Feeling Overwhelmed? - Lessons from the Proverbs 31 Woman You Didn’t Know

 Figure 1: A woman feeling overwhelmed from multitasking

 

Note: Image generated using Microsoft AI Designer from the prompt of  a picture of an African woman who is multitasking- performing different tasks all at once

Introduction

Have you ever felt like you are drowning in your responsibilities, with days blurring into weeks and an ever-growing to-do list? It’s easy to fall into a cycle of frustration questioning your ability to manage it all, when the mental load of work, personal obligations, and spiritual commitments feel overwhelming.

But then I remember the Proverbs 31 woman— a figure admired by many, but also seen as an impossible standard. She was described as a model of perfection and balance. But was she truly the perfect superwoman we all think she was? Or was there something about her that we’ve overlooked? One truth I’ve learned is that, like us, she didn’t do it all alone. And that’s where the wisdom lies.

Drowning in Responsibilities

Some days, it feels like I barely keep my head above water. It feels like no matter how much I try to keep up, the tasks keep piling on—work, home, and faith, all stretching my emotional and mental limits. The weight of these responsibilities can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and guilt. This pressure to do everything perfectly leaves me wondering if I’m to blame for not being disciplined or organized enough. We often tell ourselves that we should do more, be more organized, more disciplined—but sometimes, no matter how hard we push, the overwhelm takes over.

I know I’m not alone in this. Many women today feel the same, juggling careers, relationships, home life, and faith, all while feeling pressured to keep it together. But here’s the thing: even the Proverbs 31 woman didn’t do it all by herself. She had help. Proverbs 31:15 tells us she had female servants assisting her—a reminder that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.

The Myth of the Proverbs 31 Woman

We often view the Proverbs 31 woman as the ultimate superwoman. She appears to manage businesses, care for her family, and run her household with grace. But this image is misleading. Here’s the reality: she wasn’t meant to represent perfection. She worked smart, not just hard, delegating tasks and relying on others to help her manage life’s demands.

So why do we feel pressure to be “superwomen” when even the Proverbs 31 woman didn’t? The myth that she did it all by herself is not just unrealistic—it’s unhealthy. The real lesson is that she understood the importance of delegation and balance. We should, too.

The Power of Getting Help

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that I don’t have to do everything on my own. In today’s fast-paced world, we often think asking for help is a sign of weakness. But the Proverbs 31 woman shows us the power of community. She knew how to delegate, relying on others to help her fulfil her responsibilities.

We, too, can embrace this lesson by asking for help—whether at work, at home, or in our spiritual lives. By doing so, we free up time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

What We Can Learn from Her: Practical Steps to Get Help

1. Let Go of Perfection and Delegate Wisely: No one is perfect — not even the Proverbs 31 woman. Show grace to yourself when things aren’t ideal. Like the Proverbs 31-woman, delegate tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with projects, chores, or responsibilities.
   Action: Look at your to-do list and identify one task you can delegate today. Let go and delegate that task to someone else to give yourself more peace of mind.
2. Prioritize Your Time: Focus on doing by yourself, what truly matters, just as the Proverbs 31 woman did.
   Action: List your top three priorities that you must do yourself and ensure they get your attention first each day.
3. Ask for Support: Seeking help isn’t a weakness. Whether through friends, family, or professional services, it’s essential to lighten your load.
   Action: Identify one area where you need support and reach out for help today.
4. Stay Grounded in Faith: The Proverbs 31 woman’s strength came from her faith. “…The woman who respects the Lord with fear will receive honour”- Proverbs 31: 30. Stay rooted in your spiritual life to find balance and peace.
   Action: Make time each day to reconnect with your faith through prayer or reflection.

Conclusion

The Proverbs 31 woman wasn’t a superwoman, and she didn’t do it all alone. Her true wisdom lies in knowing how to balance her life by relying on others and focusing on what matters most. We can learn from her by letting go of the impossible expectations we place on ourselves, asking for help when needed, and staying grounded in our faith.

FAQs: Understanding the Proverbs 31 Woman and Finding Balance

Q: Is the Proverbs 31 woman a realistic role model for modern women?
A: Absolutely! While the Proverbs 31 woman may seem like a superwoman, her story is meant to inspire rather than overwhelm. She represents virtues like diligence, wisdom, resourcefulness and faithfulness — qualities that can guide us in today’s busy world. While her specific tasks may differ from modern life, the principles she lived by—delegating, prioritizing, and relying on faith—are timeless and practical in today’s fast-paced world.

Q: How can I apply the Proverbs 31 woman’s principles to my busy life today?
A: You can start by acknowledging that you don’t have to do it all alone. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, find areas where you can delegate tasks and focus on what matters most — whether that’s family, work, or spiritual growth. Also, practice self-compassion and remember that being wise isn’t just about hard work, but about working smart.

Q: What does it mean to "delegate wisely" like the Proverbs 31 woman?
A: Delegating wisely means recognizing what tasks you can pass on to others and focusing on what only you can do. Whether it’s seeking help at work, outsourcing chores, or involving family in daily responsibilities, it’s about working smart, not harder.

Q: How can I balance my responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed?
A: First, prioritize what’s most important. Create a daily or weekly plan that breaks down your tasks into manageable pieces. Second, ask for help when needed — from family, friends, or professionals. Lastly, practice gratitude and give yourself grace. Not everything will be perfect, and that’s okay.

Q: What does the Bible say about feeling overwhelmed?
A: The Bible offers many verses to comfort those feeling overwhelmed, such as Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest." It reminds us that we don’t have to carry the weight of life’s pressures alone; God is with us, offering guidance and peace.

Q: How can I manage my faith and daily responsibilities without feeling like I’m falling short?
A: Incorporate your faith into your daily routine through prayer, meditation, or quiet time with God. Start your day grounded in faith and remind yourself that your worth is not defined by how much you accomplish, but by God’s love for you. It’s okay to rest, reflect, and recharge.

Q: How do I stop feeling guilty about asking for help?
A: Understand that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. Even the Proverbs 31 woman had servants and didn’t do it all alone. By seeking help, you honor your limits and allow others to support you.