This study begins with the sad story of Athaliah, wife of Jehoram, King of Judah.  It’s a  story comparative to some of the current news stories we see on our televisions and one that should be a wake up call to every woman.  Beginning in 2 Chronicles 20:31-37 we read of the union of two kings, one good and one evil, for the purpose of both kings gaining more money.  This joint venture results in the daughter of Ahab meeting the son of Jehoshaphat.  Before long, Athaliah (daughter of Ahab, the evil king) marries Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat, the good king).  Although Jehoram grew up in a relatively godly home, his first few acts as king after his father dies are not godly, including his and his wicked wife’s slaying of Jehoram’s siblings (2 Chronicles 21).    Needless to say, the people do not like Jehoram, and there is no mourning over his death.  His and Athaliah’s son Ahaziah reigns in the land; and 2 Chronicles 22:3-4 records for us from whom he sought counsel:  “He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.”  Ahaziah’s reign is cut short, and he is killed by his enemy.  Upon hearing of her son’s death, Athaliah slays Ahaziah’s children.  Athaliah literally kills her own grandchildren!  Continue reading in 2 Chronicles 22 and 23 to uncover the rest of the story.  You will continue to read about the wickedness of Athaliah, but you will also read about another woman who saves the royal seed and influences a young boy who later becomes the youngest boy crowned king—Joash.  The two women are kin by marriage; but beyond that similarity, they are very different.

After you finish reading the story and meditating on lessons learned, spend some time doing the study below to gain even more insight into the influences women have in their homes and in their relationships.  Then ask yourself, which characteristics do I exemplify and how am I hurting my relationships as a result?

Finish the study by reading Proverbs 11:16; 14:1; 12:4; and chapter 31 for descriptions of a godly woman.  Take some time to write down the effect those righteous characteristics have on a godly woman’s relationships and home life.  Compare them to the above chart.

What keeps us living in the top chart despite the awful effects?  Pride.

Proverbs 14:3—In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 13:10—Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 28:25—He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Proverbs 11:2—When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.