Proverbs 31:13-23

13 "She seeks out wool and linen [with care] and works with willing hands.

14 She is like merchant ships. She brings her food from far away.

15 She wakes up while it is still dark and gives food to her family and portions of food to her female slaves.

16 "She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned.

17 She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy.

18 She sees that she is making a good profit. Her lamp burns late at night.

19 "She puts her hands on the distaff, and her fingers hold a spindle.

20 She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people.

21 She does not fear for her family when it snows because her whole family has a double layer of clothing.

22 She makes quilts for herself. Her clothes are [made of] linen and purple cloth.

23 "Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.

Proverbs 31:13-23 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.