Insights into Strengths

(Proverbs 31:17 KJV)  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

One of the questions that we have in trying to understand the Bible is the question of literal vs figurative.  At one extreme, the Pulpit Commentary, you find the authors concerned about how this could apply to “the weaker sex”.  That is from the 1880's.  At the other extreme you have what almost seems like a modern approach involving weights and visits to the gym. 

I think that this is telling us that Christian women are not supposed to be shrinking violets.  As I look at the two words “strength” (5797) and “strong” (553) I see words that can be applied physically or mentally.  In fact the word “strong” is often translated as involving courage.  The Christian woman is to know who she is in the Lord and to face life with courage.  Of course that would go for Christian men also but here it is giving advice for the kind of woman a man might want to marry.

So?  The Christian personality is based on strength even though we are directed to turn the other cheek, not have temper tantrums and to be courteous and polite.  The ideal of a doormat doesn’t really fit.