What the Bible Teaches About Wise Women: 2 Godly Women

According to Proverbs 9:10 NIV, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” A woman of wisdom trusts in the Lord, listens to Him, and then follows because she knows His ways are best.

As Christians, we can have God’s wisdom.

James 1:5 NIV “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.”

We are going to look at two examples of women who are wise in God’s ways:

Abigail
Esther

Abigail

A Wise Woman in a Difficult Marriage

Nabal lived in Maon, a town in Judah, and had property at Carmel. He was very wealthy and married to Abigail, a beautiful and intelligent woman. It was a complicated relationship because Nabal was a mean man and difficult in his dealings with others.

A Foolish Husband, an Angry King, and a Brave Woman

David’s Request

David was still hiding out from Saul in the Desert of Paran and needed supplies. He asked for help from Nabal because they had previously had dealings with him.

David sent 10 young men to Nabal. He reminded Nabal of how, when his shepherds were with David at sheep-shearing time, they were treated well. Could he, at this festive time, help David and his men with supplies?

Nabal’s Mistake

1 Samuel 25:10-11 NIV “Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days.Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

A Wise Woman

David’s men went back and reported to him. He told them to “Each of you strap on your sword!”

One of the servants reported to Abigail what Nabal had said.

“Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing.Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.” 1 Samuel 25:15-17 NIV.

Abigail’s Response

Abigail acted immediately, loaded supplies on donkeys, and followed her servants to David, without telling Nabal.

What would you have done?

An Apology

When she came to David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down to David. “she fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say.Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent.” 1 Samuel 25:24-25 NIV

She gave him the supplies and reminded him that when he was safely on the throne, he would be glad he had not shed blood needlessly, when the Lord gave David success to please remember her.

David’s Response to Abigail

David told her to go in peace and granted her request.

Abigail told Nabal the next day what she had done. His heart failed him, and he became like a stone. The Lord struck Nabal 10 days later, and he died.

When David heard Nabal was dead, he sent for Abigail and asked her to be his wife. She accepted.

What can we learn from Abigail?

Abigail wanted to do what was right and keep peace with David.
She acted quickly.
Abigail faced David herself to show respect.
She humbled herself and apologized.
Her wisdom changed events for the better.

Esther: A Courageous Woman of Wisdom

Esther was a Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. She was beautiful–and eventually chosen to be Queen of Persia after Queen Vashti was removed.

Mordecai Refuses to Bow

Esther 3:1-2 NIV “After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.”

Haman became enraged that Mordecai would not bow down to him. He had learned that Mordecai was a Jew and decided to destroy them. He convinced the King to issue a decree to exterminate the Jews.

When Mordecai heard of the decree, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, wailing loudly as he went into the city. All of the Jews were in mourning. Esther heard of his actions and sent a eunuch to check on Mordecai.

Mordecai sent a copy of the decree and told her to go to the king and beg for mercy.

Esther’s Fear and Mordecai’s Challenge

Esther was afraid to approach the king because, without a summons, it could mean death. She sent word to Mordecai explaining the danger.

Mordecai told her that as a Jew, she would not be spared just because she was in the palace. He stirred her heart with “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

She sent word to Mordecai for all the Jews in Susa to fast for her for 3 days along with she and her attendants. She then would go to the King. “If I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 NIV

Esther Approaches the King

After 3 days of fasting, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace. When King Xerxes saw her, he held out the golden scepter to her, granting her permission to speak.

He asked her what she wanted, even to give up half his kingdom. She requested their presence at a banquet she had prepared.

At the banquet, the king then asked her again for her request. She waited and asked them to a second banquet.

Esther’s Bold Revelation

“Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.'” Esther 7:3 NIV

She explained that she and her people had been targeted for destruction. The king was shocked. When he asked who was behind it, she boldly answered, “This vile Haman.”

Haman was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai.

Deliverance and Reversal

The king could not reverse the original decree, but issued a new one where the Jews could defend themselves. Mordecai was given a position of honor, and the Jews were saved. The day of destruction became a day of deliverance and joy.

A Legacy of Courage and Faith

Esther’s bravery saved an entire people, despite her fear. She chose to trust God and act. Courage doesn’t mean not having fear, but moving forward in spite of it.

What can we learn from Esther?

Esther had concern for Mordecai and sent someone to help him.
She listened to Mordecai’s wisdom and followed his lead.
Esther asked the Jews to fast with her and her attendants.
She approached the King with respect by following his rules.
She was wise in how she delivered her request to the king.
She was brave despite fear.

Where would you have drawn your strength?

Conclusion

Abigail and Esther were just like us–facing uncertainty, fear, and risk. Their trust in God and wisdom to follow Him set them apart.