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

Esther enters the stage of her own story as the beautiful woman, the one who the king is most attracted to, but by the end she proves to be a woman who truly fears the Lord.

Her behavior wins favor with all who surround her. She respects her uncle and follows his advice. She shows compassion and courage when she hears of the plot to annihilate her people. She shows humility and leadership when she calls on all to fast on her behalf. Her actions with Haman are wise yet bold and strong.

Some believe that the Bible puts down women. That couldn’t be further from the truth. God has used many women to save his people: Deborah, Jael, Hannah and Esther. They feared the Lord and acted with faith, courage and conviction. God honors such women. May I be such a woman.