Proverbs 31:25-31

25 Strength and honor are her clothing,^[a] and she can laugh at the time to come.^[b]

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction^[c] is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the activities of her household^[d] and is never idle.^[e]

28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

29 "Many women^[f] are capable, but you surpass them all!"^[g]

30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31 Give her the reward of her labor,^[h] and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Proverbs 31:25-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 31

This chapter contains the last part of the book of Proverbs; which some reckon the fifth, others the sixth. It contains the instructions of the mother of a prince, whose name was Lemuel, which she gave unto him; and which are so valuable, as to be annexed to the proverbs of Solomon. The preface or introduction to them is in Pr 31:1; the address to her son, Pr 31:2. The vices she cautions him against are uncleanness and intemperance; which she dissuades from, because of the pernicious consequences of both to kings and to their subjects, Pr 31:3-5. Advises rather to give wine and strong drink to poor people, such as are in distress; as being more useful to them, at least less prejudicial, Pr 31:6,7; and exhorts her son to the duties of his office; by pleading the cause of the poor and injured, and administering justice to them, Pr 31:8,9. And then at large describes a virtuous woman; perhaps designed as an instruction to her son in the choice of a wife, Pr 31:10-31; though more than that may be intended by it.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 31:17
• [b]. Pr 31:21
• [c]. Or and the teaching of kindness
• [d]. Pr 31:15
• [e]. Lit and does not eat the bread of idleness
• [f]. Lit daughters
• [g]. Pr 12:4; 31:10
• [h]. Lit the fruit of her hands