Learning to be the Woman God Wants to Me to be: a Study in Definitions

It is absolutely amazing how what we believe a word means can be exactly incorrect when you look it up in a dictionary. Sometimes, it even depends on which dictionary you are using to look up words—there are slight differences depending on who published the dictionary. Then when you add in Bible study tools, definitions may change a tad as well.

Take the word “quiet” for example. To most people quiet means to not talk, to be silent. To the dictionary app on my iPhone, quiet means “with little or no activity or no agitation; of the sun characterized by a low level of surface phenomena like sunspots.

To the New Oxford American Dictionary: “(of a person) tranquil and reserved by nature; not brash or forceful;”

The definition one of the Bible apps on my phone gave the word quiet was a little different and so much more powerful. "Restrained in speech, manner, etc; Peaceful, peaceable; not showy or obtrusive; tranquil."

What I want to do with this study is go through some of the qualities that a woman of God should possess and define them. I know what I think the word means, but I'm going to look them up in dictionaries study them against a concordance and see the meanings behind them. I'm excited for this study.

Here is a list of words I'm planning to work with. (More may be added later)

Meek

Modest

Self-Control

Godliness

Dignity

Sober-minded

Faithful(ly)

Purity

Hospitable/Hospitality

Respect(ful)

Chaste Conversation

Gentle and Quiet Spirit

Obedient

Strength

Kind(ness)

Pray(erful)

Friend(ly)

Love

Sincerity

Forgiving

Honorable Conduct

Humble/Humilty

Virtuous

Shamefacedness

Reverent

Integrity

Trustworthy

Willing to work

Provides for the house

Enterprising

Prepared


Worthy of being praised

Fears the Lord

Wise

Words seasoned with Salt