Proverbs 30:23

23 A hated woman when she is married; and a servant-girl who takes the place of her master's wife.

Proverbs 30:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 30:23

For an odious [woman], when she is married
Odious for her person, her ugliness, and the deformity of her body; or rather for the ill qualities of her mind, which, while single, she endeavours to conceal, but, being married, hides them no longer; but becomes imperious, proud, scornful, and malicious, and behaves in an ill natured way to her husband and all about her, to such a degree, that there is no bearing the place where she is; and an handmaid, that is heir to her mistress;
that has got so much into her affections that she leaves all she has to her when she dies, which makes her insufferably proud and vain; or she marries her master after the death of her mistress, and so coming into her place enjoys all she had, but only her wisdom and humility; which being wanting, she behaves in such a manner as to make the whole family uneasy. This might be exemplified in the case of Hagar, the bondmaid of Sarah, a type of those that are under the law of works, and seek the inheritance by it; and who trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others, ( Genesis 16:4-6 ) ( 21:10 ) ( Galatians 4:24-31 ) .

Proverbs 30:23 In-Context

21 For three things the earth is moved, and there are four which it will not put up with:

22 A servant when he becomes a king; a man without sense when his wealth is increased;

23 A hated woman when she is married; and a servant-girl who takes the place of her master's wife.

24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are very wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong, but they put by a store of food in the summer;