Proverbs 31:10-31

10 A woman of worth who doth find? Yea, far above rubies [is] her price.

11 The heart of her husband hath trusted in her, And spoil he lacketh not.

12 She hath done him good, and not evil, All days of her life.

13 She hath sought wool and flax, And with delight she worketh [with] her hands.

14 She hath been as ships of the merchant, From afar she bringeth in her bread.

15 Yea, she riseth while yet night, And giveth food to her household, And a portion to her damsels.

16 She hath considered a field, and taketh it, From the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard.

17 She hath girded with might her loins, And doth strengthen her arms.

18 She hath perceived when her merchandise [is] good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.

19 Her hands she hath sent forth on a spindle, And her hands have held a distaff.

20 Her hand she hath spread forth to the poor, Yea, her hands she sent forth to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of her household from snow, For all her household are clothed [with] scarlet.

22 Ornamental coverings she hath made for herself, Silk and purple [are] her clothing.

23 Known in the gates is her husband, In his sitting with elders of the land.

24 Linen garments she hath made, and selleth, And a girdle she hath given to the merchant.

25 Strength and honour [are] her clothing, And she rejoiceth at a latter day.

26 Her mouth she hath opened in wisdom, And the law of kindness [is] on her tongue.

27 She [is] watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.

28 Her sons have risen up, and pronounce her happy, Her husband, and he praiseth her,

29 `Many [are] the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone up above them all.'

30 The grace [is] false, and the beauty [is] vain, A woman fearing Jehovah, she may boast herself.

31 Give ye to her of the fruit of her hands, And her works do praise her in the gates!

Proverbs 31:10-31 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.