Proverbs, 31

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Proverbs 31 presents a beautiful picture of a woman of virtue, who is praised for her many accomplishments and admirable character traits. She is described as a diligent worker, a wise and compassionate wife, a loving mother, a successful businesswoman, and a generous benefactor to those in need. Her example inspires admiration and respect, and her worth is praised above rubies.

Proverbs, 31

31
verses
●
3
min

Bible version

The Virtuous Woman

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in 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 arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Commentary

The final chapter of Proverbs is a fitting conclusion to a book that is full of practical wisdom for everyday life. It provides a powerful image of the ideal woman, which has been an inspiration for generations of readers. While some may argue that this portrayal is overly idealized and unrealistic, it nevertheless conveys a powerful message about the value of hard work, wisdom, and compassion. The virtuous woman is a model of excellence in many areas of life, and her example reminds us of the potential for greatness that lies within all of us. As we strive to embody the qualities that make her so admirable, we can bring blessings to ourselves and those around us.

Meet the heroes of Proverbs, 31

Lemuel
Lemuel
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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Proverbs, chapter 31 it would take approximately 3 minutes to finish.

There are 31 verses in Proverbs, chapter 31.