Proverbs 31:16

16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.^[a]

Proverbs 31:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:16

She considereth a field, and buyeth it
The field are the Scriptures, in which are hid the rich treasures of Gospel doctrines and promises; and the church, and all truly enlightened persons, consider to what use this field may be put, to what account it will turn; how profitable the Scriptures are, for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness; what a rich mine and valuable treasure is in them; things more desirable, and of greater worth, than thousands of gold and silver; and therefore will buy this field at any rate, and not sell it; will part with all they have before they will part with that; even life itself, which in an improper sense is called buying of it, though it is without money and without price; see ( Matthew 13:44 ) ; with the fruit of her hand she planteth a vineyard;
her own vineyard, whose plants are an orchard of pomegranates, ( Song of Solomon 1:6 ) ( 4:13 ) ; who through the ministry of the word, are planted in the house of the Lord, and flourish there; this the church is said to do by her ministers, who plant and water, as Paul and Apollos did, ( 1 Corinthians 3:6 1 Corinthians 3:7 ) . And it is observable, that in the Hebrew text there is a double reading; the "Keri", or marginal reading, is feminine; but the "Cetib", or writing, is masculine; to show that she did it by means of men, she made use of in her vineyard for that service; it being, as Aben Ezra observes, not the custom and business of women to plant vineyards, but men. It may be rendered, "he planted", and be applied to her husband, Christ; who, through the ministry of the word in his church, plants souls in it; and happy are they who are the planting of the Lord! trees of righteousness, that he may be glorified, ( Isaiah 61:3 ) .

Proverbs 31:16 In-Context

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.

15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants.

16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.

17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.

18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or vineyard by her own labors