This week, in the series Lessons For Our Daughters, I want to discuss a third attribute we see in the Proverbs 31 woman. She is wise. There is only one line in the passage that discusses this, but when we consider that line in context with the rest of the bible we see a woman rich with something very valuable.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

I think sometimes we get it in our heads that in a woman’s command to be submissive we lose that she contribute abundantly to the lives of those around her. When Proverbs states that this woman speaks with wisdom it paints a different picture. This is a woman who has worked to obtain this wisdom and uses it in a beautiful manner. James 3:17 describes the qualities that this woman possesses as a result of the wisdom she has. Those are the very attributes I strive for in my daughter. Wisdom brings an unfading beauty that only grows with time.

Getting our daughters to that wisdom is far from simple. It takes ongoing work that crosses a lifetime. We will only be able to lay the foundation and pray that she builds on it from there.

The first thing we have to teach them is that wisdom is something that has to be sought out. It begins with a fear of the Lord. We have to recognize his all-knowing nature and realize how little we understand. It is on this base that we can humbly begin building our wisdom. With proper fear of the Lord in mind, we can begin seeking it. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Proverbs 2:1-6 describes it in more detail. Action is necessary for wisdom to be granted. It is not a passive granting of this quality.

In order to maintain the process of building wisdom, we have to be deliberate with whom our daughters associate with. We cannot afford to not be invested in our daughters’ social scene. As I Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled. ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” Our daughters long to fit in. Without the maturity that comes with age, they may compromise their morals in order to find that group of friends. They don’t yet understand the long-term impact of the friends they choose. This is where we as parents stand in the gap, fostering proper relationships that will help our daughters grow. Wise friends equal wise influence.

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” -Proverbs 13:20

The benefits of our daughters obtaining wisdom is far reaching.

“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” -Proverbs 4:5-9

We want our daughters to have the blessings that come from obtaining it. We need them to know that they are fully capable of Godly wisdom. They have to understand that friends will come and go. Trends will change. But, wisdom will bring an elegance that will be everlasting.

We need to be invested in developing this characteristic in our daughters. The dividends pay richly throughout their lifetime. It is a beautiful quality that I look forward to seeing in Little-Flower.