Woman of honour in the Bible

         In a world where values are constantly shifting, the Bible presents a timeless portrait of what it means to be a woman of honour. Honour, in the biblical sense, is not merely about reputation or external dignity; it is rooted in integrity, virtue, wisdom, and a fear of the Lord. Proverbs 31:25 describes such a woman: “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”

         This teaching explores the qualities of a woman of honour, drawing from biblical examples and principles. These women were not flawless, but their commitment to God and their character set them apart. From queens to widows, mothers to prophets, their stories inspire us to live with godly honour in every season of life.

1. What Defines a Woman of Honour?

         A woman of honour in the Bible is:

● God-fearing (Proverbs 31:30)

● Trustworthy (Proverbs 31:11)

● Humble and wise (Proverbs 11:16)

● Compassionate and just (Micah 6:8)

● Faithful in trials (James 1:12)

● Obedient to God's voice (Luke 1:38)

        Honour in a biblical context is not self-centered but God-centered. A woman of honour reflects the glory of God in her thoughts, words, and actions.

2. Biblical Examples of Women of Honour

a. Ruth – The Loyal Daughter-in-law

         Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem after losing her husband. Her famous words in Ruth 1:16—“Your people will be my people and your God my God”—demonstrate unwavering loyalty and faith.

● Honour Displayed: Ruth's hard work in the fields (Ruth 2:7), her respect for Boaz, and her submission to Naomi’s counsel all reflect her honourable nature.

● Result: She became the great-grandmother of King David and is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

b. Esther – The Brave Queen

         Esther’s rise from an orphaned Jewish girl to the Queen of Persia is remarkable. When the fate of her people hung in the balance, she risked her life to approach the king uninvited (Esther 4:16).

● Honour Displayed: She used her position not for personal gain but to save her people, showing courage, wisdom, and deep faith.

● Result: Her actions preserved the Jewish nation and instituted the Feast of Purim.

c. Hannah – The Faithful Mother

         Hannah was barren for many years and fervently prayed for a child. When God answered her prayer, she honoured her vow by dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28).

● Honour Displayed: Her willingness to give back her miracle child to God demonstrated unmatched devotion and integrity.

● Result: Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

d. Mary – The Chosen Virgin

         Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young woman with a pure heart. Her response to the angel’s announcement—“Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38)—revealed submission and trust.

● Honour Displayed: Despite public shame and misunderstanding, she humbly accepted God’s plan.

● Result: She became the vessel through which God brought salvation into the world.

e. Deborah – The Judge and Prophetess

         Deborah was the only female judge mentioned in the Bible (Judges 4-5). She led Israel with wisdom and courage, guided by God’s voice.

● Honour Displayed: She balanced leadership with humility and credited God for the victory.

● Result: Israel enjoyed peace for 40 years (Judges 5:31).

f. Abigail – The Wise Intercessor

         Abigail, the wife of Nabal, quickly intervened to prevent King David from shedding innocent blood (1 Samuel 25). Her tact, diplomacy, and godly wisdom preserved many lives.

● Honour Displayed: She took responsibility for her husband’s foolishness and humbly appeased David with gifts and wise counsel.

● Result: After Nabal's death, she became David’s wife and a woman of royal honour.

3. Characteristics of a Woman of Honour (Proverbs 31 Summary)

         The “Virtuous Woman” in Proverbs 31 is a powerful summary of what biblical honour looks like:

● Diligent and hardworking – “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands” (v.13)

● Trustworthy – “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her” (v.11)

● Kind and generous – “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor” (v.20)

● Wise and careful with her words – “She openeth her mouth with wisdom” (v.26)

● God-fearing – “A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised” (v.30)

         These are not unreachable standards but qualities that grow through a consistent walk with God.

4. Honour Beyond Position: The Widow’s Example (Mark 12:41–44)

        In the New Testament, Jesus noticed a poor widow who gave two small coins as an offering in the temple. Though her gift was materially small, Jesus said she gave more than all the rich people because she gave out of her poverty.

● Honour Displayed: Faith, selflessness, and devotion to God.

● Lesson: Honour isn’t in how much you give but in how much you trust and obey God.

5. Honour in Quiet Strength: The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4)

        This unnamed woman honored the prophet Elisha by making a room for him in her house. When her son died suddenly, she rode to the prophet and declared, “It is well.”

● Honour Displayed: Hospitality, quiet strength, and unwavering faith in God’s servant.

● Result: Her son was raised from the dead.

6. Honour Despite the Odds: The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21–28)

         This Gentile woman boldly approached Jesus to heal her daughter, even when He initially seemed to ignore her.

● Honour Displayed: Faith, humility, and perseverance.

● Result: Jesus commended her faith and healed her daughter.

7. The Reward of Honour

        Biblical honour brings divine recognition and a lasting legacy:

    “Them that honour me I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30)

    “She shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30)

        Women like Mary, Ruth, and Esther are still honoured today—not for worldly achievements, but for their spiritual greatness. The reward of honour includes favour with God, lasting impact, and eternal remembrance.

8. Modern Application: Becoming a Woman of Honour Today

         While we live in different times, the qualities of a woman of honour are timeless:

● Cultivate the fear of the Lord – it is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)

● Practice integrity in small and big things

● Use your influence to build others up—not to control or dominate

● Speak words that edify, not destroy

● Be consistent in prayer and faithful to your calling 

Conclusion: Honour Begins in the Heart

        A woman of honour is not measured by beauty, status, or public recognition, but by the state of her heart before God. The Bible is filled with women whose honour came not from titles, but from lives marked by faith, wisdom, love, and courage.

        Whether you're a wife, mother, student, worker, or leader—God calls you to be a woman of honour. When your life reflects His truth and your actions align with His Word, your legacy will outlast your years.

     As Proverbs 31:31 says, “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”