Proverbs 31 Study Notes

31:16-17 It requires tremendous strength to earn the extra money to buy a vineyard, then to clear it of stones, plant the vines, dig a winepress, and build a tower to protect it (Is 5:2).

31:18 The burning lamp symbolizes long life and prosperity (20:20).

31:19 The spinning staff and spindle were used to make thread and to twist it into yarn.

31:20 Her devotion is not only to her family but also to her community.

31:21 If the Masoretic Text reading “dressed in scarlet” is correct, it implies warm wool, since linen does not readily accept dye.

31:22 These bed coverings were probably for comfort and decoration (7:16). Fine linen may have been imported from Egypt, and purple dye came from Phoenicia (Ezk 27:7).

31:23 On gates, see note at 24:7. She enabled her husband to sit among the elders, a respected local authority.

31:24 She sells everything, from the inner linen garments that are put on first, to the outer belt or sash.

31:25 She has strength like the young and honor like the old (20:29).

31:26 Her instruction arises out of wisdom and love (Hb chesed, see note at 19:22).

31:27 She is noted for vigilance and diligence. Is never idle is literally “does not eat the food of idleness.” She is no sluggard.

31:28-31 Here the wife is recognized and rewarded for her character and works. Even if all the rare noble women were gathered, her husband says she would surpass them. Charm is grace or favor (11:16; 22:1), and beauty is outward appearance (6:25; Ezk 16:14); both are temporary (see “fraud” in note at Pr 13:11). The end reward of wisdom depends on its beginning: the fear of the Lord (see 1:7; 9:10; 15:33 and notes there).