You don’t have to read very far in the Bible to discover the wisdom often inherent in God’s creation, Woman. No, women are not infallible, but God said “..it is not good for the man to be alone,” Genesis 2:18. He was right then, and always will be.
The more you read the Bible the more you realize that God has given woman great power, influence – and wisdom.
Radical feminism charges the Bible with “sexism,” claiming restrictions placed upon women in both Jewish and Christian societies have kept them from having their rightful place in civilized cultures. Historians and social scientists, however, have said for years that the Bible is and has been the greatest source of support and strength for woman. There is no biblical reason for men and women to be in competition with each other. There is too much to be done today for us to allow competition to divert our attention. While it is true that God gave man leadership in the home and the church, this denotes no inferiority in women. Someone must lead, and God gave the responsibility to men, whether they like it or not (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1.)
The Bible narrative, its truth validated by our experience, illustrates the wisdom found in women, past and present. Solomon wrote,
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger,” Proverbs 15:1.
Perhaps this passage says more than we have realized. Is woman more willing to give the “soft answer” in a conflict than a man? If so, this may be where the wise women of the Bible have shown their wisdom most clearly.
Abigail: A Wise Woman
In 1 Samuel 25, David sent his emissaries to a man named Nabal. We are informed of Nabal’s “churlish,” ill-mannered behavior, and it is seen in his response to David’s men. His wife, Abigail, seeing the danger into which Nabal was running headlong, used the wisdom so often abundant in woman. Strife was imminent, for Nabal [a synonym for fool] had threatened violence against a man who would not countenance such behavior. Her gracious plea for her husband was not rejected, and David did not seek vengeance upon him. How many men have made rash statements or sought vengeance when, had they heeded the wisdom of a wise woman, they might have been spared much grief? David told Abigail,
“Blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand,” 1 Samuel 25:33.
The Wise Woman of Abel
David also benefited by the intervention of another wise woman. Joab, David’s commander, cornered the rebellious Sheba in the city of Abel of Bethmaachah. As he prepared to take the city by siege, the residents of the city were fearful for their lives. In the moments before the furious battle and the destruction began, a woman of the city called for Joab to hear her plea. She reminded Joab that her fellow-citizens were guiltless of rebellion, and asked:
“Thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?” 2 Samuel 20:19.
Joab’s military mind-set would have resulted in an entire city being ravaged just to end the rebellion of one man. A wise woman convinced Joab to take a second look at his plans. How many congregations of the Lord’s church would be well served if some wise women asked, “Why wilt thou swallow up [devour] the inheritance of the Lord?” when some are leading the church away from the “old paths,” Jeremiah 6? We still need women who respect, seek and exhibit a godly form of wisdom!
Qualities of a Wise Woman
These and others who could be mentioned, have qualities of wisdom that are often overlooked, such as:
- They are respectful, but not afraid to ask the hard questions. The wise women of the Bible did not act in a way so as to usurp the authority of others, but they also were willing to speak up in respectful ways when prudent words and wise action were needed.
- They are willing to risk themselves for a greater cause. Esther carried a heavy responsibility in representing God’s people. Risking death for approaching a Persian king uninvited, she said, “If I perish, I perish,” Esther 4:16. She did what had to be done to save her people. Wisdom and courage walk hand in hand with a wise woman.
- They are willing to submit to God’s authority. No one is wise who has no respect for the Lord.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments,” Psalms 111:10.
Anyone, male or female, who rebels against the authority of God does not exhibit wisdom.
- They can see the real issues without distraction.
Men often allow pride, ego, or a thirst for power to make them bandon common sense. The woman who came to Solomon seeking her baby’s life, 1 Kings 3, realized she might win the argument but lose her precious baby. In her love for the child, she showed the highest form of wisdom. The church has benefited from the wisdom of many wise women through the years. They study their Bibles and live by its precepts. We praise God for these women, and may we all praise and give thanks for them – and follow their good example.
