Proverbs 31:17-27

17 She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.

18 And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.

19 She reaches forth her arms to needful , and applies her hands to the spindle.

20 And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.

21 Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.

22 She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.

23 And her husband becomes a distinguished in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.

24 She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.

25 She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.

26 But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.

27 The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:17-27 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.