From Virtue to Valor
This month’s blog is author’s choice, so I decided to share about what I have been contemplating after reading an excellent blog article about the biblical role of women. While reading the article, I was intrigued by the fact that the word “virtuous” in Pro. 31:10 is not a full and accurate expression of the meaning in the text. According to my dictionary.com app virtuous is defined as: moral excellence, goodness, righteousness and conformity of one’s life and conduct and ethical principles and lastly manly excellence. When I started on this blog journey, I thought that the “virtuous” woman was a woman who discovers herself in the light of the Word of God. I think that is still true, however, with new light comes a new perspective.
The Hebrew word in the Proverbs 31:10 translated as “virtuous” in our bibles is Strong’s H2428 chayil. The word chayil is defined by Strong’s as strength, might, efficiency, wealth and army. In the Hebrew Masoretic Text, Proverbs 31: 10 is Eishet chayil mi yimtza? A woman of valor who can find her? So there we have it. Our KJV virtuous woman is a Hebrew woman of valor. In the original text the word is more closely translated as valor. According to dictionary.com valor is defined as boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle, heroic courage and bravery.
So which is it, virtue or valor? More importantly, how does this contrast in translation affect our spiritual perspective as Christian women? In my brief time studying scripture from the original Hebrew text, I have found a picture of women that are more highly esteemed, especially in regards to their spiritual insight and leadership. I believe more and more Christian women are discovering a new, true identity in scripture that is not defined by the “traditions of men” that make the power of God of no effect. (Mark 7:13) I think this identity is more closely associated with being a woman of valor as opposed to a woman of virtue. It is definitely a work of God’s Spirit in us and upon us to empower us to fulfill His plan for our lives.
Virtue is no cakewalk. Honestly, except for the cleansing blood of Jesus, I don’t even make the top three definitions for virtue. And frankly, I am not that clear on what “manly excellence” is. That being said, the definition of woman of valor is personally more appealing. As a Christian woman, I want to be bold and determined. I want to walk in the character of Christ, that is His virtue not my own. I choose to be identified as a woman of valor, as opposed some poorly translated version of human virtue or manly excellence.
How does the saying go? When you know better, you do better. Since, I now have insight into the more accurate translation of the text, I want to encourage us all to embrace our God-given identity. We can all choose to see ourselves in the light of the Word as it is accurately translated. We can move from virtue to valor. We are women of valor because that is who Our Creator destined us to be. Many of us may not yet identify with that woman, but if we give the LORD enough “time”, He helps us to discover her. We are women who are strong and determined. We are women who are discovering our gifts and using them to glorify our Father. We are women who are partakers of the divine nature of Christ: His character at work in us by the Spirit. We are wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. We are servants and leaders. We are pastors and teachers; prophets and apostles.
We are women of the Kingdom who are part of the army of God.
Finally, as the author of that excellent article so aptly put it …as “eishet chayil”…we are a “force”. Those Hebrew words are Holy Spirit inspired words. It is what it is. Time for us to own it! As we move into 2016, as God ordained women, I pray that we each take our place in His Kingdom. Be encouraged Pro 31 women you are women of valor.
Grace and peace, Ronda.
Pro 31 Women's Compendium 
Powerful blog – I looked up the word manly and one definition stated – having or denoting qualities traditionally associated with men – Manly excellence -,WOW!! Here are some synonyms related to valor – valiant, fearless, lionhearted, dauntless, robust, vigorous, strong, powerful, sturdy, bold, brave, courageous, and adventurous. WOW AGAIN!!! I believe that we (women) are to walk in the same manly excellence as men. There is neither male nor female in the Spirit – 😊 Ummmm GLORY!! This year, may we live Luke 4:18 -19 and bring restoration spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally to mankind. May we make being the light of Christ a WAY of life to feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the poor, and pray for all without ceasing. Uummmm lots to contemplate – Blessings.
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Thank you for sharing about manly excellence. I must be honest, I had to revise a lot of this because it originally had an air of “man bashing”. I hope it doesn’t come off like that because that is not my intent. I didn’t even want to look into the term “manly excellence” because I felt like the adjective “virtuous” is traditionally associated with women-so why even use that to define the word? Your comments actually show that manly excellence is more closely associated with valor in the sense of being a quality generally associated with men! Next time I will go that extra mile, (look up the word, Ronda) because that definition is the most accurate of all if we embrace “valor” as opposed to virtue! Ummmm is right. Point taken! I agree with your declaration. Amen.
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I said ummmmm because the blog is so good. It blew me away. Then Holy Spirit said, there is neither male nor female in the Spirit. Wow thank You Holy Spirit. I thought the same thing Ronda what is manly excellence? We women are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might, sturdy, bold, brave, and vigorous too. 😊😊😊. My my great blog!!!!!!!!!!
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Excellent blog! We are, indeed, a force to be reckoned with! May we all walk in that knowledge this coming year
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Thank You sister! I read the blogs this morning and thought I truly need to write a P.S. for my submission. I have too many grammatical errors. I thought about our conversation at dinner. Pray I get a good proofreader. Or like Barbara reminded me…I need to read it out loud before I hit send! You are so gracious with your encouragement. I just love you!
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P.S. Reader- please forgive my grammatical errors. No excuses. Pray I do a better job at proofreading or that God sends me a proofreader! Thank you. Ronda
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Ronda, this was so good. Your sentence ” I want to encourage us all to embrace our God-given identity” is what touched me the most. May the year 2016 be the year, we come to embrace who we are in Christ. If we are going to walk in His power we need to get this. As far as grammatical errors, no one is worse than me and frankly, I didn’t see that you made any. We been doing the blog for awhile now and it still baffles me that I am a part of this group but so honored that I am.
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Big Hug Barbara!! Thank you.
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I love that women have the freedom in Christ to step out into whatever God has called them to be and do. He is our Head and even as married women, our spouses who love and follow the Lord encourage us to follow Christ. Thank you, Rhonda you are an encouragement. When we are following Christ’s pattern for our lives that leaves no room to bash anyone else, even those who disagree are only in a place, at this time. Tomorrow, they may come into agreement. I didn’t sense any antagonism toward men… we have so many wonderful guys around us, who love the Lord. They are some of our greatest God-given blessings.
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Amen to God given blessings Andrea!!
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