Proverbs 31:10-31

The Noble Wife

10 Who can find a noble wife? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband trusts her completely. She gives him all the important things he needs.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She chooses wool and flax. She loves to work with her hands.

14 She is like the ships of traders. She brings her food from far away.

15 She gets up while it is still dark. She provides food for her family. She also gives some to her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it. She uses some of the money she earns to plant a vineyard.

17 She gets ready to work hard. Her arms are strong.

18 She sees that her trading earns a lot of money. Her lamp doesn't go out at night.

19 With one hand she holds the wool. With the other she spins the thread.

20 She opens her arms to those who are poor. She reaches out her hands to those who are needy.

21 When it snows, she's not afraid for her family. All of them are dressed in the finest clothes.

22 She makes her own bed coverings. She is dressed in fine linen and purple clothes.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate. There he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen clothes and sells them. She supplies belts to the traders.

25 She puts on strength and honor as if they were her clothes. She can laugh at the days that are coming.

26 She speaks wisely. She teaches faithfully.

27 She watches over family matters. She is busy all the time.

28 Her children stand up and call her blessed. Her husband also rises up, and he praises her.

29 He says, "Many women do noble things. But you are better than all the others."

30 Charm can fool you. Beauty fades. But a woman who has respect for the LORD should be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned. Let everything she has done bring praise to her at the city gate.

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.