What is the definition of a "Godly Woman"?

Years ago I taught a Biblical Womanhood class. As a part of the class, I asked many different people (of all ages and occupations, men and women) to define what they think a "godly woman" is.

I found that list today as I was packing up my room to move. It is both encouraging and challenging to read. One of my deepest desires and prayers would be that I am a woman who "bleeds the gospel."

Enjoy!

What is the definition of a "Godly Woman"?

• "She is not afraid to call sin what it is... in her life or in others." (wife, stay at home mom)
• "She is steadfast in the Word and constant in communication through prayer." (female, recent college graduate)
• "She chooses her words carefully and uses them powerfully, instead of wasting time with godless chatter. She is able to see the needs of others as more important than her own needs." (male, college sophomore)
• "Modesty is a big one. Also not worried about what everyone else is doing. She doesn't get influenced easily. She lets God guide her rather than the crowd." (female, high school sophomore)
• "The women I trust and admire the most (among my peers and older women) are those who "bleed Gospel." Even in casual conversation these ladies openly, easily, speak of their Savior. He colors every part of their lives." (single adult female, IMB missionary)
• "What makes me think of a godly woman is someone who keeps me accountable. Someone who isn' afraid to confront me when I'm in sin. Also, a woman who doesn't gossip and loves everyone for who they are." (female, high school junior)
• "Gentle, non-judgemental confrontation, speaks wisdom and Scripture drips from her lips. Hospitable." (female, new wife, secretary)
• "What embodies a godly woman is one who clings to Christ and leads others to the cross in the face of affliction and sorrow; one who is not afraid to seek and speak truth, lovingly rebuke, and accept that grace that covers their own imperfections." (male, college senior)
• "A godly woman knows the Lord and fears Him well. Her first thought in the morning is her desperate need for the cross. Her every step screams her love for Jesus. She serves and lets the body serve her. Her smile reflect God's grace. She doesn't want me to be perfect, just vulnerable, because she knows that He is made perfect in our weakness. Her reckless abandonment for Christ is unshakable. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't steal her affections from Jesus. She longs for God with her whole heart and prays that He would come quickly." (single adult male, student minister)
• "My mentor is a godly woman who is always there and keeps me accountable with things that are going on in my life. She will tell me things to help me and encourages me, but also isn't afraid to tell me things that I don't necessarily want to hear, but I know will help me in the long run. It's also nice to hear how she is doing in her walk and have her open up to me." (female, college junior)
• "I would have to say the gospel saturates a godly woman's life, in such a way that I know I can go to them with anything, no matter what it may be, and always come back with a solid biblical answer. And knowing that they know that it's nothing of themselves, just Jesus. I would definitely say a characteristic of prayer would be very important. A wife who takes care of her home, like raising kids with a firm but humble spirit. Biblically submissive in the home, but not afraid to bring her husband back to reality when he needs it. Openly and unashamedly talks about the gospel to those in her workplace. Whenever she's asked a question, she relates the answer to Scripture." (male, husband and dad, firefighter)
• "My mom. Unconditional love, trust, humility, exhortation, non-judgmental, gift of listening, wisdom." (single adult male, photographer)
• "My mom was the most godly woman I had ever known. Never heard her talk bad or negatively about anyone. She loved her family and reached out to share the gospel with many of them with unbelievable patience, and she was very forgiving. If she forgave you for something, you would never hear about it again. My wife is the other godliest woman I know. Patient with me, convicted by the gospel, compassionate towards others who are hurting, and let's me lead in our relationship. She submits to my leadership in a way that wants me to lead better. Praise God for godly women!"(male, husband and dad, pastor)
• "Modesty! A woman willing to dress down her beauty rather than dress up her beauty... beautiful!" (single adult male, firefighter)
• "Someone who knows who she is, not just her likes and dislikes, but who God says she is, and is confident in that. Someone who pursues God and it overflows into her words and actions. She is an encouragement with Biblical wisdom to everyone she meets. Loves and serves selflessly." (single adult female, student minister)
• "She has a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior. Puts the Lord first, her family second, others third. Ministers to others. Strives to do what's right, even though it's sometimes very difficult. Puts the needs of others before herself; is not self-focused but others focused. Looks to the needs of her household. A Proverbs 31 woman. Desires to be close to Him. Has a prayer continually on her lips. Desires to read and study the Word of God." (female, wife, mom, and grandmother)
• "Her security and identity is in the Lord only. She dresses modestly. She demands to be pursued. She does not chase. She encourages her brothers to be men." (single adult male, engineer)
• "A godly woman is recklessly abandoned to Christ. She trusts in the Lord in times of pain and loss. She finds her identity completely in Christ, which leaves her satisfied in who she is, and she does not find herself needing to flaunt her body to draw men to herself. Rather, she is attractive because of her quiet submission to the Lord and dependency on Him daily. She is an encourager and supporter. The word is her bread and she prays without ceasing." (male, husband, student minister)
• "She loves the Lord. Loves herself. Beautiful. Respects herself. Does her best to live for the Lord. Will tell me if I'm doing something ungodly. A role model for other woman. Can take care of herself. Has a loving heart for others, willing to serve. Tackles anything thrown at her, including persecution. Wears clothing that won't make a man lust. Takes care of her family. Trustworthy." (male, high school senior)
• "A godly woman is submissive, yet able to hold her ground with life's demands. Understands how to share Christ's love, even in the toughest situations. Leads by example, not just in her words. She has a desire to change for the Lord and is able to discern which guys are right for her. Very gentle." (male, college freshman)
• "A godly woman seeks first God's will. She is slow to anger and patient in all her dealings. She openly shares Christ's love with others. She cares more about the basic needs of others than her own. She is not lazy but works as though working for the Lord, whether that be in her home or in the workplace. She respects those in authority and honors her husband. She watches her tongue and does not partake in the slashing or gossiping of others. She does not judge others and views those around her with the love of Christ. Wise with her money and all the things God has entrusted her with." (wife, stay at home mom)
• "A godly woman lives for the Lord in all that she does. You can truly tell in how she is living her life. She is always there pouring Scripture into everyone." (female, high school junior)
• "First, I would say modest with her clothing choice. That's a big one. A man should notice the beauty of her spirit. She should not always try to be center of the universe. She should realize it's not about her, it's about Jesus. She should constantly be in the Scriptures." (male, high school sophomore)
• "A godly woman lives for the Lord and no one else. She does not get caught up in worldly anxieties and foolishness. A godly woman resists temptation with all that she has and lays everything at the Lord's feet, even when it's difficult to let go." (female, high school junior)
• "A godly woman is confidant in modesty because she is reverent to her God." (male, husband, teacher)
• "Gentleness, servant-hearted...but with let others serve her too. Humility, meekness, modesty, fear of the Lord, patience, kindness (this can be done without flirting)- mainly and most importantly, love for Jesus like crazy." (single adult male, student minister)