The Strength of a Virtuous Woman and Why Biblical Submission is Not a Sign of Weakness
- Jul 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Shannon Hernandez is a nurse practitioner in independent practice. Her primary focus is assisting individuals with their overall cellular health. She is a 2-time NYT best-selling author in Health-A-Pedia and Essence of a Woman. She is also the founder and CEO of Hernandez Holistic Health designed to deliver education in a virtual setting.
Today, I would like to share a personal insight on a topic that is extremely important to me. In a world that often equates submission with silence and inferiority, I believe the concept of a virtuous woman is more misunderstood than ever. But if you are open to exploring new concepts, the biblical design for womanhood offers a far more empowering and freeing perspective. In this article, we’ll unpack how submission, when viewed and accepted through God’s lens, is not a weakness, but rather a sacred strength. You'll learn how embracing biblical order can restore your marriage, renew your confidence, and redefine your self-worth.
Let’s first define what exactly a virtuous woman is. A virtuous woman is described in Proverbs 31 as strong, capable, wise, and deeply trusted by her husband and community.
She runs her household with excellence, manages finances, and makes decisions with courage and clarity. Virtue is not passivity, but must be viewed as power under the authority of God. Her strength is not just in what she does, but in how she carries herself with humility, reverence, and wisdom.
Now, let’s take it one step further. What is biblical submission? Biblical submission is the act of willingly coming under the leadership of your husband as unto the Lord. This occurs not because you are less, but because you recognize God’s divine order for harmony. It is not about control, silence, or being a doormat, as some are accustomed to thinking. It is about spiritual maturity, mutual respect, and faith that God’s way works, even when culture says otherwise. True submission is done in strength, not fear.
I’d like to discuss some common misconceptions about submission. Many women fear submission because of trauma, abuse, or cultural narratives that have twisted its meaning. Submission does not mean forfeiting your voice, your purpose, or your dreams. It doesn’t mean tolerating harm or erasing your identity. The biblical view of submission is not rooted in patriarchy. Instead, it’s rooted in partnership. When both husband and wife operate in their God-given roles, there is peace, trust, and blessings to be found.
How is it possible for living a life of submission to reveal strength? We, as women, must understand that to submit to your husband in a culture that celebrates self-reliance takes extreme courage. It requires spiritual discernment, self-control, and deep inner strength. Submission is not for the weak-hearted by any means. It’s for the woman who knows her worth, trusts her God, and is secure enough to honor her husband without losing herself.
Like a dance, submission brings rhythm and unity. It doesn’t erase individuality but enhances it.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a true model of strength and a powerhouse. She negotiates, teaches, builds, and influences those blessed with her presence. She is deeply respected because of her strength, not in spite of it. Her submission is not her downfall. It’s actually her crown, to be worn with grace and dignity. She honors her husband, leads her household, and fears the Lord. That fear, the reverence of God, is what unlocks her confidence and allows her to walk in purpose.
How to embrace biblical submission in your own life
Start with Scripture: Meditate on Proverbs 31 (verses 10-31), Ephesians 5 (verses 22-24), and Colossians 3 (verse 18).
Pray for discernment and courage to walk in God’s order.
Heal from past wounds that may distort your view of submission.
Seek mentors or spiritual counsel to walk this out in wisdom.
Understand that submission is a choice, not a demand, and it must be led by the Holy Spirit.
Here’s to the reward of walking in God’s design. Women who embrace biblical submission often report deeper peace, more harmonious marriages, and stronger spiritual identity. It’s not about perfection; it’s about posture. When your heart is aligned with God’s design, your relationships, health, and joy follow.
Are you ready to go deeper? As your faith-based wellness and functional medicine practitioner, I help women not only feel better physically, but also align spiritually with who God created them to be. If you’re ready to explore holistic healing, faith-centered purpose, and biblical empowerment, connect with me here. Let’s rebuild your health, identity, and home from the inside out.
Read more from Shannon Hernandez
Shannon Hernandez, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Hernandez is a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner and founder of Hernandez Holistic Health. She specializes in uncovering the root causes of chronic symptoms through advanced lab testing, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. With a passion and expertise for cellular health, metabolic balance, and hormone optimization, she empowers clients to heal from the inside out—naturally. When she's not consulting, she's creating educational content to help others take control of their health journey.
