Proverbs 31:15-25

15 She gets up while it is still night, and gives meat to her family, and their food to her servant-girls.

16 After looking at a field with care, she gets it for a price, planting a vine-garden with the profit of her work.

17 She puts a band of strength round her, and makes her arms strong.

18 She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night.

19 She puts her hands to the cloth-working rod, and her fingers take the wheel.

20 Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.

21 She has no fear of the snow for her family, for all those in her house are clothed in red.

22 She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple.

23 Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.

24 She makes linen robes and gets a price for them, and traders take her cloth bands for a price.

25 Strength and self-respect are her clothing; she is facing the future with a smile.

Proverbs 31:15-25 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.