I was never a fan of the Proverbs 31 woman. You know the one – that fearsome, do-it-all creature who rises and goes and bargains and buys and makes and feeds and never, ever stops.

I developed a grievance against her many years ago when I heard one too many Father’s and Mother’s Day sermons where dads were encouraged to be more like the Heavenly Father, and moms were encouraged to be more like her, the Proverbs 31 woman.

In those sermons, dads were portrayed as strong and loving, givers of good gifts and of treasures of knowledge. Leaders, guiding with wisdom and mercy. God was their ultimate example.

Moms? Well, they were portrayed as…busy. And good for them. Someday their husbands and children would appreciate them.

I’m sure the sermons weren’t really as bad as all that. I’m sure my young mind missed a few of the nuances. But I do remember feeling distinctly underwhelmed by the potential joys of motherhood when I heard those sermons.

So why am I bringing this up? Well, because I recently began a study with a group of women. And we’re studying – oh yeah, you guessed it – a book on being more like the Proverbs 31 woman. Yipes…

 My resentment has mellowed, though. For one thing, I realized that she was not, as I used to suspect, a man’s description of the ideal woman. She was in fact a mother’s admonition as to what her son should look for in a wife. What mom was saying – and I’m paraphrasing a bit here – is, “Son, do not just fall for a pretty face and a flirty personality. You need a partner, a true helpmeet in life. Someone who is strong in character and faith, and who will expect the same from you. Let me tell you, darlin, someone like that is worth more than gold.”

…and all the mothers of sons say, “Amen, sister, preach on.”

Maybe more importantly, I don’t feel intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman anymore. Because I’ve actually met her, or at least I’ve met the spirit of her. Women who care for their family, women who support their family, women who help those in need, women who speak with wisdom and faithful instruction. Women who fear the Lord and are to be praised. Women who are family and friends and fellow church members.

The truth is, it’s hard not to like her once you get to know her.