SUPERWOMAN

Susan Duc shares with us a few insights from her time at equip 'O8.

The (in)famous ‘superwoman’ of Proverbs 31 is a woman to be greatly admired, and perhaps, even feared.

This ideal woman was also the subject of a popular elective attended by many Christian women at the 2008 EQUIP women’s conference, myself included.

Who is this ‘superwoman’? What is she like? And more importantly, am I seriously expected to be like her?

These questions were tackled with wisdom and wit by Claire Smith.

In the final chapter of Proverbs, King Lemuel’s mother speaks to him of many things, the last of which is of ‘the wife of noble character’ – the ‘superwoman’ who has since set a seemingly impossible standard for all Christian women. Although verses 10-31 describe a ‘wife’ specifically, many of her virtues would prove winsome in any Christian woman.

So who is the woman of Proverbs 31:10-31?

She is purposeful, thoughtful and engaged with life. She makes her choices deliberately, using her God-given intelligence and is wise and truthful in speech. She works with resourcefulness and great energy for the comfort of her household, but is also involved in industry and her community, giving generously to the poor. And yet, she does not neglect to care for herself, taking pride in her appearance and dressing with suitable dignity. Although she is her husband’s crown and is respected by all, her greatest virtue is her fear of the Lord who created her. This woman is to be praised above all, for her faith and trust in God’s plan for her.

This all begs the question: is she someone with whom Christian women today can relate? Can we look at her without feeling envy or guilt? Can we ever be this ‘superwoman’?

Let us remind ourselves that Proverbs, a book about wisdom, offers a black and white perspective of a world that is brushed in shades of grey. The glimpse we get of the life of the ‘noble wife’ is quick and brief. We are not privy to her troubles or her joys. We do not have insight into her everyday life. What we do have, however, is a woman who loves God: a woman who is a sister in Christ.

We all fall glaringly short of God’s ideal, but we do not need to feel ashamed. Christian women should be encouraged by the shared bond we have as God’s children and live to aspire.

Two more points of relevance: the Proverbs 31 woman is her husband’s equal and opposite, and is an independent woman who is willing and able to work. Marriage is a partnership based on mutual respect for the differing roles of husband and wife. It is clear in Proverbs 31 that neither man nor woman is ‘one-up’ on the other, nor is one dominant in the relationship. The woman’s primary sphere is clearly her home, but is not limited to that sphere. There is nothing inherently wrong with a wife dealing with her own finances, owning property, running her own business or managing employees. However, a wife is never distracted from her family and all she does is for the benefit of her household. A woman – married or otherwise – in all things, defers to her God in making decisions.

So am I meant to be like the superwoman described in Proverbs?

Why not? She’s a woman who honours God with her life and I’m called – like all Christians – to do the same. I may not ever reach her lofty heights, but trying never hurt anyone.

Susan Duc is a member of St Barnabas' Fairfield Bossley Park.

CD's of the talks given at "equip 'O8" can be ordered.