foundation of faith gives the godly woman such a deep sense of peace that “she can laugh at the days to come” because she trusts in God’s plan for her.

Proverbs 31:25 – A Prayer For Strength and Dignity

Heavenly Father, I am your daughter. Remind me, Father, to wear my humility proudly and with dignity as Sarah did. So then, when life gets tough, or there is no one left to listen to me, I will always be able to hear Your Holy Spirit whispering comforting words of peace, strength, and dignity inside me.  Amen.

Proverbs 31:25 – She Can Laugh at the Days to Come

The second part of this verse, “she can laugh at the days to come,” also comes from knowing and seeking God. Because this virtuous woman seeks God in all her steps, she is not afraid of the future or anxious about anything. As said in Matthew 6:34, she lets “tomorrow worry about itself.”

When I had my first cancer diagnosis in 2017, my first instinct (I’m human, after all) was near panic. What if they didn’t catch it in time? What is the prognosis? What if I need a colostomy bag? When I took a step back and began writing scripture about fear, relying on God, and then praying over that scripture, I started letting go of the fear. I thanked God for this diagnosis that drew me closer to Him and provided the catalyst for me to encourage others to get early screening for colon cancer.

The passage says to simply “laugh without fear of the future.” It’s not easy for us as humans, and it can be tempting to compare our lives with others, which leads us to worry about what might happen next. But this verse teaches that everything has been taken care of; nothing more is needed on your end! And we need not concern ourselves too much because all will work out just fine; God has a plan for us – you can laugh at the days to come as God has it all taken care of!

You are fabulous in every single way. Yes, YOU! You were designed, by God, to be exactly as you are.

Nothing can complete you more than God can, so worrying about the future and what’s to come is a waste of energy and a joy stealer for today’s blessings. Yes, I realize this is easier said than done, but there is nothing to worry about- God has already handled it. 

Proverbs 31:25 – A Laughing Matter?

The woman described in Proverbs 31 is humble, smart, organized, wise, kind, worthy, and strong and knows how to laugh. Let’s consider, though, how she might have handled life with her family in a global pandemic.

If this ideal woman were to be alive in today’s age, she would continue to inspire us. She manages so much, both within her household and inside her heart. She is the kind of woman who knows how to actually fold fitted sheets (why is that so dang hard, by the way?) and vehemently fights fear! She even laughs when life is complicated.

Nothing is amusing about the pandemic. People are critically ill; others are afraid of becoming so; there are layoffs, lockdowns, mask mandates, and even death – none are laughing matters.

Would the Proverbs 31 woman be laughing through these moments, too? Perhaps, but not the type of laughter in response to something funny.

Laughter can express deep joy, a reaction to receiving good news, and the effect used to show hope and trust even when life is hard and unrelenting.

That is that laughter that only comes from the joy of the Lord. The kind of laughter that can never be shaken or taken away. 

Sometimes the hardships of this life make it hard to “laugh at the days to come,” yet it is possible to have this kind of deep laughter…deep joy that only the Lord can give you.

For a short course, which will have you develop a ministry mindset while growing closer to God and your husband, check out More Than Rubies.

Proverbs 31:25: Strength, Dignity, & Laughing at the Days to Come 1

Examine yourself…

Do you dress yourself according to your flesh or as unto the Spirit?

How can you grow in trusting God with your future and the unknown?

Are you speaking wisdom or foolishness? Are your words kind or harsh?

How are you glorifying God in your femininity? This two-part verse centers on heart issues. First, ask God to change you from the inside out, so all may see and glorify Him.

When times get tough, remember Proverbs 31:25 and that you are clothed in strength and dignity!

For book resources on the Proverbs 31 wife, consider these recommended books:

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow

My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife: A One-Year Experiment…and Its Surprising Results by Sara Horn

Or my book, The Complete Proverbs 31 Wife:  A Verse by Verse Exploration of What it Means to Be a Proverbs 31 Woman in Today’s World.

To look at the next verse in Proverbs 31, She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction... see this post.

For the previous post on Proverbs 31, click here.

ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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Delana Conway

Wednesday 17th of May 2023

Hello sister in Christ! I wanted to share with you how impactful your article was.

You really helped me look on being a woman of God!

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