Proverbs 30:23

23 under an unloved woman when she gets married, and a maid when she succeeds her mistress.

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 Under three [things] the earth trembles, and under four, it is not able to bear up:

22 under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied [with] food;

23 under an unloved woman when she gets married, and a maid when she succeeds her mistress.

24 There [are] four small things on the earth, and they [are] {exceedingly wise}:

25 The ants [are] a people [who are] not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;