A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life: Finding God's Refreshing Priorities for You

by Lysa TerKeurst, Sharon Jaynes

From the leadership of Proverbs 31 Ministries comes this essential book for every Christian woman who wants a more balanced life. Using the principles of the Proverbs 31 woman, the authors invite the reader to learn seven vital ways she can prioritize her Previously published by Moody Publishers as Seven Life Principles for Every Woman. Revised with added study guide.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Self Help, Christian Living

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Lysa TerKeurst is President and Chief Visionary Officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is also an 8x New York Times’ bestselling author of I Want to Trust You, but I Don't, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Uninvited and more. Her devotional Embraced won the ECPA book of the year for 2019. Lysa was also recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has appeared on the Today Show many times as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.

Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at events all across North America and online, including the Global Leadership Network. She also tours state-to-state regularly with TPR. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God’s glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries’ annual She Speaks Conference and her writer training program called COMPEL Pro. Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at lysaterkeurst.com.

Reviews

[Amy]

I found inspiration and love in this book. Are you a Proverbs 31 woman?

[Lea McKenna]

A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes lead a Bible-based discussion of how a woman should organize her priorities and how the Proverbs 31 women refer to as the Seven Principles. What I like about this book is that we see each principle through the eyes of two completely different women, and both of these women lead real lives (as opposed to the storybook lives of women who can pass their children off to nannies and hired help). Both women use appropriate Biblical references and anecdotes to support their ideas. What I didn't like as much about this book is that they do not always appear to relate to women who don't have children of their own. I realize that is a minority, but it is a real group nonetheless.

[Sarah]

This doesn't get two stars because it's a bad book (although, it was a bit cliche and pretty surface level in content and examples), but because it was mostly impractical for my current stage of life. It should've been titled "A Married Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life".

[Mh Weyler]

This one was the book that my MOMS group was reading. Not mind-blowing for me, but lots of good reminders about focusing on what is really important. And the biggest take away for me was "...contentment. I was watching a picture of contentment in fulfilling God's call...Be relentless in your call." This has been the theme in my life over the last two years. There are times I have really kicked against my call as mother and homeschool parent. I want to be content in this wonderful call God has given me!

[Edith Cook Hysell]

I chose Balance as my word for 2020 and this book was a great book to kick the year off. The principles in this book are a wonderful blueprint for balancing all areas of my life within God’s precepts. Great for ant woman who is seeking balance in their life.

[Kareliz Burgos]

Beautifully written. As a woman who is not yet a wife or mother, this book impacted me in such a way. Seeing the ways God can use you to serve in your home and outside is just amazing. I want to be this obedient. This is a book I will reread for years to come.

[Vachel]

Life is a Balancing Act

I learned a lot of key principles to help me in my daily walk with God. Thank you Lysa and Sharon.

[Rachel]

Lots of great takeaways.

Listened on audiobook.

[Beth]

A quick, simple read. Very encouraging (and convicting) in so many ways. A few of their references date them, but the principles are timeless. Would recommend to both single and married women.

[Chevonne Tobin]

Definitely one that I will recommend to my friends and family.
A good, interesting read confirming thoughts and also new great ideas. Lots to take away and absorb.

[Sharon]

3.5 rounded down to 3. I listened to the audio book and it was nice to see two peoples perspectives.

[Winnie]

Listened to the audiobook. Could relate a little bit but some parts were non applicable to my life.

[Sarah Bjerga Steinmetz]

Much needed reminder and practical ways to live out a life of balance in each area of life. Small steps and a lot of switchbacks on the climb…but so necessary! Very encouraging!

[Bethany Martin]

Really Enjoyed This Book

[Donna Pincince]

Debated 3 or 4 stars because there was a lot of great information but some of it was not as relevant to my current stage of life.

[Lidia]

This is a formidable book for married women. If you want to live a godly marriage and have a godly family this book is for you!

[Donna]

Based on the Proverbs 31 woman, this is a great book for young wives and mothers.

[Arianna Bishop]

Really was enjoying the book! But left it at work and I no longer work there/was unable to collect my things after leaving.

[Courtney Carter]

Pretty practical steps in applying principles of Proverbs 31. Even though I’m still single, brought some conviction for sure. Would also pair well with Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson.

[Heather Mitchell]

Very much enjoyed reading this book and seeing the many topics from fresh perspective. Great practical advice mixed in with reminders of God's word.

[Sara]

This book is mainly written to a married woman who may or may not have children; I did find that many of the points (gathered from Prov 31 & various other scriptures) was still applicable to a single woman — several of the points mentioned would lead a person to a deeper walk with the Lord but also help in being a better human.

[birdie65]

Bible study

I liked the book but I gave it a 4 star review due to its layout. It was a problem every week knowing where we were. Some of the group was trying to study by chapter while others were referencing principles. It was very confusing. The content was excellent.

[Kayla Jessup]

could use an update for 2025. definitely some good ideas and principles to apply. i appreciate the testimony of the women. it really helps me appreciate their points and not feel like im being told what to do, but am being help by a loving friend.

[Sally Andrews]

This was a book I bought on audio, so I listened to it during short commutes. I really like the Godly advice and wisdom this book brought forth, especially the stories of success.

[Diane]

Good read!