A Biblical Woman is Blessed

by Hannah Beaton

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” -Proverbs 31:28-31

If you take a look at any TV show, movie, or post on social media these days, you will likely see the word “blessed” thrown around like a status symbol or proof of earthly wealth. Even in Christian culture, we see the term cheapened and overused, often in reference to material possessions or prosperity as proof of God’s love and faithfulness.

Why is it that we have this view of the word “blessed”? In a culture that values appearances over character and status over contentment, it is easy to see how this word could take on such a trivial meaning. If we take this meaning for the word blessing and apply it to our walk with God, it would be easy to slip into believing the lie that the more that we grow in our walk with God, the more earthly blessings we will receive. When we dig into His word, we quickly realize that this is far from true.

Although we receive good gifts from the Lord, we are also promised trials, suffering, and temptations in this life. So then, what does it mean to be “blessed” if we look at this word through the lens of the Bible?

Consider these verses:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:1-2

“ Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” -Psalm 119:1-3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” -Ephesians 1:3-4

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” -James 1:12

These verses point to a life committed to Christ by faith. If we approach the idea of blessings apart from the assurances we have through Christ, we will quickly question His character when life on earth does not look quite how we anticipated. When we frame what we believe about blessings around the word of God, it is clear that our spiritual blessings far outweigh any earthly possessions we could ever obtain.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” -Ephesians 1:11-14

We will face trials and temptations in this life, but God’s word promises us that we are not alone. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

If you read the verses leading up to Proverbs 31:28-31, you will likely see a picture of a woman who has devoted herself to the Lord in all aspects of her life: in work, in her home, and in her relationships. She is blessed, not because of any earthly treasures or accolades, but because she delights in the Lord. God bestows spiritual blessings on His people because He loves us, and not because of anything we have done. As followers of Christ, we can rest knowing our hope is secure in Him no matter what our future holds.

Journaling Page for Blessings

How are you biblically blessed?

How has your character been shaped by hardship?

Other thoughts and scriptures about God’s blessings: