Proverbs 30:23

23 The third is a woman who is married but not loved by her husband. And the fourth is a woman servant who takes the place of the woman she works for.

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 shakes. Under four things it can't stand up.

22 The first is a servant who becomes a king. The second is a foolish person who is full of food.

23 The third is a woman who is married but not loved by her husband. And the fourth is a woman servant who takes the place of the woman she works for.

24 "Four things on earth are small. But they are very wise.

25 The first are ants. They aren't very strong. But they store up their food in the summer.