Proverbs 31:26

26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

Proverbs 31:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom
When she opens her mouth, for it is not always open, she expresses herself in a discreet and prudent manner; as well as speaks of things not foolish and trifling, but of moment and importance, and of usefulness to others: or "concerning wisdom" ^F1; the church and people of Christ talk of the wisdom of God in the works of creation, providence, and redemption; of Christ, the Wisdom of God, and as made so to them; of the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom; and of wisdom in the hidden part, or the truth of grace in their souls; of their gracious experiences; nor will they suffer any foolish, filthy, and corrupt communication to proceed out of their mouths, but speak the pure language of Canaan; what is for the use of edifying, and being taken out of the Scriptures is profitable for instruction in righteousness; see ( Psalms 37:30 ) ; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness;
or "the law of love" ^F2, grace and mercy; which is the law of Christ, ( Galatians 6:2 ) ; speaking kindly and tenderly to everyone, exhorting to acts of mercy and kindness, and doing them herself: or "the doctrine of grace [is] in her tongue" ^F3; the Gospel, which is called the Gospel of the grace of God, and the grace of God itself; it is the doctrine of the grace and love of God the Father towards men in Christ, as it appears in their election in him and redemption by him; of the grace of Christ in his incarnation, sufferings, and death; and of the grace of the Spirit in regeneration, conversion, and sanctification; and which contains various doctrines of grace, as of justification, pardon of sin, and effectual calling; and of salvation itself, which is all of grace: and this doctrine of grace, in the several branches of it, the church, and all gracious souls, cannot forbear speaking of; it is often in their mouths, it dwells upon their tongues; and careful are they in other respects that their speech be seasoned with grace, and be such that ministers grace to the hearers, ( Ephesians 4:29 ) ( Colossians 3:6 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (hmkxb) "de sapientia", Mercerus.
F2 (dox trwt) "lex misericordiae", Montanus.
F3 "Instructio gratiae", Gejerus; "lex, vel doctrina gratiae", Cocceius, so the Targum; "doctrina benigniatis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Proverbs 31:26 In-Context

24 She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: