Proverbs 30:23

23 A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who 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 For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up:

22 For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food,

23 A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

24 There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer;