Paul Washer once said, “My wife also doesn’t need to go to one of those silly women’s conferences that’s entitled, ‘If the world gives you lemons, learn how to make lemonade.’ My wife needs theology, because she’s a believer. And women grow in grace the same way men do: through the study of Scripture. Scripture.”
In a world that often reduces Christian teaching for women to feel-good advice or self-improvement strategies, Washer’s words cut through the noise with clarity. What believers—both men and women—truly need is not shallow inspiration, but the deep, soul-transforming truth of God’s Word.
Too often, Christian women are encouraged to pursue practical tips for life while theology is presented as something reserved for pastors or scholars. But the Bible makes no distinction between how men and women grow in grace. Scripture is for all believers, and it is the means by which we are strengthened, sanctified, and equipped to live godly lives. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, BSB). This is true for every follower of Christ—male or female.
Think of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus while Martha was distracted with many tasks (Luke 10:38-42). It wasn’t that serving was unimportant, but Jesus made it clear that Mary had chosen the better portion—to listen, to learn, to be filled with the truth that would sustain her soul. The same is true today. While practical encouragement has its place, nothing will strengthen a believer more than knowing God through His Word.
Washer’s words challenge us to examine what we prioritize. Are we feeding ourselves with Scripture, or are we settling for watered-down teaching? Do we encourage the women in our lives to go deeper into God’s Word, or do we assume that theology is something for someone else? The Bible is clear: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, BSB).
What we need—what our wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters need—is not just inspiration, but transformation. And that comes through knowing the true Jesus as seen in the Word of God.
Related Passages: Psalm 1:2-3, Colossians 3:16, John 17:17
Learn Christ 