May 10, 2026 Women of Valor

A Woman of Valor: Living Proverbs 31 Today

Scripture References

• Proverbs 31

Overview

Mother’s Day and the season of Pentecost meet in the picture of the “woman of valor.”  Reading Proverbs 31:10-31, pastor Keith showed how God celebrates women who fear Him and live faithfully in ordinary, everyday tasks.  Valor is not a single heroic act; it is a lifetime of trusting Christ, serving family, blessing community, and growing step-by-step in the power of the new covenant.

Main Points

The Shabbat Tribute: Honoring Women Weekly“A woman of valor who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.”

• In Jewish homes the Shabbat meal still opens with this line from Proverbs 31, spoken by the husband or host to honor the women present.

• The pastor imagined how encouraging it would be if every household blessed its wives and mothers the same way each week.

• Challenge: adopt a similar moment of honor—perhaps Saturday or Sunday evening dinner—so gratitude becomes a rhythm, not a once-a-year card.

What “Woman of Valor” Means

• Hebrew phrase: Eshet Chayil—translated valor, noble character, virtue, diligence, God-fearing devotion.

• Used of King David’s mighty men and of Ruth (“a woman of noble character”), showing that courage applies to women as much as to soldiers.

• Traits drawn from Proverbs 31: trustworthy, industrious, resourceful, generous, compassionate, wise, strong—“an awful lot to live up to,” yet meant to be lived out over a lifetime.

Growing into Valor: Faith and the New Covenant

• Under the new covenant grace supplies what the law could only demand; Christ empowers ordinary tasks (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”).

• Past upbringing—whether a table of faith or of unbelief—does not define the future; forgiveness and a new identity in Christ do.

• Story: Student who moved from an “F” to an “A” over one semester. The teacher graded the trajectory, not the average.  Likewise, God sees what we can become and credits righteousness through Christ.

Three Essentials for Every Believer (Women and Men)

• Settle your relationship with Christ.

Know with certainty that you have eternal life; salvation rests on Jesus’ finished work, not personal performance.

• Make prayer and Bible reading a daily habit.

Paul’s charge to Timothy: study, handle the word accurately, be able to give a reason for your hope.

• Build a healthy support community.

Church is the starting point, but deeper “soul-bearing” friendships are needed for accountability and joy.

Isolation leaves believers vulnerable; television sermons alone cannot supply this fellowship.

A Word to the Men

• Follow Jesus’ example and honor your mother.

• Husbands: “Love your wives as Christ loved the church.”

• Practical suggestion: prepare a meal, sit down together, and begin with the “Woman of Valor” Shabbat blessing to affirm the worth of the women in your home.

Key Truths

• God measures valor by faithfulness over time, not by one spectacular moment.

• The fear of the Lord is the unseen engine that powers visible acts of love and service.

• Grace enables believers to grow from failure to fruitfulness; past grades do not fix the final verdict.

• Certain salvation, daily Scripture, and committed community form a non-negotiable foundation for spiritual health.

• Honoring women of valor blesses the entire household and reflects God’s own heart.

Closing

- Pastor Keith concluded by urging everyone—especially women—to embrace the journey, not the checklist.  Becoming a woman (or man) of valor happens right where you are, as Christ supplies strength for each season.