Proverbs 31:23

23 And her husband becomes a distinguished in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.

Proverbs 31:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:23

Her husband is known in the gates
Of the city, where courts of justice were kept, and causes heard and tried by the judges, the elders of the land, later mentioned; among whom the husband of the virtuous woman was, where he was known, taken notice of, and celebrated; not so much for the beautiful garments she made him, as Jarchi; but rather for his wisdom, as Gersom, and for being the husband of such a woman; who, taking such care of his domestic affairs, he was more at leisure to attend public business, and transact it with reputation. Christ is the husband of the church in general, and of particular churches, and of every private believer; he fell in love with them, asked them of his Father, and betrothed them to himself; and is a kind, tender, loving, and sympathizing husband to his church and people; that nourishes and cherishes them, and provides all things for them, and interests them in all he has: and he is "known" by them, in the dignity of his person, in the excellency of his offices, and the fulness of his grace; he is known by them in the relation of an husband; he is well known in the church of God, in the assembly of his saints, ( Psalms 76:1 ) ; he is known in the gates of Zion, in the public ministering of the word and ordinances; his name is celebrated, it becomes great and famous, wherever his Gospel is preached in the world; he is,

``known in the provinces,''

as the Targum; or,

``among the cities,''

as the Syriac version; among the nations of the world, in the cities of the Gentiles; as he will be, even from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, ( Malachi 1:11 ) ; when he sitteth among the elders of the land;
when he sits in his house, at his table, circled by his saints, his ancient ones; or as King, head, and husband of his people, on his throne in the church, encompassed with, the four and twenty elders, the representatives of Gospel churches, ( Revelation 4:2-4 ) . And especially when he shall take to himself his great power, and reign gloriously before his ancients, the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, and all his saints, which will come with him; whom he has loved with an everlasting love; who were chosen in him before the foundation of the world; and had grace given them, in him, before the world began, ( Isaiah 24:23 ) ; and when he shall come to judge the world, and will appear in great glory, and be seen and known of all; and shall sit on his throne of glory, and his elders also, sitting on twelve thrones, judging the tribes of Israel, ( Matthew 19:28 ) ; so Ambrose interprets it of the universal judgment.

Proverbs 31:23 In-Context

21 Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.

22 She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.

23 And her husband becomes a distinguished in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.

24 She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.

25 She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.