Proverbs 31:17

Proverbs 31:(17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

"To gird" means to encircle or bind with a flexible band or girdle (belt). In Bible times both men and women wore outer robes or tunics. If the tunic was ungirded it would interfere with a person's ability to walk freely. The Bible often makes symbolic use of the girdle. 

In Bible language, "to be girded" means "to be ready for action."

In the Bible, the phrase, to gird up the loins, is used for people who want to get serious about something.

The virtuous woman has a reservoir of inner strength which is able to energize her and enable her to accomplish physical tasks which require a great amount of physical strength.  She is not weakened by sloth or laziness but she is a wonderful example of diligence and business.

We’ve already seen that she is industrious, diligent, organized,powerful, trustworthy, and wise.  Now we can add strong.  Is it merely physical strength?  Probably not.  Why do I say that? Because it is not physical strength or power which makes an individual excellent; it is what they do with it.

There are at least four basic areas which make a difference in our health—in our growing in stature.

First—righteousness. Sin debilitates. It affects not only the soul, but the body. The scriptures are replete with examples of the physical power that can attend the righteous. On the other hand, unrepented sin can diffuse energy and lead to both mental and physical sickness. 

Second—food. To a great extent, we are physically what we eat.  But what needs additional emphasis are the positive aspects—the need forvegetables, fruits, and grain, particularly wheat. We need a generation of people who eat in a healthier manner.

Third—exercise. The body needs the rejuvenation that comes from exercise.

Fourth—sleep. Adequate early rest is best. The Lord states that we should “cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.” 

There are many days when we wives and moms just have too much to carry, too much to do, and too many stresses. Our Proverbs 31 woman wrapped strength around her so that she could get her jobs done.

•                God Himself is wrapped in strength. “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved” (Psalm 93:1).

•                God makes our arms strong. “His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24). (See also Hosea 7:15.)

•                Strength comes through faith in His name. “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16).

In closing, let me remind you of the time that Nehemiah brought God’s Word to the people and it literally changed their lives. God’s Word always does this, if we’ll let it! We hear His Word and obey it, it washes away our sin, filling our hearts with praise and joy. This is the strength with which we need to “gird up our loins” and “strengthen our arms.”

A virtuous woman is not content with her abilities, appearance, or achievements; she continually strives to improve in every area of life. She does not relax her pursuit of excellence. She takes her role seriously and intends to be the best.

This verse implies more than physical strength but speaks of that inner resolve, in the spirit, to complete what has to be done, regardless of difficulties and opposition. She is set to persevere till the job is finished. It is clearly seen that the word "give up" is not in her vocabulary.