Honoring and Emulating Women of Wisdom, Bravery and Faith

Tammy Marino of Unbound shares how Women’s History Month is the ideal backdrop for highlighting inspirational traits exemplified by women of the Bible. 

Throughout Women’s History Month in March, we are reminded of female innovators, inventors, civic leaders, scientists and glass-ceiling breakers who have paved the way for future generations of aspirational young girls, who just a few decades ago had far fewer opportunities. 

In modern history, the contributions of strong, smart and impactful women are often overlooked, so it is no surprise that the women of the Bible can be forgotten or underappreciated. But there is much insight to be found in the pages of the Old and New Testament — women who are models of wisdom, bravery and faith. 

Women of Wisdom 

In Samuel, we meet Abigail — the wife of Nabal, a terrible man of means whose name means “fool.” When Nabal insulted David, who would later become king, David was infuriated and planned to attack Nabal and his household. Abigail, in her wisdom, did not flinch. Instead, she intervened, bringing food and gifts to David and asking for peace.

David said to Abigail, "Blessed is the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today. Blessed is your good judgment and blessed are you yourself. Today you have prevented me from shedding blood and rescuing myself with my own hand." (1 Samuel 25:32-33).  

Proverbs 31 depicts a woman displaying a composite of traits to be emulated. The woman in Proverbs 31 is hardworking and caring. She makes smart financial decisions and is a savvy businesswoman. Her wisdom is shown in how she manages her household and honors God.

She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26) 

Women of Bravery 

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When her people were threatened with genocide, she risked her life by approaching King Xerxes without being summoned:

“Thus prepared, I will go to the king, contrary to the law. If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16)

Thankfully, Esther was not executed. She bravely and boldly spoke up, exposing the villain Haman, and saving her people.  

Another brave woman of the Bible is the Samaritan woman at the well. When Jesus met this woman — an outcast in her community — he broke social norms and spoke with her, even though Jews and Samaritans normally avoided one another, and men rarely spoke with women in public. Instead of fleeing in shame when Jesus revealed that he knew the details of her life, the woman boldly went back to her town and told everyone about him.

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me everything I have done." (John 4:39)

Facing her past and embracing and sharing Jesus’ message was bold and brave.  

Women of Faith 

A Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. She demonstrated her incredible faith when she refused to give up even when Jesus tested her persistence. Jesus soon recognized her unyielding faith.

Then Jesus said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’" And her daughter was healed from that hour. (Matthew 15:28) 

Of course, no celebration of Biblical women is complete without Mary, who was a young woman when the angel Gabriel told her she would conceive the Son of God. Though pregnancy for an unmarried woman could have brought shame and hardship, Mary fully trusted God’s plan and accepted His will.

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

It was Mary’s extraordinary faith that led to the birth of Jesus. 

Celebrating and Empowering Women with Unbound 

Unbound celebrates and empowers women every day in many ways. Because education is the best pathway toward success, sponsors and donors support children attending school and fund scholarship programs for young people and adult learners to pursue higher education.  

With Unbound’s decentralized approach to the eradication of poverty, decisions are placed directly in the hands of families. Many of those households are led by women, who establish and monitor goals for their families on their individual paths out of poverty. 

Unbound believes that mothers are the real experts in international development because they know their families and communities so very well. Unbound believes in mothers and women during Women’s History Month — and all year long.  

Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates. (Proverbs 31:31) 

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Copyright 2025 Tammy Marino for Unbound
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