Proverbs 31:9-19

9 Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

10 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.

12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

14 She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

15 She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

16 She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

19 She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

Proverbs 31:9-19 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.