Proverbs 31:19-29

19 She puts her hands to the staff with the flax; her fingers hold the spinning rod.

20 She reaches out to embrace the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; since all of them are doubly clothed.

22 She makes her own quilts; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 Clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.

26 When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely; on her tongue is loving instruction.

27 She watches how things go in her house, not eating the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise; they make her happy; her husband too, as he praises her:

29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you surpass them all!"

Proverbs 31:19-29 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.