Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband confideth in her, and he shall have no lack of spoil.

12 She doeth him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships: she bringeth her food from afar;

15 And she riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and the day's work to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and acquireth it; of the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night.

19 She putteth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the afflicted, and she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverlets; her clothing is byssus and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh body linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laugheth [at] the coming day.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She surveyeth the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her:

29 Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excellest them all.

30 Gracefulness is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman [that] feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31 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]. As ch. 3.15.
• [b]. Or 'daily provision:' see Note d, Ex. 12.24.
• [c]. Lit. 'palms' here and in Num. 5.18.
• [d]. Lit. 'palms.' see Note l, v. 13.
• [e]. See ch. 7.16.
• [f]. Or 'linen.'
• [g]. Not the same word as that marked b in vers. 19 and 20.