The Proverbs 31 Woman Is Not Fictional—She’s Your Calling 

A recent article in Relevant magazine titled, “Why the Church Needs to Rethink the ‘Proverbs 31 Woman’,” argues that the Proverbs 31 woman is “literally fictional.” While it’s true that the passage is written as an acrostic poem, that doesn’t make the virtues it describes unattainable. In fact, every Christian woman should aspire to be like the Proverbs 31 woman because God calls us to grow in godly character—and He gives us the strength to do so.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” That includes becoming a woman of wisdom, diligence, generosity, and faith. Welch correctly points out that no one is perfect, and of course, we will all fall short (Romans 3:23). But that’s no reason to dismiss the standard God has given us. Instead, it should motivate us to rely on Him as we grow.

Some might say, “Well, the Proverbs 31 woman did everything—she worked, ran a household, helped the poor, spoke wisdom, and was praised by her husband and children. Isn’t that impossible?” No, because sanctification is a process. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t expect instant perfection, but He does call us to pursue godliness, and the Proverbs 31 woman is the ideal example of godliness for biblical womanhood.

Welch makes a valid point that God has used women in different ways throughout history—Sarah, Deborah, Rahab, Esther, Priscilla, and the Samaritan woman all had unique callings. But that doesn’t mean Proverbs 31 is outdated or unrealistic. Rather, it shows that godly character is the goal, no matter the specific role a woman plays.

The Proverbs 31 woman is not a fictional, unattainable ideal—she is an example of what happens when a woman fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30). Every Christian woman should aspire to live out these virtues, trusting that God will equip her for the journey. Will we be perfect? No. But with Christ, we can grow into the women God designed us to be.

As Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

So let’s press on. Let’s strive for godliness. The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t just an idea—she’s a calling.