Scripture: Proverbs 31:25-26

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Kingdom Women are Joyfully Confident

Today, we continue our series, Kingdom Woman. Last week, Pastor Amy kicked off the series with a powerful message. Proverbs 31:25-26 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Pastor Amy highlighted that a Kingdom Woman lives under the authority of Christ and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to honor God in every area of life.

Are You Dressed for Success?

Let’s start by asking ourselves: Are you dressed for success? Are you clothed with strength and dignity? Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit? And are you wearing faith or fear? Today, we will delve into Proverbs 31:25: “She can laugh at the days to come” and explore what it means to dwell in that space of joyful confidence.

Proverbs 31: A Closer Look

Wisdom Personified as a Woman

First, it’s essential to note that Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman. This is particularly significant in a historical context where women weren’t always valued. The purpose of Proverbs was to transmit insight and wisdom to youth and adults based on the experiences of the elders.

Advice from a Mother

Secondly, Proverbs 31 is advice from a mother—King Lemuel’s mother. This advice takes the form of an acrostic poem from verses 10 through 31, each verse starting with a Hebrew alphabet. This depiction serves as a model for women and a guide for men on the type of woman they should seek in a wife — virtuous, strong, caring, hard working, trustworthy, confident.

She’s an Inside-Out Woman

This Proverbs 31 woman is an inside-out woman. Her character transforms from the inside out, emphasizing that inner beauty is more important than outer appearance. Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

She’s Strong but Not Hard

This woman is strong, but not hard. She embodies the principle of being strong yet maintaining softness, as highlighted in the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Strength in character doesn’t mean losing gentleness.

Prepared and Trusting God

Another significant aspect of Proverbs 31:25 is that this woman is not afraid of the future. “She’s not afraid of what will happen in the future” Some commentaries suggest a military tone, indicating that she is a woman of valor, prepared and anchored in God. Her faith is not in herself or her circumstances, but in God. This allows her to laugh and smile at the future with confidence.

Joyful Heart as Good Medicine

Humor and joy play a crucial role in her life. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” This woman isn’t just laughing aimlessly; she is confident because she has done her work and trusts God with the outcome.

Joyful Confidence: (Esther 4:14b-17)

5 Kingdom Women Principles from the Life of Esther:

1. Choose Gratitude and Joy

Esther is another biblical example of a Kingdom Woman. Despite her challenging circumstances—being an orphan and in exile—she chose gratitude and joy. John 16:33 says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Esther’s story teaches us to choose joy and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

2. Kingdom Women Wait on God & Embrace their Season of Preparation

Kingdom Women wait on God and embrace their season of preparation. Esther underwent twelve months of beauty treatments before becoming queen. Similarly, we must do our part and trust God with the rest, even when the waiting is hard.

3. Kingdom Women Don’t Get Stuck on Comparisons

Kingdom Women do not get stuck on comparisons. Esther didn’t compare herself to the former queen but embraced her unique role. Comparisons can make us feel superior or inferior, neither of which honors God. We must focus on our unique call and gifts.

4. Kingdom Women Thrive and Abide in Community 

Kingdom Women thrive and abide in community. Esther had a community that prayed and fasted for her. We are not meant to be alone; we need community for support, strength, and encouragement.

Asking for Help

Knowing when to ask for help is crucial. Esther called on her community for support, and we must do the same. Whether it’s a prayer group, a church community, or trusted friends, having a support system is vital.

5. Kingdom Women Lead with Faith not Fear 

Esther led with faith, not fear, even when facing potential death. The spirit of this world is steeped in fear, but 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We must choose faith and trust God with the outcomes of our lives.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the Proverbs 31 woman and Esther, let’s strive to be Kingdom Women (and men) who are clothed in strength and dignity, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and full of joyful confidence. Let’s choose gratitude, embrace preparation, avoid comparisons, thrive in community, and lead with faith, not fear.

Are you dressed for success today? Are you clothed in strength and dignity, empowered by the Holy Spirit? Are you wearing faith or fear? Let’s step forward in faith, ready to face the future with joyful confidence.

The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message: