Comforting Godly Women Quotes of Wisdom from the Old Testament

Whenever I get a new pair of running shoes, I don’t throw the old ones away. I keep them stored in the closet only for when I’m doing outdoor work. I’m ok to let them get dirty because I have a new pair, but I still hang on to them if I happen to need them.

I recall what a woman from my Bible study once shared about her dad and how he no longer focused on the Old Testament. Almost like it didn’t matter as much to him since we have the New Testament.

The Bible is not like a pair of running shoes! We don’t store the Old Testament in the closet just because we have the New Testament. That’s like saying we have the privilege of weighing the relevance and importance of God’s word when it’s convenient for our needs.

No, that’s not how this goes...

We have the Old Testament that focuses on God’s covenant with Israel before the coming of Jesus, AND we have the New Testament that focuses on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It’s all good stuff!

In my previous post, I highlighted some of the women from the New Testament. I’m struck by how God highlights women in the Bible. Their voices, their actions, and their courage. They were real women who laughed, cried, led, and trusted God in the middle of uncertainty.

Even though our world is different today, these words and their lives continue to inspire women like me who want to walk closely with God.

In this post, I share some of my favorite quotes from godly women in the Old Testament.

Sarah’s journey wasn’t simple. She waited years for God’s promise of a son, and when Isaac was finally born, her joy spilled out in laughter. God’s promises always come with joy, even if the waiting stretches far longer than we expect.

Sometimes it feels like I’m waiting forever and that the waiting will never end. Waiting for direction, for answered prayer, for the right door to open.

But what is the “right” door? Is it what I want for me, or is it God’s will for me? More often than not it’s two different things…

Sarah’s words highlight that the waiting is never wasted. When God moves, the joy outweighs the years of longing. We, too, should celebrate His faithfulness. God is always on time.

Miriam stands out as one of the first worship leaders in scripture. Right after God delivered Israel from Egypt, she sang a song of praise. She picked up her tambourine, sang, and invited the women to join her.

What a moment that must have been. An entire community, newly out of slavery, lifting their voices in thanks and praise. What courage Miriam had to lead with joy!

There are times when I’m hesitant to step out, even though I know God deserves my full praise. At church the other day, our worship leader invited us all to stand and sing. At least that’s what I thought he said. Because only a handful of the congregation was standing. And I was one of the few.

Yet instead of turning all of my attention to praising God, I spent most of the song trying to figure out if I misheard what he said and focused on how awkward I felt standing when most everyone was still sitting.

Worship brings us together and to magnify God’s greatness. Miriam encourages me to be bold in worship, whether I’m in a crowd or alone. Let’s just say that my boldness is a work in progress.

Deborah was a remarkable leader in the Old Testament. A prophet, judge, and wise counselor, she guided Israel during a time of great challenge. Yet she led with courage and determination. She stepped into her responsibility because God called her to.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes leadership in service is overwhelming. I’m busy. I’m tired. I have other life commitments that I need to attend to.

Wouldn’t it be so easy to quit? Absolutely!

But did Deborah quit? Of course not!

God equips those He calls. I don’t need to have it all figured out…because I never will. What I need is to trust in Him, seek His wisdom, and listen closely to His direction. With His help, I lead with confidence.

Ruth’s words to Naomi are some of the most beautiful in the Bible. Her loyalty was rooted in deep love and commitment. She chose to stay, to care, and to embrace Naomi’s people and God as her own.

I think about the friendships and relationships God has placed in my life and Ruth inspires me to invest in them with the same faithfulness. True loyalty isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. It creates bonds that reflect God’s own faithfulness to us.

Small, faithful choices can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her commitment eventually positioned her in the lineage of Jesus. God uses loyalty and love in ways far bigger than we can see.

Esther was placed in a position of influence, not for her own comfort but for the protection of her people. This verse, spoken by Mordecai, captures the heart of her calling. It makes me think about the times God positions us in certain places for reasons we may not fully see at first.

I don’t always see my life through the lens of purpose. I find that it’s easier said than done, so also a work in progress. The work I do, the people I interact with, the opportunities I’ve been given, they’re all part of a bigger plan.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s trusting God with the outcome. Esther’s story makes me want to live with eyes open to the “for such a time as this” moments in my own life.

Looking at Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, and Esther, there is clearly a thread of faith, courage, and devotion. While these women didn’t all live the same kind of lives, they shared a trust in God. Their lives point me back to God’s power and purpose. That is the best assurance I can ask for.

My prayer is that these stories assure you, too. Perhaps you’re waiting like Sarah, leading like Deborah, or stepping into courage like Esther, God is at work in your life.