Eshet Hayil, a Valiant Woman Proverbs 31

158.doc

Scripture: Lectionary 158: Proverbs 31:10-13.19-20.30-31. Psalm 128: 1-2.3.4-5. I Thessalonians 5:1-6. Matthew 25:14-30: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 A Cycle, Year I.

Liturgical readings on a Sunday usually feature a theme in the first reading with one in the Gospel. At times, the Psalm Response corresponds to the theme or some concept within the first reading and offers us a way of praying throughout the day with the Psalm Response. Most often, however, it is the first reading and the Gospel that bring out some common theme or themes. The reading from the Epistle usually is simply a continual reading and thus may or may not have the same thought as the first reading and the Gospel.

The beautiful ending of the Book of Proverbs, an inspired work of Wisdom, is about the industrious and successful work of a mother of a household who takes very good care of her family and is also capable of gaining some financial support for the family. In this sense, the reading has something new and beyond the world of women during the time in which this book was written.

This woman of wisdom is easily compared with the first steward who doubles the 5000 talents of silver entrusted to him by the master. He is rewarded with another 5000 and even gets what the one who hid his talents in the ground but has to return them with no interest. This latter is judged severely for not making use of his talents that were a free gift of the Master. We get the point that we as God’s creative agents of Christ’s redemption are to be doers of the word as well as listeners.

The woman of wisdom in Proverbs is a great woman of valor, strength, creativity, and capable of many tasks. She is a multi-task wisdom person. In Hebrew this woman of valor is described as “eshet chayil”.” The word “chayil” refers to strength of all sorts, whether physical or military prowess, in social influence, in wealth, or in personal ethical and intellectual power.” (Hebrew Study Bible, p.1498).

While the whole of the Book of Proverbs seems to focus on youth and men especially, this final chapter is encased by the all encompassing Wisdom which is feminine both in Greek and in Hebrew. Sophia or Wisdom frames the whole book with her wisdom and offers in the specific historical image of the faithful and valiant woman as the apex of its message and call for us to be wise stewards of God’s gifts. This woman offers all ages a perfect paradigm for one who accomplishes all that God asks of her. She is the one who like the first servant in Jesus’ parable doubles her first gift and this so pleases her Master that she is given more and more gifts for herself, her family, her husband, and her people.

We praise such energy, such economic acuity, and the many virtues this person possesses. She is a real wholesome person and should not be allegorized. No wonder the Jewish men recite this last chapter of Proverbs in the blessing over the wine making it holy on the Sabbath eve (the Kiddush). It is also appropriately used for praising a woman who has died especially if it is one’s mother. This Proverbial gem is prayed, said, and extolled in “memory of her.” Amen.