Becoming a Woman of Excellence

Becoming a Woman

by Cynthia Heald

Over 3.5 million sold in series
Being a woman isn’t always easy. Society pressures us to find our worth by achieving excellence in our appearance, our careers, and our family lives. But this form of success can often lead to anxiety and burnout. God also beckons us to be women of excellence―but what does that look like?

If you’re hungry for God’s perspective, and if you long to be free of societal pressures, you will be deeply fed and refreshed by the truth in these pages. Challenging and encouraging, this bestselling topical Bible study will lead you through Scripture and offer practical guidance on becoming a woman of excellence for the glory of God, regardless of your stage in life.

Perfect for personal or group study, this 30th anniversary edition Get the rest of the Becoming a Woman series by Cynthia Heald, and find peace and encouragement in your identity as a daughter of Christ.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Womens, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

CYNTHIA HEALD is a popular speaker and author of the Becoming a Woman Of . . . Bible studies, which have sold millions of copies. Her passion to help women walk more closely with God and live life to their full, God-given potential is seen in Drawing Near to the Heart of God. She and her husband, Jack, are full-time staff with The Navigators in Tucson, Arizona.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought the study was beneficial and each chapter's point well-made. It did bother me very much, though, that many of the supporting and inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout the chapters were from people whose theology is either radically variant from what I understand the author's to be, or down-right heretical. Tozer, who is very much Pentecostal in theology and practice, had some very targeted, excellent supporting quotes (as is so often the case with Tozer; much that he says is spot-on, but his overall theology is so deviant that I tend to approach him with EXTREME caution). However, quoting Hannah Whithall Smith is too much for me. I read her book, The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, and while much that she had to say was both inspiringly written and touching, this woman is a heretic teaching LIES. The point of her book is that Christians not only should, but can, be 100% sinless in this life in this flesh. She was a proponent of the holiness movement that taught many odd things, including this guilt-inducing lie that we can perfect our flesh and completely overcome our sin nature here and now by the force of our wills. So many bad things grew out of the holiness movement and I was disappointed that such an awful book has found such acceptance and was quoted as though it were a good resource in Cynthia Heald's book. Frankly, using these two authors as support for her points (which she didn't need. . .she had plenty of in-context Scriptural support for each lesson) makes me suspect of the other authors she referred to that I am unfamiliar with.

That said, I do intend to work my way through her other ladies' Bible studies.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that they had an updated version of this book. It seems like there is a lot more pages to this book, and they changed the cover of it too. (I heard that the older version of this book was very dated to most of the people who lead a bible study to this book)

I got this book as a re-read, it has been a while since I have read this book. This book is great for any female who feels the need to compare herself to others (in a negative way), and feels depressed by other peoples success and popularity.

[Amy Lee Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars This was my first time working through one of Ms. Heald's studies since college so it took me a little time to get used to her style again. In the past, I've tended to work through a single book of the Bible or to trace a theme between the Old Testament and the New. This book is definitely one that follows a theme - in early lessons, Heald sends readers on a scavenger hunt through the Bible to figure out first what God tells us excellence is, then what qualities the Bible tells us it takes to pursue that, and finally what an exemplary and godly woman might look like.

I found the study helpful, though some of the sources from which Heald draws her non-Bible quotes are writers I don't think I entirely agree with. I also wished that she would have focused on longer passages from the Bible rather than jumping from single verse to single verse.

[John’aLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect start to 2021! I loved this book. So much in depth encouragement on how to be a Godly woman. I am now going to go back through it slowly and write myself through it as well as reread it. I too want to start a 12 week Bible study with it for the young women in my family.

[Jo Yee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the Book of Ruth several times but I'll be honest that I have missed the essence of this verse 11 in Chapter 3 when Boaz commended Ruth of being an excellent woman. Come to think of it -- what made Ruth an excellent woman? She was a foreigner from Moab. She was a poor widow taking care of her mother in-law. Her future was unknown. Yet, she was commended by the Bible as an excellent woman. Why? How?

Cynthia Heald, the author, which is becoming one of my favorites now, identified that virtuous of what an excellent woman is, far from the standard of our secular world. In this book she portrayed that the goal is to become a woman of excellence, approving things that are excellent and seek to become like Christ. In doing so, that woman must surrender fully her life to Christ and obey God's commands. The prize is she will be molded by discipline, guarded by discretion, made precious by the gentle and quiet spirit (this I sincerely desire) , perfected by purity, and filled with heavenly wisdom. Wow, that was truly far from the world standard -beauty, fame, wealth, etc.

This book challenged me to be this kind of woman with mentorship revolving on Proverbs 31, an excellent woman for God. May it be every woman's goal.

[Rhonda Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Heald is an excellent author of Bible study books. Her books are targeted toward women but the Bible truths apply to men also (my husband and I have done a couple of them together and I just marked through "Woman" and wrote in "Man" on the book cover). My Bible study group met weekly and did this study together and it was wonderful. Since then, we've done at least four other of the Becoming a Woman of . . . studies and often someone refers back to this particular study and something gleaned from it. Biblically sound, common sense, easy to follow teachings, backed up with scripture and written to get you involved in learning the Bible and God's desire for how we ought to live.

[Cole Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was only ok for me. I liked that it was pretty bible-heavy (if that's a term), requiring us to look up many verses for each topic, but I didn't feel like the author did a very good job of tying them all together. A lot of the verses felt randomly placed, even after talking it out with our small group of ladies.

I can't say it was a complete waste of time - each chapter prompted some sort of helpful discussion - but I definitely won't be recommending this to anyone, especially for use outside of a group study.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro que recomendaría a toda mujer que busca alcanzar la meta digna de ser alcanzada: ser como Cristo. Cada página es un bálsamo de verdades de la palabra de Dios que motiva a toda lectora a ser una mujer de excelencia para Cristo.
¡Me encantó!

[Kat Anundson · Rating 4 out of 5]

challenging to read- finished because of a friend

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed doing this Bible study over the summer. I appreciate the many Bible references included and the thought provoking questions as well.

[Cristine Joy]

good

[C]

I don't like workbooks, so I didn't do it, and just donated it to a church along with various other free religious texts which have ended up on my doorstep over the years.

[Carol]

Dnf. A little dated.

[Jodi]

Our church ladies Sunday School class used this as an elective the last quarter. Such a great book for that type of setting!

[Mischa Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devo!

[Deborah Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as a devotional, loved it.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Becoming a Woman of Excellence: 30th Anniversary Edition by Cynthia Heald, © 2016

Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. Ruth 3:11

My Review:
I participated in a Bible study of the first edition of this book. In this 30th anniversary revised and updated edition, the author shares her journey of excellence as "a certified older woman." How wonderful to have a seasoned mentor:

As I reflect on these past decades, I'm amazed that I continue to ask, "What would a woman of excellence do?" Using this question to determine my choices and setting my heart to "approve the things that are excellent" (Philippians 1:10) has served to guide and protect me in special ways. It is a priceless blessing to look back over my life and have few regrets.
One of the key verses in my life now is Psalm 7l:18: "Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me" (NLT). So it is with much thankfulness to God that I commit this study to all who come after me. May you discover the great joy of taking God at His word and walking with Him daily in order to become a woman of excellence who brings Him honor and glory.
--author Cynthia Heald

The first chapter begins with defining excellence ~ from the biblical view of excellence, or in the search for excellence how most people would define it? I like the quotes and references included throughout the study, along with "thoughts and reflections from an older woman" written by the author in this renewed study guide. A foundational memory Scripture begins each chapter, looking at specific Scriptures within each topic, and questions directed toward applying what is learned. There is a Notes section in the back, along with a leader's guide, directing to further reading referenced within each chapter excellence.

It's not about achieving, but being. I like how the author guides through Scripture and questions to how it applies, adding to our lives in a simplistic way rather than striving. God's virtues are becoming and alive as we specifically apply Scripture to our lives as a lifelong process. To become ~ "to grow into, to come to be, to undergo change or development, to be transformed."

If you are looking for a new fall study, individually or for a study group, this would be an excellent choice for women of all ages, single or married. The study contains: the goal worth pursuing, God's character, and becoming like Christ; the cost rooted in surrender and exemplified by obedience; the prize molded by discipline, guarded by discretion, made precious by a gentle and quiet spirit, perfected by purity, and proclaimed by wisdom; the praise portrayed in the life of a godly woman.

***Thank you to Tyndale Blog Network for sending me a review copy of Becoming a Woman of Excellence. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Cynthia Heald ~ Author of Becoming a Woman Bible Study series and numerous other books and devotionals.

[Mary-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the back of the book:

Society beckons us to succeed―to achieve excellence in our appearance, our earning power, our family life. God Himself also beckons us to be women of excellence. But what exactly is He asking? If you’re hungry for God’s perspective on success in a society that bombards you with conflicting demands, feed on the truths of God’s Word that you’ll discover in these pages. You will not only learn to “approve the things that are excellent” but will also experience the joy of becoming God’s woman of excellence. This bestselling topical Bible study has helped over one million women over the past 30 years, and is newly revised and updated so today’s women can discover who God designed them to be in this day and age. Written by Navigator author and Bible teacher Cynthia Heald, the 11 sessions in this Bible study explore what your identity in Christ is and how you can best serve Him.



Becoming a Woman of Excellence is a classic that has come back once again. This book is suitable for group or individual study, and for women of all ages, either married or single.






There is a Bible Study guide in the back of the book if one chooses to use this in a group study scenario .

One of the things I really appreciate about this book is it brings you into a close look into your own life. It includes personal thoughts from the author, and you can use these thoughts and reflections to think about your answer and examination into your own life.

The book was written when the author read one of my favorite books, the book of Ruth, when in Ruth 3:11 Boaz says "all my people in the city know you are a woman of excellence" What an amazing thing to call someone, and as a woman we can all accomplish what Ruth accomplished.

This book will take you through scriptures that will make you turn inward and become that woman of excellence.



I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellence -- Who, Me?


The wow-factor of my kids’ birthday parties?

The visibility of certain muscle groups in my arms, legs, and torso?

The ease and finesse with which I can entertain a party of twelve, self-publish a book, or create deck furniture from wooden palettes?

Are any of these a worthy means of measuring my excellence?

Not according to Cynthia Heald who challenges all of our preconceptions in the Thirtieth Anniversary Edition of Becoming a Woman of Excellence. She examines a biblical concept of excellence like a finely cut gem, turning it to reveal each face and its sparkling qualities:

Discipline of the mind, will, emotions, body, and time.
Discretion, which is defined as “saying and doing the right thing in the right way at the right time.
A Gentle and Quiet Spirit: an inner beauty that has nothing to do with appearance and everything to do with security in God’s loving sovereignty.
Purity, a holiness that arises from a life of abiding in Christ.
Wisdom: Hearing the Word of God and also living it in our every day life.
Cynthia draws from the Old Testament book of Ruth and the woman featured in Proverbs 31 (along with many New Testament passages) to highlight the beauty of excellence. (Is it possible that Ruth, Solomon’s great-great grandmother, left such a legacy in her family that her memory inspired Solomon to write that famous last chapter of Proverbs?) Each chapter is an inspiring collection of Scripture, relevant quotes from a wide range of authors, and probing questions to stimulate deeper thinking.

There is a cost to the pursuit of excellence, and a life lived with conviction involves a level of obedience and surrender that does not come naturally. However, the prize of becoming a woman who fears the LORD and follows Him whole-heartedly is beyond price, and it is a goal well worth pursuing.

//

This book was provided by NavPress, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier this summer I wrote about how I wanted to pick up a Bible study guide to use in my personal devotion time this summer. I was happy to have a chance to review "Becoming A Woman Of Excellence" by Cynthia Heald. I have heard of this Bible study in the past and was curious to pick it up again.

One thing I really appreciate about this Bible study is that it doesn't do all the work for you. It is full of scripture verses to look up, and the questions make you think a little more deeply about the passage and applying it to your own life. As part of the 30th Anniversary Edition, Heard also includes "Thoughts From An Older Woman" at the end of each chapter, writing about things she has learned since she first published this study 30 years ago. I really loved how this study got you deep into God's word.

What I didn't love about this study - the organization was a little confusing to me. I think this might be partially because I didn't use it every day, so maybe I forgot some of the ties between chapters. I am still working through it going into the fall (about half way through), and I am looking forward to finishing it and seeing if it starts to fit together better for me. The scripture verses Heald chooses seem to follow this kind of scattered organization, as she picks short passages or single verses to make some of her points. I miss getting the full context of a passage, and I think I would like it better if each chapter focused on one Scripture passage and pulled points out of that passage, instead of listing Scripture verses that support her own topics or points.

All that said, this really is a good study, and I think it is one that is flexible enough to be good for those who want a lighter study, while also providing that springboard for depth that others might want. I'm looking forward to finishing it (I'll update this review if I change my mind about anything by the end)!

Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.

[T'onna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's society, success is often measured by having a lot of money, having a successful career, being attractive, and being well educated. But this book discusses what God views as excellence. This society is in great contrast to what the Bible describes as excellence, especially with women, and this book reminds the reader that we cannot look to society's opinion of excellence if we want to please God.

As a 30 something mother of two and wife, I found this book very inspirational. Having children makes me want to be a better person and a "Woman of Excellence." Reading this book will help the reader open her eyes to realize that we cannot and should not just go along with society if we want to please God.

My favorite part of this book are the Thoughts and Reflections from an Older Woman. I love this part of the book because I love reading about the personal experiences of others and their advice. One reflection that really stuck with me was in reference to entertainment. Heald wrote that while all entertainment isn't impure, a committed Christian has to question how this book, music, TV show, movie, etc. will influence her walk with God and thought life. Heald also reminds Christians that staying connected to God keeps us from practicing sin and sinning habitually. I've stopped watching certain TV shows because I feel that today's society is normalizing sin. If you see something so many times, it because normal and no big deal. You might even forget it's a sin. Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed were the tips to becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman. This book is a great study book for Christian women who are striving for excellence in the eyes of God

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming a Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Heald was published 30 years ago, and now has been updated for a 30th year edition with extra commentary from the author after 30 years. It was a short book, a little over 100 pages, but it was packed. I really enjoyed the study and will loan it out to many other girls, as it was thought-provoking. My only complaints about it are the 1) The Bible verse references are printed, but the reader has to go and look up the verses themselves, which requires having a Bible right there. It's not a huge deal, but it made the reading choppier. 2) There isn't a lot of space to write thoughts and answers to questions, but there's just enough space to make it look like the reader is supposed to write in the book. Otherwise, I thought this was a very inspiring book, and I enjoyed it. I didn't have a group to study it with, so I read a chapter a day, if anyone is wondering how much to do when going through it alone. :)

Thank you so much to Tyndale publishers for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive, nor was I compensated in anyway aside from receiving the book.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world has a completely different view of what it means to succeed and be a woman of excellence that God does. The author has taken an in-depth look at God's idea of excellence and what it means to us as woman. She begins by defining exactly what excellence means. There are questions, tons of scripture, and thoughts from the author to tie everything together. Each chapter is a little bit different, but has the feel of an in-depth Bible study. There is also a guide for Bible study leaders at the back.

This is an excellent book. I loved the layout, topic, author's comments, and how deep she went with the scripture. While I definitely enjoyed working through this study on my own, it would make an excellent book for a women's small group Bible study. The beautiful cover, thinner pages, and lots of space for writing also make this visually pleasing, so this would be a great gift as well. Overall, I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a women's study guide.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Toccara Feliciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am starting my review on a title I received through Tyndale House. I enjoy blogging for this publishing company. The title is Becoming a Woman of Excellence 30th Anniversary Revised &Updated. This is in a devotional and study guide format so I am pretty excited. I enjoyed the daily devotions and the questions. I also love that it had some updated insight and wisdom 30 years later from the author. I felt that the devotions were lengthy enough and scriprure references were good. This was a great devotion to help with the older and younger part of the author wherr she had learned some lessons ans is now sharing with the readers.

I would recommend this Devotional and book to young women ans older women. I am in my mid thirties so it helped me and i could agree in both aspects. This is a devotion you can go back to years later and benefit. I love the history of this devotional and the fact that there is someone that can attest to what she has written from then and now 30 years later.

Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Cynthia Heald group devotational book we have used. We all agree we like the "Becoming a woman of purpose" better. I think our group of 9-12 women have grown through this study. We all seem to have different versions of the Bible and have a different leader each week. I feel this study is busy done with more than yourself. It is so hard to find a common book that keeps us interesting and with material to apply to our daily lives. I don't think we will choose another Cynthia Heald although the amount of time involved each week is just about perfect.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finally "quit work," leaving the business world for a world of homemaking, tutoring, family management, and volunteer service, a friend of mine recommended I read this book. I found it a good manual for how to be a lover of God first and a lover of my family second. While I do not claim to have achieved this goal, I aspire to it. I enjoyed reading all the practical tips for becoming the Proverbs 31 woman and, at the same time, becoming a woman who, like King David, understood God's heart.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 30th anniversary edition of this book, so it is a pretty popular book. So far what I have gotten from this book is a very in depth, multiple question, Bible study. I love the organization of this book and the many verse references. I love the "thoughts and reflections from an older woman" sections. Great advice, good Bible backing on the topics, and truly shows you the Biblical meaning of a woman of excellence.



Highly recommend!


"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book due to being invited over to a women's bible study with some old friends (that are now enstranged ) This book is considered a re-read since it has been a long time since I last read this book. This book made me realize the type of mind set that I had for Christ while I was still a young adult. When reading this book as you get older, this makes you realize that we women need to strive for excellence.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the study. I just finished one of the older versions. The only problem I have is that I think she takes some verses out of context. But I have to remind myself that she is still human. If I were doing it on my own I wouldn't have liked it as much, however I did it with my grandma and she had some really good insight. I suggest that if you want to do this study to possibly do it with a friend or mentor.

[Sherri Puzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my review. I had read one previous book by Cynthia Heald but had never done any of her Bible studies. I really, really enjoyed this one. There's no cheesy devotional story; it's just Scripture and good questions with space to answer and reflect. I loved the format and content of this study so much that I ordered another one of her studies that I'm about to start.