S6 E46 | Dr. Sandra L. Richter | Reclaiming Proverbs 31: The Heroic Woman at the Heart of Wisdom
The Alabaster JarShow Notes
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Sandra L. Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, to talk about reading Proverbs 31 in its ancient context. Richter explains that Proverbs 31 is the climactic conclusion of a high-level work of wisdom literature, framed as the queen mother’s counsel to her son, King Lemuel, about the kind of partner he truly needs. Together they challenge the way Proverbs 31 has been used to burden women with an impossible ideal, showing instead a heroic portrait of a woman, whose economic savvy, courage, and Torah-shaped wisdom build her family and community. Overall, they both highlight how this passage dignifies women’s work in both the domestic and public spheres and reveal the text as surprisingly life-giving and, in many ways, profoundly pro-woman.
Resources Mentioned:
The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Dr. Sandra L. Richter
The Epic of Eden Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video, Updated Edition: Understanding the Old Testament as Your Story by Dr. Sandra L. Richter
Psalms Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (Epic of Eden) by Dr. Sandra L. Richter
The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity
Let Her Lead
Episode Sponsor:
The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
More from The Alabaster Jar
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohicks continues our 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Jeannine K. Brown as they explore how the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus’s death and the cross. They explore the hints and predictions leading to the crucifixion, and how “taking up your cross” points to a life of humble service to others. Dr. Brown also highlights the faithful women who remain present through Jesus’s death and burial, along with the cosmic signs that signal death’s defeat. They also discuss Matthew’s recurring theme of Gentile inclusion and the need to interpret the crowd’s words about Jesus’s blood with care.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn kicks off a 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Holly J. Carey as they explore the Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark. They discuss how Mark’s fast-paced story leads to the cross, the shame of crucifixion, and Jesus’s predictions of his death and resurrection. Dr. Carey explains how Psalm 22 illuminates Jesus’s cry from the cross and points to vindication through resurrection. They also consider the unexpected response to Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem and the faithful women whose witness connects the cross to the empty tomb.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with pastor and author Teresa I. Whitman about faith, theology, and artificial intelligence. They explore how AI works, the challenges of distinguishing AI-generated content, and concerns ranging from deception to data centers’ impact on communities. Whitman shares why she co-wrote Faith and AI: Theology in the Age of Thinking Machines with Claude and why she believes Christians and churches should engage thoughtfully rather than respond with fear or avoidance. Together, they consider AI’s limits in matters of prayer and pastoral care—and the importance of discernment, Scripture, and keeping God at the center.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Carmen Imes about Fierce and Faithful, a new kids’ book she co-authored with Dr. Nijay Gupta, highlighting 25 women of the Bible who dared to trust God. Carmen shares why children need more than “flannelgraph” versions of Scripture and how scholarly, historically grounded storytelling—complete with maps, sidebars, and name pronunciations—can still be fun and accessible for ages 8–12.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Crista McKirland joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about her book A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church. They discuss how authority, leadership, and power should function in the church, emphasizing the dignity of all the saints and the call of every believer, not just pastors, to ministry.