Proverbs 31:10-31

The competent wife

10 A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls.

11 Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs.

12 She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life.

13 She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands.

14 She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance.

15 She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants.

16 She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.

17 She works energetically; her arms are powerful.

18 She realizes that her trading is successful; she doesn't put out her lamp at night.

19 She puts her hands to the spindle; her palms grasp the whorl.

20 She reaches out to the needy; she stretches out her hands to the poor.

21 She doesn't fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes.

22 She makes bedspreads for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing.

23 Her husband is known in the city gates when he sits with the elders of the land.

24 She makes garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to traders.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future.

26 Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. she doesn't eat the food of laziness.

27 She is vigilant over the activities of her household;

28 Her children bless her; her husband praises her:

29 "Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!"

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

31 Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city 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]. LXX; MT the path of the trail