In Praise of Women Who Lead

DOWNLOAD Uncommon Wisdom Small Groups (PDF)

Fellowship—Snacks or a meal (10 minutes or more)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or threes, recall an experience you have had or learned about with someone you would regard as “street smart.” This wisdom doesn’t come from books but from life experience. How was that “smartness” exhibited? Do you have your own sort of “street smarts”? Where and how does it serve you?

Group Dialogue (about 30 minutes). Read Proverbs 31:10-31.

• Before the description, the first sentence asks, “A capable wife, who can find?” which suggests that this is an idealized portrayal. Divide into two groups. Have Group 1 skim through this passage and list all the tasks the capable wife performs. Have Group 2 list all the attributes of this wife. (Does anyone feel overwhelmed?) Notice also her rewards for this virtuous and busy life. How might we update this description for the twenty-first century?
• This wife is also a businesswoman, not unheard of in that era, but rare. Furthermore, we see an Old Testament allusion to women in leadership. How does her wisdom serve her in her business dealings? Looking beyond that, how does wisdom serve her in her marriage? In her motherhood? In her other relationships? How does this model leadership today in these areas?
• James 3:13-18 speaks of two kinds of wisdom: “earthly” and “from above.” How are these differentiated? To what sorts of consequences does “earthly” wisdom point? Do you find that this would necessarily be true today? How realistic is “wisdom from above” in the pursuit of daily life? How valuable is it? Do you aspire to it?
• James 4:7 is a proverbial comment: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” How would you define “the devil” in this context? In your context? Do you find that “the devil” gives up that easily? Does this proverb work for you?
• Holding together the wisdom from these two passages, as well as your observations about “street smarts,” what is the most practical word of advice for you? How does this advice lead you away from foolishness to wisdom?

Prayer (5-10 minutes) Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes) End with this prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious God of our Foremothers, we give you thanks for the nurture, guidance, compassion, and care they have provided. As we work for a peaceable world, we pray that their example of devotion and persistence will inspire us to service and faithfulness in the world. Amen.

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Diana Hynson is a retired elder, living in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She has served in local churches, as an editor at The United Methodist Publishing House, and as Director of Learning and Teaching Ministries at Discipleship Ministries. She teaches Sunday school to a lively group of older adults who still enjoy learning.