
Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
-42% $6.99$6.99
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
Save with Used - Very Good
$1.32$1.32
$3.98 delivery March 6 - 8
Ships from: glenthebookseller Sold by: glenthebookseller

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Becoming a Woman of Excellence 30th Anniversary Edition (Bible Studies: Becoming a Woman) Paperback – July 19, 2016
Purchase options and add-ons
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 includes:
- Thought-provoking questions for discussion or personal study
- Space to journal your reflections and prayers
- Abundant Scripture research to help you dive deeper into God’s Word
- Short devotionals to inspire and encourage your spirit
- New thoughts and reflections from author Cynthia Heald, 30 years later
- Print length176 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNavPress
- Publication dateJuly 19, 2016
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.6 x 8.1 inches
- ISBN-101631465643
- ISBN-13978-1631465642
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed
From the Publisher


Over 3.5 Million Sold in the Series
The Becoming A Woman series by a bestselling author and Navigator Cynthia Heald has helped women grow up into Christ's fullest blessings. God calls all of us to be women who are able to live in His excellence, strength, grace, freedom, simplicity, faith, and more. Why not prayerfully consider one of these studies as a next step in building your relationship with God and becoming the woman He created you to be?
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Excellence
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Prayer
|
![]()
Becmoning a Woman Who Loves
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Purpose
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars 509
|
4.8 out of 5 stars 213
|
4.8 out of 5 stars 509
|
4.8 out of 5 stars 509
|
4.8 out of 5 stars 343
|
Price | $6.99$6.99 | $6.99$6.99 | $8.99$8.99 | $6.99$6.99 | $6.99$6.99 |
ISBN | 978-1-60006-004-5 | 978-1-57683-830-3 | 978-1-61521-023-7 | 978-1-57683-831-0 | 978-1-61521-634-7 |
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Faith
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Grace
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Freedom
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Simplicity
|
![]()
Becoming a Woman of Strength
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars 150
|
4.6 out of 5 stars 138
|
4.7 out of 5 stars 126
|
4.7 out of 5 stars 157
|
4.8 out of 5 stars 176
|
Price | $6.99$6.99 | $6.99$6.99 | $11.99$11.99 | $7.79$7.79 | $14.48$14.48 |
ISBN | 978-1-61521-021-3 | 978-1-61521-022-0 | 978-1-57683-829-7 | 978-1-60006-663-4 | 978-1-61521-620-8 |

Features
Suitable for group or individual study and for women of all ages, either married or single.
Each book contains 11 complete lessons; DVDs available for some studies but not required.
Heart-felt encouragement from a woman who has spent her life discipling other women.
Each promise and principal built upon the Word of God.
Ample space for writing out answers, reflections, and note taking.
Questions and exercises generate conversation and sharing.
Includes personal thoughts and reflections from the author.
Editorial Reviews
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Becoming a Woman of Excellence
By Cynthia HealdNavPress
Copyright © 2016 Cynthia HealdAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-63146-564-2
Contents
Preface, vii,Preface to the 30th Anniversary Edition, ix,
Suggestions for Using This Study, xi,
PART ONE: The Goal,
CHAPTER 1: Excellence: A Goal Worth Pursuing, 3,
CHAPTER 2: Excellence: God's Character, 15,
CHAPTER 3: Excellence: Becoming Like Christ, 29,
PART TWO: The Cost,
CHAPTER 4 Excellence: Rooted in Surrender, 43,
CHAPTER 5: Excellence: Exemplified by Obedience, 55,
PART THREE: The Prize,
CHAPTER 6: Excellence: Molded by Discipline, 71,
CHAPTER 7: Excellence: Guarded by Discretion, 85,
CHAPTER 8: Excellence: Made Precious by a Gentle and Quiet Spirit, 97,
CHAPTER 9: Excellence: Perfected by Purity, 109,
CHAPTER 10: Excellence: Proclaimed by Wisdom, 125,
PART FOUR: The Praise,
CHAPTER 11: Excellence. Portrayed in the Life of a Godly Woman, 139,
A Guide for Bible Study Leaders, 149,
About the Author, 153,
Notes, 157,
CHAPTER 1
Excellence: A Goal worth pursuing
* * *
This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. PHILIPPIANS 1:9-10
ONE DAY WHILE READING THE OLD TESTAMENT book of Ruth, I was touched by the words that Boaz spoke to Ruth: "All my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence" (Ruth 3:11).
The description surprised me. I had always thought that excellence indicated success or high achievement or perfection. But here the word was used to describe a woman who was destitute. Ruth was a widow, a foreigner, and her life was what we would consider hand-to-mouth. She provided for herself and her mother-in-law by working in the fields, gleaning the grain that the harvesters missed.
So what was it about Ruth that made Boaz describe her as a woman of excellence?
If we look at the whole story, we learn that Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Elimelech and Naomi. When a severe famine struck the land of Israel, Elimelech and his family moved from their hometown of Bethlehem to nearby Moab, where the sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After a number of years, Elimelech and both of his sons died. When Naomi heard that the famine was over in Judah, she decided to return to her home. She encouraged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab with their families, but Ruth loved Naomi and Naomi's God and chose instead to go with her mother-in-law, despite the fact that Naomi was heartbroken and downcast.
After arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth gleaned in the fields of Elimelech's relative Boaz, who greeted her as she worked. He had heard that she had refused to stay in her homeland because she was committed to her mother-in-law, and he was impressed by her loyalty.
He also knew that other people in the town considered her a virtuous woman, a woman of noble character. Ruth's selflessness in "approving the things that are excellent" earned her the reputation of being a woman of excellence, of strength, and of worth.
* THE SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE
1. Most people define excellence as the quality of being very good at something, being the highest and the best, something that is superior, or the quality of being virtuous. What words or thoughts would you add to those definitions of excellence?
2. How is excellence evaluated in today's culture? Where do we see these evaluations most often?
3. How does the Christian community define and measure excellence?
* * *
The church is in almost as much trouble as the culture, for the church has bought into the same value system: fame, success, materialism, and celebrity. We watch the leading churches and the leading Christians for our cues.
CHARLES COLSON
* BIBLICAL VIEW OF EXCELLENCE
The word translated "excellent" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word diaphero, which literally means "to transport" or "to differ." Scripture translations also render the word as "best," "vital," "the better things," or "the highest and best."
The Hebrew word translated "excel" in Proverbs 31:29 is alah, which means "to ascend."
Both of these words are used to encourage us to ascend, to transport or to carry above the norm, to be different through the qualities of virtue and goodness.
4. Our culture tends to honor wealth, talent, beauty, success, and achievement. What are the qualities the following verses suggest we should cultivate in order to please God?
ROMANS 12:1-2
JAMES 1:27
1 JOHN 2:15-17
5. The following three Scripture passages give a biblical view of excellence and suggest a number of possible synonyms for the concept of excellence. Read each passage and record your thoughts about how these amplifications help, whether you are single or married, in your understanding of excellence.
RUTH 3:11 [AMPC] — All my people in the city know that you are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability).
PROVERBS 12:4 (AMPC) — A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband.
PROVERBS 31:10 (AMPC) — A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her?
My thoughts on the meaning and manifestation of excellence:
6. What do the following verses teach about our pursuit of the "highest and best" and how we can "approve the things that are excellent"?
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31
PHILIPPIANS 1:9-10
PHILIPPIANS 4:8
7. If the goal of our pursuit of excellence is not clear, we risk losing sight of what it is we're pursuing or desiring. The following Scripture passages give specific guidelines for how we should pursue growth and excellence in our walk with God. What does each passage tell us to do?
MATTHEW 22:36-39
2 TIMOTHY 2:15
2 PETER 1:3-8, especially verses 5-7
8. From the verses you've studied so far, how would you explain the biblical view of excellence to a friend?
* THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS FROM AN OLDER WOMAN
When I was a young girl, my mother told me many times, "If you are going to do anything, do it right!" This admonition was applied to everything from setting the table, to ironing a dress, to washing the dishes. My mom did not expect perfection, but her thought was that if I were to undertake a task, then I should do it to the best of my ability. I didn't realize it then, but early in my life I was being taught the value of excellence — of doing things well.
The year I celebrated my fortieth birthday was a pivotal one for me. The forty years had passed so quickly, and I realized that my life was probably half over! I reflected on my past — accepting Christ, graduating from college, marrying Jack, teaching English, and moving several times. I recalled the cooking, the cleaning, and the carpooling for four children. I concluded that my life was blessed and full and that I was right where I needed to be.
But I also realized that somewhere over the years, I had settled for a goal of mediocrity. I could identify with the secretary who had this sign over her desk: "Today I think I'll try to accomplish something ... like getting through it!" So at that stage in my life, I decided I wanted to embrace all that God might have for me in my remaining years.
As I read through the Scriptures that year with this new perspective, I was impressed and moved by Boaz's comment to Ruth about her excellence. I immediately realized that when she had decided to go and serve Naomi, she trusted God with her life. Ruth was not allowing her circumstances to dictate her behavior or responses. Commentator David Atkinson said this about Ruth's decision: "At the centre of this expression of love and commitment to Naomi — in journeying, in home, in family, in life and in death — is a commitment to share Naomi's God."
When Boaz first encountered Ruth, he blessed her by saying, "May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done" (Ruth 2:12, NLT). I feel that Ruth's goal was to seek first the Kingdom of God — something she could not do in Moab and something for which she was willing to sacrifice.
As I contemplated the qualities that produced her noble character, I silently prayed, Lord, I don't know how many years I have left, but I don't want to miss out on anything You have for me. For the rest of my life I want to be in the process of loving You with all my heart, soul, and mind, seeking first your Kingdom, and approving the things that are excellent in order to become a woman of excellence — for Your glory.
After this prayer of commitment, I decided that as much as possible, whenever I was faced with a choice or a response, I would ask myself, What would a woman of excellence do? or How would a woman of excellence respond? I encourage you to keep these questions in the forefront of your thinking, for they have been a great help in my daily pursuit of embracing excellence as a lifestyle.
* PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
9. Take a few minutes to reflect on your own life. How were you encouraged to excel? Were these ways a help or a hindrance to your understanding of excellence? Write your thoughts.
10. Read the following Scripture passages, and write about the one important truth you need to grasp in order to have God's best for your life.
MATTHEW 6:33
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
HEBREWS 6:1
Throughout our study we will explore not only God's call to excellence but also His provision, patience, and assurance that His power is perfected in weakness. From the beginning we need to realize that excellence is not perfection, but essentially a desire to be strong in the Lord and for the Lord. Oswald Chambers gave this perspective on excellence: "We have to realise that no effort can be too high, because Jesus says we are to be the children of our Father in heaven. It must be my utmost for His highest all the time and every time."
11. Review this chapter and record any insights that were especially meaningful to you in learning to become a woman of excellence. After thinking over the Scripture passages you've read, write down a goal you'd like to set for yourself in doing this study. A possible goal might be, "To understand how I can become a woman of excellence." The apostle Paul expressed one of his goals in 2 Corinthians 5:9: "Whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him" (NLT). Establishing a goal will help remind you of your purpose and commitment as you work through the study.
MY GOAL:
* A HEART FOR GOD'S WORD
Scripture memory enables us to remember our goals and to open our hearts to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. The psalmist David wrote, "I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart" (Psalm 40:8, NLT). Having God's Word in our hearts spurs us on to obey and to grow.
* * *
I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. That's right. No other single discipline is more useful and rewarding than this. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. ... Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.
CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
* SCRIPTURE MEMORY
PHILIPPIANS 1:9-10 — This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.
(Continues...)Excerpted from Becoming a Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Heald. Copyright © 2016 Cynthia Heald. Excerpted by permission of NavPress.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Product details
- Publisher : NavPress; Revised edition (July 19, 2016)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 176 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1631465643
- ISBN-13 : 978-1631465642
- Item Weight : 6.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.1 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #229,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,533 in Christian Bible Study Guides (Books)
- #1,731 in Christian Women's Issues
- #2,406 in Christian Devotionals (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Through her speaking engagements, books, and Bible studies, Cynthia Heald challenges women around the world to become more godly. She is the author of numerous books, including Living Wisely and the Becoming a Woman of Bible study series. She enjoys being with her family, reading books while sipping tea, and eating out. Cynthia and her husband, Jack, have served on the Navigator staff and live in Tucson, Arizona.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book a great Bible study that provides direction for their lives. They describe it as an easy read with lots of writing and verses relevant to the subject. The love story brings up many aspects of loving that customers had forgotten or hadn't thought about.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the Bible study helpful and transforming. They say it provides useful information and wisdom, encouraging readers to think and consider biblical verses. The study guide helps them consider the content and apply it to their lives.
"...The amount of wisdom and encouraging characteristics in this book make it a fantastic choice for a small group." Read more
"...Doctrinally sound and challenging, good for the mind and heart...." Read more
"...for women of all ages who want to grow in their faith and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus." Read more
"...It is well written and thought provoking. Depending on how much you put into the study depends on how life changing it will be for you...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and recommend it. They appreciate the well-written questions that help apply scriptures. The scripture references are easy to remember, making them easy to apply to daily life. Readers also mention that the book is interactive with reading the Bible and writing down scriptures.
"...The biblical foundation is strong, and the quotes were well chosen and very challenging. I saw so much spiritual growth in all of us...." Read more
"...They're also very personable and not overly technical, so if you have new believers or women who don't have time for an in depth "heavy" study,..." Read more
"We have a 16 member Women’s group working through this book. It is well written and thought provoking...." Read more
"My Bible Study group loved this book. Very insightful. It's an easy read but a lot of good, useful information...." Read more
Customers find the love story touching and insightful. It explores aspects of love that they had forgotten or never considered.
"...It was used in the book club I go to. It brought to the fore so many aspects of loving, many I had forgotten, or haven't thought about...." Read more
"Loved love in love" Read more
"Heart touching...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2018My small group at college went through this book this semester. I worried that it would feel stingy and not be received well by my girls (ages 18-23), but we all loved it. We were challenged in a lot of ways. The biblical foundation is strong, and the quotes were well chosen and very challenging. I saw so much spiritual growth in all of us. As a leader, it took me a while to find a good rhythm with the questions...there are a lot of verses you're supposed to summarize, so I tried having us read these or just having people read their answers. By the end of the semester, I made my own questions for each section, often pulling from observations from the verses, but rarely actually going through every one. I left that as an expectation for the girls to do on their own. The amount of wisdom and encouraging characteristics in this book make it a fantastic choice for a small group.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2019A small group I was in did this as a summer study. It's small enough to where the homework is not overwhelming, yet Cynthia Heald packs a lot of weight in these studies. Doctrinally sound and challenging, good for the mind and heart. These studies are usually 11 weeks, and we only had 8 weeks, so we doubled up on some of the chapters, and it was still manageable. It's great for smaller groups or to use individually. They're also very personable and not overly technical, so if you have new believers or women who don't have time for an in depth "heavy" study, theses are perfect. You can't go wrong with her studies, highly recommend. Can't wait till summer to do another one with the gals!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023As a young wife, I was highly impacted by this Bible study. Decades later as a pastor’s wife, this is my go to Bible study for women of all ages who want to grow in their faith and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023Reviewing for group study
- Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022We have a 16 member Women’s group working through this book. It is well written and thought provoking. Depending on how much you put into the study depends on how life changing it will be for you.
Our group is growing and blossoming from it. God is Great!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2022My Bible Study group loved this book. Very insightful. It's an easy read but a lot of good, useful information. I am planning to purchase more of the "Becoming" books.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024We're using it for a bible study book.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2017I completed this study 3 times with different groups of friends. It has been a very transforming study. I've also completed other studies by Cynthia Heald including, "Becoming A Women Whose God is Enough", and "Becoming a Women of Purpose." I would recommend this and other studies by Cynthia Heald to any woman who wants to grow stronger in godly character and attributes.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on January 21, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Great study book
This book was such a great book that inspired me to be a brighter light for God.