The
Hebrew word translated variously as “virtuous” or “noble character” or "worthy" in Proverbs 31:10
is only used to describe one other woman in the Bible – Ruth (Ruth 3:11). As we
know from her story, Ruth was a very hard working woman and not the Angel
in the House many want to twist the Proverbs 31 woman into. Ruth is also a foreshadow
of Mary. I think we protestants latch onto
the imaginary Proverbs 31 woman and ignore the flesh-and-blood Mary as a model
of womanhood because the reality of Mary is.just.too.catholic. We are
comfortable making an idol from the mythical Proverbs 31 woman because we tell ourselves we can become her if we try, try, try. One
only needs to look in the mirror to greet her early each day before heading off to tackle that to-do list! But apparently praying to
have the faithfulness and humility of Mary would be idolatry. Go figure.
And what is to be gained if I become the perfect Proverbs 31 Woman and dance about telling everyone? The comfort that I can rely on myself to work out my personal salvation? The honor of others looking to me as an example? Oh, yes, I am promised that my children and husband will arise and call me blessed. The word vainglory comes to mind.
No. Not going to do it.
Ruth & Mary humbled themselves as servants. The better choice.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38 ESV)
He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9 ESV)
6 comments:
I think we protestants latch onto the imaginary Proverbs 31 woman and ignore the flesh-and-blood Mary as a model of womanhood because the reality of Mary is.just.too.catholic. We are comfortable making an idol from the mythical Proverbs 31 woman because we tell ourselves we can become her if we try, try, try.
Indeed! This is a good point. And vainglory is definitely a good word too. This 'angel in the house' nonsense really needs to go.
I like what you wrote about virtue being a male characteristic. I had not heard that before, but it certainly explains a lot! Apparently not everyone is ready to consider it, let alone accept it.
The disconnect in logic from the angel-in-the-house crowd makes me smack my head sometimes.
Do you mind if I add a link to the bottom of my post on this topic? You might get an avalanche of traffic from my ones of readers, lol.
Hmmm. No, I'd rather stay under my rock. However, I can edit it a little and cut & paste it as a comment, if you can re-open comments for a minute this morning.
OK That's why I asked - it's pretty quiet around here and I didn't want to draw unwanted attention. I'll reopen the comments for you - I liked what you said here as it adds another dimension to what I'd said. :)
Well, thank you. Your post inspired me to think about it in a different way. If anyone wants to find me bad enough, they will. :-)
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