Proverbs 31:10-31

The Virtues of a Noble Woman

10 A wife ^[a] of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.

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

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

16 She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself ^[b] with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

18 She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. ^[c]

22 She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

29 “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
• [b]. Hebrew She girds her loins
• [c]. Or doubly clothed