Proverbs 31:19-22

19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She ¹opens her hand to ²the poor and reaches out her hands to ³the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in ⁴scarlet.^[a]

22 She makes ⁵bed coverings for herself; her clothing is ⁶fine linen and ⁷purple.

Proverbs 31:19-22 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.

Cross References

• 1. [Romans 12:13; Ephesians 4:28]
• 2. [ver. 9]
• 3. [ver. 9]
• 4. 2 Samuel 1:24
• 5. Proverbs 7:16
• 6. Genesis 41:42; Revelation 19:8, 14
• 7. Judges 8:26

Footnotes

• [a]. Or in double thickness