The Bible has a lot to say about how a godly woman should live her life. Here are some of the key principles from Scripture on being a woman who follows God:
Seek God First
A godly woman makes pursuing and obeying God her highest priority. She strives to deepen her relationship with Him through prayer, reading the Bible, and living according to His commands. As Matthew 6:33 (ESV) says, she seeks “first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Her love for the Lord impacts everything she does.
Cultivate Virtue
The Bible encourages women to grow in virtues like faith, hope, love, wisdom, kindness, humility, integrity, and generosity. Qualities like these reflect the nature of God Himself. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV) teaches that godly women focus on cultivating “the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Inner beauty matters more than outward appearance.
Be Modest and Responsible
A godly woman dresses and carries herself modestly, not seeking to draw attention to her body or flaunt her sexuality. She focuses on living responsibly and making wise choices, not being reckless or indulging in excess. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (ESV) instructs women to “adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control.”
Respect and Submit to Authority
The Bible tells godly women to show respect and appropriate submission to those in authority over them like their husbands and church leaders. This reflects the order of authority God has established. But men have the duty to love and serve women selflessly too. Ephesians 5:22-23 (ESV) says “wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
Be Industrious and Capable
A woman who follows God should use her talents and abilities to bless her family and community. She should be hardworking, dependable, and able to run her household efficiently. Proverbs 31 describes a godly woman as capable, productive, generous, and entrepreneurial. Titus 2:5 (ESV) encourages older women to teach younger women “to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.”
Be a Woman of Prayer
Consistent prayer is a vital part of the godly woman’s life. She communes with God regularly, interceding for her loved ones and asking for His help and guidance. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) says to “pray without ceasing.” Her prayers reflect her trust in the Lord.
Be Full of Good Deeds
The Bible emphasizes that good works should characterize a godly woman’s life. She is kind, compassionate and eager to serve, reflecting Christ’s love to those around her. Godly women are forces for good in their homes, churches, and communities. Acts 9:36 (ESV) commends Tabitha as “full of good works and acts of charity.”
Seek Wisdom and Discernment
A wise and discerning attitude is valued in a woman who follows God. She seeks to understand His truth and apply it with wisdom to her daily life. She strives to avoid deception and foolishness. Proverbs 11:22 (ESV) praises discretion in a godly woman. Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous wife as speaking “with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Be a Faithful Friend and Encourager
The godly woman is a loyal friend who supports and uplifts others. She speaks words of encouragement, gives wise counsel, and seeks to build others up in their faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV) talks about the value of faithful friendship. Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) says to “encourage one another and build one another up.”
Love and Care for Family
One of the godly woman’s highest callings is to love and serve her family. She cares for her husband, children, parents, and extended family with Christ-like love and sacrifice. Proverbs 31:27-28 praises the woman who “looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” 1 Timothy 5:4 says she is to “show godliness to her own household.”
Be a Godly Example and Mentor
Older godly women have the responsibility to teach and model proper biblical womanhood to the next generation. They train younger women in skills like homemaking, marriage, parenting, and ministry. Titus 2:3-5 (ESV) urges older women to be “reverent in behavior…that they may teach what is good. And so train the young women to love their husbands and children.”
Seek Purity and Flee Sexual Sin
A godly woman treasures moral purity. She avoids sexual immorality and wickedness in her thoughts, speech, and conduct. She dresses modestly and guards her heart against lust. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV) instructs believers to “flee from sexual immorality” because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t Indulge in Much Wine
While alcohol in moderation may not be forbidden, a godly woman avoids drunkenness and addiction to wine. She maintains self-control and clear judgment rather than indulging in excess. 1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV) lists sober-mindedness as a qualification for godly women in the church. Proverbs 31:4-5 warns rulers and others not to drink too much strong drink.
Have a Gentle and Quiet Spirit
The godly woman is marked by a gentle and peaceful spirit, not loudness, anger or quarrelsomeness. She handles conflict wisely and is trustworthy and thoughtful in speech. 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV) praises “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” Proverbs 21:9 and 25:24 warn against a quarrelsome woman.
Be Faithful to Husband and Diligent in Work
Godly married women are faithful, trustworthy partners to their husbands. They do not flirt with other men or compromise purity of heart and body. They serve their families diligently with tasks at home and outside. Proverbs 31:10-13, 27 (ESV) honors the wife who “does [her husband] good, and not harm” and “looks well to the ways of her household.”
Grow in Biblical Knowledge
Increased understanding of Scripture helps women grow in godliness. Godly women focus time on learning biblical truth and theology through personal Bible study, church teaching, Christian books/media, and mentors. As their knowledge grows, so does their spiritual maturity and fruitfulness for the Lord.
Be Hospitable and Care for the Needy
The godly woman practices hospitality, welcoming and serving guests with joy. She is eager to care for the poor, the widow, the orphaned, the sick, and the vulnerable. Her home and resources are open to minister to others’ needs. 1 Peter 4:9 says to “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Romans 12:13 adds, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Live with Integrity and a Good Reputation
Women who follow God should strive to maintain lives, actions, and reputations beyond moral reproach. They act with integrity and avoid even hints of impropriety that could damage their witness. 1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV) says godly women should be “dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.” Proverbs 31:23 praises the woman who exhibits integrity and is “respected at the city gates.”
In summary, godly women live with love for God, virtue, wisdom, strength, and moral courage. They seek to honor the Lord in all aspects of life: their priorities, integrity, family, church, friendships, conduct, reputation, speech, ministry, sexuality, and more. While imperfect, they continually strive to grow in biblical womanhood for God’s glory.