Proverbs 31:26

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom
When she opens her mouth, for it is not always open, she expresses herself in a discreet and prudent manner; as well as speaks of things not foolish and trifling, but of moment and importance, and of usefulness to others: or "concerning wisdom" F1; the church and people of Christ talk of the wisdom of God in the works of creation, providence, and redemption; of Christ, the Wisdom of God, and as made so to them; of the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom; and of wisdom in the hidden part, or the truth of grace in their souls; of their gracious experiences; nor will they suffer any foolish, filthy, and corrupt communication to proceed out of their mouths, but speak the pure language of Canaan; what is for the use of edifying, and being taken out of the Scriptures is profitable for instruction in righteousness; see ( Psalms 37:30 ) ; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness;
or "the law of love" F2, grace and mercy; which is the law of Christ, ( Galatians 6:2 ) ; speaking kindly and tenderly to everyone, exhorting to acts of mercy and kindness, and doing them herself: or "the doctrine of grace [is] in her tongue" F3; the Gospel, which is called the Gospel of the grace of God, and the grace of God itself; it is the doctrine of the grace and love of God the Father towards men in Christ, as it appears in their election in him and redemption by him; of the grace of Christ in his incarnation, sufferings, and death; and of the grace of the Spirit in regeneration, conversion, and sanctification; and which contains various doctrines of grace, as of justification, pardon of sin, and effectual calling; and of salvation itself, which is all of grace: and this doctrine of grace, in the several branches of it, the church, and all gracious souls, cannot forbear speaking of; it is often in their mouths, it dwells upon their tongues; and careful are they in other respects that their speech be seasoned with grace, and be such that ministers grace to the hearers, ( Ephesians 4:29 ) ( Colossians 3:6 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (hmkxb) "de sapientia", Mercerus.
F2 (dox trwt) "lex misericordiae", Montanus.
F3 "Instructio gratiae", Gejerus; "lex, vel doctrina gratiae", Cocceius, so the Targum; "doctrina benigniatis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Proverbs 31:26 In-Context

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles to the merchant.
25 Strength and honor [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue [is] the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

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