Encouragement for Today

May 9, 2025 Praise God for Her ADINA MARCHESCHI BOYER Lee en español

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (ESV)

While I’d like to tell you my relationship with my mom was perfect, it wasn’t. Not because of her but because of me. As a teenager, my independent spirit and strong will developed into a critical tongue. I was quick to criticize things I knew nothing about. Those years were hard on both of us.

Later, I started to understand the value of a godly mom. During my divorce, I found myself not only needing my mom but needing to be more like her. She was always by my side, pointing me to God. Her love, support and wisdom got me through the darkest time of my life.

Over time, I came to see my mom as a living example of the woman in Proverbs 31. The well-known passage begins with, “Who can find a virtuous woman?” (Proverbs 31:10, KJV). With the long list of her qualities that follows, it’s easy to feel so overwhelmed that we miss what the author later tells us:

“… A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

The woman who embodies the qualities described throughout Proverbs 31 deserves recognition. All that she does is rooted in her beliefs, and her value goes far beyond her outward appearance.

In Proverbs 31:30, the Hebrew word for praise is halal. It’s the act of giving recognition and honor to someone, expressing celebration, admiration and gratitude. The word “hallelujah” is a combination of halal and Yah (Yahweh). Together, this means “praise Yahweh” or “praise the Lord.”

We understand what it means to praise God, but do we naturally offer lavish admiration to the godly women in our lives? Imagine what our relationships would look like if we did. Praise encourages, affirms and motivates. Maybe the words you’re holding back are just what she needs to hear because she doesn’t think anyone notices or cares. And maybe praise is just what you need to do to be more like the woman God wants you to be.

By the time I lost my mom, I had taken advantage of every chance I had to let her know how much I appreciated what I had once been so critical of. I verbally communicated that, but ultimately, I chose to become the woman who she was. When my sons tell me I’m just like my mom, I know I’ve honored her more than any words I could say.

Is there a woman who needs to hear your praise today? If she’s the one you go to when you need prayer or biblical advice, praise her. If she’s faithfully showing up for her family and others, praise her. If she’s made a difference in your life, praise her. And when you do, you’ll find you’ll be praising God too.

Lord, thank You for the godly women in our lives and their unwavering faith, wisdom and love that reflects Your own. Help us to see their inner beauty, to appreciate their virtues, and to lift them up with praise. May our lives be a testament to their impact, and may we in turn inspire others as we have been inspired. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 16:24, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (ESV).

Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (ESV).

What stops you from praising the godly women in your life? Who might God be encouraging you to reach out to today? How would you feel if you did?

We’d love to hear from you — share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Adina Marcheschi Boyer. All rights reserved.