Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.
11 Her husband trusts her from his heart, and she will prove a great asset to him.
12 She works to bring him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She procures a supply of wool and flax and works with willing hands.
14 She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.
15 It's still dark when she rises to give food to her household and orders to the young women serving her.
16 She considers a field, then buys it, and from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She gathers her strength around her and throws herself into her work.
18 She sees that her business affairs go well; her lamp stays lit at night.
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!"
30 Charm can lie, beauty can vanish, but a woman who fears ADONAI should be praised.
31 Give her a share in what she produces; let her works speak her praises at the city gates.

Images for Proverbs 31:10-31

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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.