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Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life
Every woman needs a little jump start in life. Donna Partow knows how to make it happen. In Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, author Donna Partow shows women how to reenergize their lives in 90 days. She covers everything from faith and family to fitness and fashion (with lots more) in this comprehensive plan for greater vitality in life and intimacy with God. This in-depth study of Proverbs 31:10-31 will make women feel in control and on top of things as they study and even memorize that famous passage about the ideal woman of God. This positive, life-affirming book includes a leader's guide, making it perfect for small group use.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
3478 people are currently reading
2073 people want to read
About the author
Donna Partow
70 books151 followersAre you longing to Do What Matters?
To live a life that actually counts for the Kingdom?
Do you read the great stories of how God worked throughout church history – and think: YES, that’s what I want to be part of!
I write books to empower women to Do What Matters - for their personal well-being, to strengthen their key relationships and most of all, to make a difference in this world.
Many people have been blessed by my free Make Today Great Daily Planning Form - you are welcome to grab a copy at www.donnapartow.com/great
My current mission is raising up an army of Kingdom-minded digital nomads. I keep scratching my head, wondering when the church is going to figure out that the greatest opportunity in history is right here, right now. It’s called location independence and it means you can live and work anywhere in the world you feel called to make a difference.
If you’re ready to combine your love for God, the thrill of travel and the skill required to build an online presence, then I invite you to come away with me to be trained at the annual Lifestyle Freedom Event.
Learn more at www.7daystofreedom.com
You can find me on Facebook.
To live a life that actually counts for the Kingdom?
Do you read the great stories of how God worked throughout church history – and think: YES, that’s what I want to be part of!
I write books to empower women to Do What Matters - for their personal well-being, to strengthen their key relationships and most of all, to make a difference in this world.
Many people have been blessed by my free Make Today Great Daily Planning Form - you are welcome to grab a copy at www.donnapartow.com/great
My current mission is raising up an army of Kingdom-minded digital nomads. I keep scratching my head, wondering when the church is going to figure out that the greatest opportunity in history is right here, right now. It’s called location independence and it means you can live and work anywhere in the world you feel called to make a difference.
If you’re ready to combine your love for God, the thrill of travel and the skill required to build an online presence, then I invite you to come away with me to be trained at the annual Lifestyle Freedom Event.
Learn more at www.7daystofreedom.com
You can find me on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 30, 2016
I hesitate to give something a bad review knowing the author put a great deal of themselves into writing a book, but I was concerned that a women, not grounded in the Word might read this and find themselves confusing the authors view of a what a woman should be for God's (as the title suggests).
I bought this book on an Amazon suggestion having never heard of the author. I began the book with the desire to become more consistent in quiet times and with the hope that the practical side of the book would help me juggle home and work as I am new to the world of working mothers. Knowing the Proverbs 31 woman was a working mom I also hoped it would eliminate some of my mommy guilt for have taken a job despite my desires to be a stay at home mom.
The guided prayers seemed dead on to me throughout the book. My concern was with the practical tips. The first few chapters began with requests to purchase a number of expensive items such as a new mattress, a rebounder (trampoline), quality walking shoes, and all sorts of new foods. It is only later in the book that the author talks about wise spending. While I understand the order of the chapters (systematically working through Proverbs 31) there was no thought of being wise on spending early on. The author tried to provide thoughtful advice to assist women in making her points practical, however I found them to assume that everyone has the same life. Morning devotions are more Godly, as is the morning exercise time, and the family breakfast together. (While she says you should find a meal time that works, after that time her checklist to see if you are doing what you should always refer to the family breakfast.) As a teacher I leave the house before my kids are typically awake, and getting up early for devotions was a big deal for me. Had I added in an hour walk as well I would have been getting out of bed at 4:45. In order to get the 7 hours of sleep she recommends I would be going to bed with my kids. I didn't want to throw the baby out with the bath water so I looked for useful things and discarded the ridiculous while adjusting the ideas that had some potential. I finished the book partly to see what other crazy things she would say. My friends eagerly waited for me to share the next insane thing she had to say and we referred to is as a train-wreck. You just couldn't look away. I wondered how many kick-backs she was getting for the products she recommends. I found her views on hospitality very limiting. I found her vegetable fast insane. A gospel that is not true everywhere is not true. This is an Americanized gospel, that only applies to a specific kind of women in a specific set of circumstances. From this devotion I took away a number of useful tips, but much of what I took away was that my Godliness is not dependent on my weight or the color of the clothes I have in my wardrobe. It is not dependent on my back account or the cleanliness of my home. While moving towards improvement in all those areas, my Godliness is based on the condition of my heart. I am certain the author would agree with that statement. We just disagree on what the heart looks like when lived out in the practical sense.
I bought this book on an Amazon suggestion having never heard of the author. I began the book with the desire to become more consistent in quiet times and with the hope that the practical side of the book would help me juggle home and work as I am new to the world of working mothers. Knowing the Proverbs 31 woman was a working mom I also hoped it would eliminate some of my mommy guilt for have taken a job despite my desires to be a stay at home mom.
The guided prayers seemed dead on to me throughout the book. My concern was with the practical tips. The first few chapters began with requests to purchase a number of expensive items such as a new mattress, a rebounder (trampoline), quality walking shoes, and all sorts of new foods. It is only later in the book that the author talks about wise spending. While I understand the order of the chapters (systematically working through Proverbs 31) there was no thought of being wise on spending early on. The author tried to provide thoughtful advice to assist women in making her points practical, however I found them to assume that everyone has the same life. Morning devotions are more Godly, as is the morning exercise time, and the family breakfast together. (While she says you should find a meal time that works, after that time her checklist to see if you are doing what you should always refer to the family breakfast.) As a teacher I leave the house before my kids are typically awake, and getting up early for devotions was a big deal for me. Had I added in an hour walk as well I would have been getting out of bed at 4:45. In order to get the 7 hours of sleep she recommends I would be going to bed with my kids. I didn't want to throw the baby out with the bath water so I looked for useful things and discarded the ridiculous while adjusting the ideas that had some potential. I finished the book partly to see what other crazy things she would say. My friends eagerly waited for me to share the next insane thing she had to say and we referred to is as a train-wreck. You just couldn't look away. I wondered how many kick-backs she was getting for the products she recommends. I found her views on hospitality very limiting. I found her vegetable fast insane. A gospel that is not true everywhere is not true. This is an Americanized gospel, that only applies to a specific kind of women in a specific set of circumstances. From this devotion I took away a number of useful tips, but much of what I took away was that my Godliness is not dependent on my weight or the color of the clothes I have in my wardrobe. It is not dependent on my back account or the cleanliness of my home. While moving towards improvement in all those areas, my Godliness is based on the condition of my heart. I am certain the author would agree with that statement. We just disagree on what the heart looks like when lived out in the practical sense.
February 20, 2012
Going through this 90-day book now.
Disappointed that she is "hawking her wares" - in the book and on her website. She is a distributor for a certain brand of nutritional supplements - and has references to it in her book, and also to a particular brand of rebounder.
However, it's a good book - and lots of good practical advice.
I do fear her ministry is not really going to be taken seriously - and I think it does her ministry a disservice to show controversial research when she puts links to buy at her own personal gain - on each page of her website. Is Donna's focus direct marketing or ministry - or can there be a melding of both. Is it ethical to direct readers to a particular brand for personal gain? You decide.
Disappointed that she is "hawking her wares" - in the book and on her website. She is a distributor for a certain brand of nutritional supplements - and has references to it in her book, and also to a particular brand of rebounder.
However, it's a good book - and lots of good practical advice.
I do fear her ministry is not really going to be taken seriously - and I think it does her ministry a disservice to show controversial research when she puts links to buy at her own personal gain - on each page of her website. Is Donna's focus direct marketing or ministry - or can there be a melding of both. Is it ethical to direct readers to a particular brand for personal gain? You decide.
August 15, 2009
Encouraged me Spiritually but I didn't agree with everything in the book.
March 31, 2015
I enjoyed many parts of this book, particularly those grounded in scripture. I think it's a great structure as well and enjoyed memorizing sections of this important passage of the Bible.
The author seems to have a good grasp Of business and finances and running a home. Where I think she gives odd and off putting advice is In beauty and health. Here she is mildly sexist at best and dangerous at worst. Drinking as much lemon water and the weird baths she suggests are actually not very healthy and have little to do with being a good person.
For me, this book was a guideline to communicating well with God, and to trying to attain a higher standard for myself. The book is very helpful but I caution anyone to use it with a grain of salt. Buying a rebounder and walking shoes are practical tidbits but not really about being close to The Lord.
Also, I wish there had been more about community, fellowship, and Jesus himself. That all felt a bit sidelined when I should be the main point.
At points, I was very frustrated with the author and was going to give this book two stars but I've decided to be generous bc it's really has been a thought provoking 90 days.
Good luck of you do read this! Keep your eyes on the bigger prize, not some of the minutiae of the book.
The author seems to have a good grasp Of business and finances and running a home. Where I think she gives odd and off putting advice is In beauty and health. Here she is mildly sexist at best and dangerous at worst. Drinking as much lemon water and the weird baths she suggests are actually not very healthy and have little to do with being a good person.
For me, this book was a guideline to communicating well with God, and to trying to attain a higher standard for myself. The book is very helpful but I caution anyone to use it with a grain of salt. Buying a rebounder and walking shoes are practical tidbits but not really about being close to The Lord.
Also, I wish there had been more about community, fellowship, and Jesus himself. That all felt a bit sidelined when I should be the main point.
At points, I was very frustrated with the author and was going to give this book two stars but I've decided to be generous bc it's really has been a thought provoking 90 days.
Good luck of you do read this! Keep your eyes on the bigger prize, not some of the minutiae of the book.
June 18, 2025
a little disappointed
There was a lot of good to grasp from this book. BUT as someone who is very far from well off, I did not appreciate how she kept stressing on “don’t worry about the cost” “no matter how much it is” she even judge people who have bad credit without expressing SOME didnt put themselves there with poor choices.
There was a lot of good to grasp from this book. BUT as someone who is very far from well off, I did not appreciate how she kept stressing on “don’t worry about the cost” “no matter how much it is” she even judge people who have bad credit without expressing SOME didnt put themselves there with poor choices.
October 21, 2014
This book along with Donna's ministry changed my life! I was over-weight, unhealthy, and, although a believer, experiencing a slump in my walk with God. This book, should you choose to fully engage, can teach you how to implement practical little changes overtime that can get you on the road to healthier version of yourself, not only in your body but in your spirit and soul as well. There are so many great aspects of this book from daily attitude adjustments to daily diet & exercise checklists, but my most favorite parts would be the affirmations and writing out your scripture-based prayer. I read this book in conjunction with Donna's online class "90-Day Renewal" and did not turn back. This book can stand alone but acted as a great companion for me during the class. Because I fully engaged and dove into Donna's teachings, I am no longer over-weight but 20 pounds lighter in 90 days, I've been able to reverse some of my physical ailments, and am experiencing newer, deeper levels in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I cannot recommend this book or Donna's ministry enough to anyone serious about transforming their lives.
July 24, 2018
There are many great things about this guide, but there are also a few concerning points.
When you read this guide, dont expect to find every week's theme and every day's lesson applicable.
Things I liked about this book :
you memorize a good portion of Proverbs 31
The Passage the Read and Guided Prayer were usually great
There are some great themes and topics and tips that I have or will put into practice
Things I didnt like about this book:
At times it can be a bit too practical and leave God in the dust, or it can be simply too worldly.
If you read this book, read it with discernemt, take what you can use, and forget about the rest.
This is a book that I will keep for future encouragment and motivation, but I dont see myself recommending this book - not something I would give as a gift.
When you read this guide, dont expect to find every week's theme and every day's lesson applicable.
Things I liked about this book :
you memorize a good portion of Proverbs 31
The Passage the Read and Guided Prayer were usually great
There are some great themes and topics and tips that I have or will put into practice
Things I didnt like about this book:
At times it can be a bit too practical and leave God in the dust, or it can be simply too worldly.
If you read this book, read it with discernemt, take what you can use, and forget about the rest.
This is a book that I will keep for future encouragment and motivation, but I dont see myself recommending this book - not something I would give as a gift.
April 3, 2009
I did this book as a study with two other women and it started out really great. Overall, I really enjoyed the way the book was set up with the structure of something to read and do each day. Donna's daily prayers and insights were amazing! I learned a lot of helpful tips along the way, but over the last month and half, it started to feel like some of the tips were repeated and it wasn't quite as impactful as it had started out to be. It was a difficult book to do with a group, also. We thought that it would be good to keep us on track, which it was, but it was really difficult to discuss because it was very practical and didn't bring out a lot of in-depth discussion that we had hoped for.
February 2, 2012
Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be is a 90 day jump start to motivation and change in live. Partow covers many areas of life: relationships, finances, health, fitness, faith, business, and home management. She has readers create a “personal notebook” and add various sections and pages to it daily. Based on Proverbs 31, each day focuses on a different application of a verse form that Psalm. Readers are also memorizing it as they go.
There are helpful ideas in this book, however it is a little rigid. I get the sense that it is a how to guide to do life the way that the author has found to work for her. Some of the pushes: to stay at home and run your own business would not necessarily work for each reader.
There are helpful ideas in this book, however it is a little rigid. I get the sense that it is a how to guide to do life the way that the author has found to work for her. Some of the pushes: to stay at home and run your own business would not necessarily work for each reader.
December 28, 2008
Another excellent book in the Donna Partow line-up. Donna uses her familiar format of combining body, mind and spirit through the use of diet, exercise, prayer, daily affirmations and Scripture memorization to work on the WHOLE person. Every daily "dose" is in bite-size chunks that would fit in the busiest schedule. As always the reader is invited to work on areas that need the most improvement, rather than worry about trying to make major changes in every area in 10 weeks.
May 4, 2009
So far this book is wonderful. I have started it over 3 times for friends who wanted to get on the ground level. They all fell off because of not wanting to get the book themselves, but I am now reading it by myself, and I feel like I know the first few pages by heart, but I love this book and am happy to make the decision to not stray this time and see it through!
January 30, 2010
I am starting this book again at the beginning of the year! A must read and re-read!
September 13, 2025
Very inspiring and practical! On the whole, Donna Partow truly has the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman, and boldly asks every woman reading to evaluate her life choices and grow closer to God through a plan of Biblical actions in her everyday life. I have a feeling I will be referring to this for years to come.
Only two caveats:
- This was definitely written from an Evangelical perspective, so to any Orthodox or Catholic women reading this, be mindful of some of the author's biases around scriptural interpretation in places.
- It is of course colored by the year in which it was written (2008), so some suggestions about Internet activity and home business are mildly outdated, but her writing is very clear and it's easy to scale and tailor this advice to the modern age.
Only two caveats:
- This was definitely written from an Evangelical perspective, so to any Orthodox or Catholic women reading this, be mindful of some of the author's biases around scriptural interpretation in places.
- It is of course colored by the year in which it was written (2008), so some suggestions about Internet activity and home business are mildly outdated, but her writing is very clear and it's easy to scale and tailor this advice to the modern age.
January 20, 2023
LOVE this book, Donna Partow writes like a best friend just chatting with you over coffee ☕❤
June 12, 2013
I did the book in conjunction with weekly meetings with our women's small group. This book was a total game-changer for me. I would only recommend this book to women who like workbook studies and are really ready to get a boost making their lives better in every facet. The book is quite a commitment (90 days), but SO worth it. You do have to be disciplined to read a tiny bit every day and spend some time each day working on it (or be prepared to have catching up to do in the days following).
The book focuses a lot on very practical areas of your life like homekeeping, marriage, health, and finances. You'll find it is a lot of work, but if you really do it you'll find your life is simpler in the end. Personally, I am so glad I did this book. Changed SO many things for the better.
You'll probably find a few of the things don't apply to you--and that's fine, you get to gloss over those days.
My only criticism is that the author takes scripture out of context. A lot. She's not wrong in the points she trying to make, but I just thinks she chooses the wrong scripture verses too often, or interprets them incorrectly. Her points are still very valid, though, and she makes very convincing arguments to motivate you to make positive changes.
The book focuses a lot on very practical areas of your life like homekeeping, marriage, health, and finances. You'll find it is a lot of work, but if you really do it you'll find your life is simpler in the end. Personally, I am so glad I did this book. Changed SO many things for the better.
You'll probably find a few of the things don't apply to you--and that's fine, you get to gloss over those days.
My only criticism is that the author takes scripture out of context. A lot. She's not wrong in the points she trying to make, but I just thinks she chooses the wrong scripture verses too often, or interprets them incorrectly. Her points are still very valid, though, and she makes very convincing arguments to motivate you to make positive changes.
March 17, 2009
Over all it was a really good book and I was able to glean many good things from the daily "lessons". I like how it's broken down into daily segments rather than just reading a book through and being overwhelmed with all the ideas and tips that you should be doing. This book made things into bite sized portions. I also enjoyed how the book is written from a perspective that any woman could read it - married, single, divorced, widowed...where ever you are in life this book is for you. The third thing I really liked was how it covered a wide range of topics. However, I breezed through some of them for one of two reasons: 1 - I already has studied that topic at an earlier time and felt it was more comprehensive, or 2 - I totally didn't agree with her. It's because of reason number 2 that I give this only 4 stars rather than 5. But again, overall it was a wonderful book and I am still using and implementing the many tips she provided along with the scripture and devotional thoughts to go with them.
June 17, 2009
I am a woman who seems to have good intentions to changing my eating habits, getting more exercise, and having a quiet time every day but I just have no stick-to-itivness on some things. I liked this book because it gave me a day to day schedule to follow. for reading my Bible daily during a quiet time. to execise and to think about what I want to eat before just thoughtlessly putting something unhealthy in my mounth. The first time through I didn't write in my book. I thought I might want to share my book with someone some day. I am now reading it through a second time and writing in it. It is my book and I feel it is important for everyone to own her own book. I go on a yearly spiritual retreat and this year Donna Partow will be the speaker. I am
anxious to meet her.
anxious to meet her.
December 31, 2017
This book has a great way to memorize an important passage of scripture and wonderful ideas for application of the scriptures for each section. While the ideas were good, some just weren’t practical for my life s s our family. As with all self changing books you have to pray and discern what will work for you.
December 28, 2008
This book was great in encouraging me to live a wholly-rounded life for Jesus. It helped me see the path I could take to becoming more of the woman I wanted to be. The scripture passages, diet, exercise, scripture memory and goals set me on a track to a more vibrant and healthy walk with my Lord.
Currently reading
October 8, 2008This book is intense! I dont think i could have picked it up a year ago. I would have out it right back down. Its a 90 day devotional about Proverbs 31. Intense!
March 17, 2010
Join Donna herself on a journey through this book! You do not want to miss this!
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September 3, 2012
This was a life changing book for me!!
September 22, 2012
Excellent practical application of the Proverbs 31 woman's example to current day living.
May 15, 2014
I will never be the same woman. Very practical tips to becoming the woman I want to be. I read this as I also took Donna's live 90-day class on this book, which was absolutely life-changing for me.
January 23, 2016
I gave the book 4 stars, but if you take the class that goes with the book it's definitely 5 stars!!!!! Loved the class and got much more out of it than I ever expected!
March 29, 2022
BEST BOOK EVER! It has kept me on track and the growth that I have seen since this book has been life changing! It has helped me with so many healthy goals and habits.
June 26, 2025
This is a terrible book, but I do have several problems with it.
1. The author takes individual verses out of context to support whatever the lesson of the devotion is that day. generally the conclusion that she comes to is biblical or at least solid life advice, but it is often a stretch to try and connect it with the verse from proverbs 31 that she wants to use.
2. It often ignores the general historical context of the proverbs 31 woman which I think would have helped translate a lot of the virtues over to the modern women by having a greater understanding.
3. Her health advice is either the most basic or possibly dangerous. She recommends drinking water instead of soda, not binging on junk food, you know, the normal stuff that any good health aware friend would tell you. She also recommends eating nothing but vegetables and water for three days and took Daniel abstaining from the meat sacrificed to idols as nutrition advice rather than an example of standing by your convictions and trying to work with those in power if at all possible while not compromising. Do not follow her nutrition advice. If you are interested in fasting please look into how to do it safely before you start. There is also no evidence that not eating for three hours before going to bed helps specifically with fat loss. Any other time restricted eating plan would do the same thing. Lemon water will not change your life: it has antiseptic qualities because it is acidic (think using vinegar for cleaning). If you are pregnant or your pelvic floor has not recovered from having a child, a rebounder might not be a great option for you. I would not recommend reading any of the sections on health and nutrition if you have a tendency towards crash dieting or ED.
4. The author handles the topic of modesty in a shaming, tactless way. Modesty is important, but this book feels aimed at newer Christians and there are much better ways to handle that conversation with grace and compassion.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
1. The author takes individual verses out of context to support whatever the lesson of the devotion is that day. generally the conclusion that she comes to is biblical or at least solid life advice, but it is often a stretch to try and connect it with the verse from proverbs 31 that she wants to use.
2. It often ignores the general historical context of the proverbs 31 woman which I think would have helped translate a lot of the virtues over to the modern women by having a greater understanding.
3. Her health advice is either the most basic or possibly dangerous. She recommends drinking water instead of soda, not binging on junk food, you know, the normal stuff that any good health aware friend would tell you. She also recommends eating nothing but vegetables and water for three days and took Daniel abstaining from the meat sacrificed to idols as nutrition advice rather than an example of standing by your convictions and trying to work with those in power if at all possible while not compromising. Do not follow her nutrition advice. If you are interested in fasting please look into how to do it safely before you start. There is also no evidence that not eating for three hours before going to bed helps specifically with fat loss. Any other time restricted eating plan would do the same thing. Lemon water will not change your life: it has antiseptic qualities because it is acidic (think using vinegar for cleaning). If you are pregnant or your pelvic floor has not recovered from having a child, a rebounder might not be a great option for you. I would not recommend reading any of the sections on health and nutrition if you have a tendency towards crash dieting or ED.
4. The author handles the topic of modesty in a shaming, tactless way. Modesty is important, but this book feels aimed at newer Christians and there are much better ways to handle that conversation with grace and compassion.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
August 29, 2020
Are You Living a Proverbs 31 Life?
As a young woman, I always resented the Proverbs 31 Woman. I mean how dare she set the bar so high that no other woman could ever match her level of perfection in all areas of life. As I matured I learned a little more and I disliked her a little less.
For those unfamiliar with the passage here it is:
A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. – Proverbs 31:10-31 NRSV
See what I mean, none of us can live up to that…or can we?
For the last 90 days or so I have been participating in a study of Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be – A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow. My partner on this journey was Tosha of Creating a Life to Love…With Tosha. What we learned along the way is that we are a lot more like the Proverbs 31 Wife than we realized.
I encourage you to get a copy of the book, grab a friend or two, and do this study together. It will change the way you view the Proverbs 31 Wife forever.
#BGBG2 #BIBLEGATEWAYPARTNER
https://mylifeinourfathersworld.wordp...
As a young woman, I always resented the Proverbs 31 Woman. I mean how dare she set the bar so high that no other woman could ever match her level of perfection in all areas of life. As I matured I learned a little more and I disliked her a little less.
For those unfamiliar with the passage here it is:
A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. – Proverbs 31:10-31 NRSV
See what I mean, none of us can live up to that…or can we?
For the last 90 days or so I have been participating in a study of Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be – A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow. My partner on this journey was Tosha of Creating a Life to Love…With Tosha. What we learned along the way is that we are a lot more like the Proverbs 31 Wife than we realized.
I encourage you to get a copy of the book, grab a friend or two, and do this study together. It will change the way you view the Proverbs 31 Wife forever.
#BGBG2 #BIBLEGATEWAYPARTNER
https://mylifeinourfathersworld.wordp...
December 21, 2025
I started it. Don't think I'll finish it.
Pros : I liked the practice of memorizing scripture. If you like work books / organized instructions then you may like this book's structure.
Cons: I don't think the goals this book aims for one to have are all biblical.
I felt like I had to have a side hustle or I was letting down my family reading this book, but when I sat with that thought in the reality of a nurses pay check and a husband who works as well I realized this book was taking me in a direction unhelpful.
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I don't believe that the Proverbs 31 woman was supposed to feel like an impossible standard of who a woman is all time but rather glimpses of her at different points in her life. I think Proverbs 31 lists a variety of characteristics of the type of woman we can become when we pursue God rather than a checklist to-do.
I believe Proverbs 31 talks about a woman who does little things well. Who is intentional in the smallest of her deeds. I think it talks about a woman who acts out of service to God and love for her family. I reckon that the natural results of this consistent, thankful, and purposeful living is a praise worthy life and a joyful home (even in spite of external circumstances).
Pros : I liked the practice of memorizing scripture. If you like work books / organized instructions then you may like this book's structure.
Cons: I don't think the goals this book aims for one to have are all biblical.
I felt like I had to have a side hustle or I was letting down my family reading this book, but when I sat with that thought in the reality of a nurses pay check and a husband who works as well I realized this book was taking me in a direction unhelpful.
- - -
I don't believe that the Proverbs 31 woman was supposed to feel like an impossible standard of who a woman is all time but rather glimpses of her at different points in her life. I think Proverbs 31 lists a variety of characteristics of the type of woman we can become when we pursue God rather than a checklist to-do.
I believe Proverbs 31 talks about a woman who does little things well. Who is intentional in the smallest of her deeds. I think it talks about a woman who acts out of service to God and love for her family. I reckon that the natural results of this consistent, thankful, and purposeful living is a praise worthy life and a joyful home (even in spite of external circumstances).
September 4, 2024
I went through this "journey" a number of years ago (well, I started it and I think I made it 2 weeks in) and while I believe that the author's intentions are good, I'm not sure how truly knowledgeable she is about the things she recommends.
Either be a book helping someone to focus on their spiritual health or work on physical health. The two things, especially what she recommends for this book, are nearly impossible. I don't know what her health qualifications are, but many of the recommendations for diet seem pulled out of thin air.
Many of these supplements she recommends, exercises, etc. come from a place of extreme privilege. I mean, even finding these items online are not easy, and you have to have the funds to purchase them in the first place. Same with exercise equipment.
Like I said, especially with the scripture and prayer, I believe her heart is in the right place. But if you want to feel like a failure before you even start, then you might get something out of it.
Either be a book helping someone to focus on their spiritual health or work on physical health. The two things, especially what she recommends for this book, are nearly impossible. I don't know what her health qualifications are, but many of the recommendations for diet seem pulled out of thin air.
Many of these supplements she recommends, exercises, etc. come from a place of extreme privilege. I mean, even finding these items online are not easy, and you have to have the funds to purchase them in the first place. Same with exercise equipment.
Like I said, especially with the scripture and prayer, I believe her heart is in the right place. But if you want to feel like a failure before you even start, then you might get something out of it.
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