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Proverbs 31

World English Bible

WEB

1The words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him: 2“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! 3Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ 5lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul. 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.” 10Who can find a worthy woman? For her value is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. 12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands. 14She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. 15She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls. 16She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. 18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. 19She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue. 27She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.” 30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs 31 is a profound chapter that concludes the Book of Proverbs with a focus on wisdom and the ideal woman, often referred to as the 'Proverbs 31 Woman.' The chapter begins with the wise advice of King Lemuel, which he received from his mother. She cautions him against the dangers of excessive drinking and encourages him to defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs31:1-9). This sets the tone for a life of integrity and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of leadership that serves others, particularly those who are vulnerable in society. The call to justice and righteousness resonates throughout the chapter, reminding us of our duty to uphold these values in our own lives as followers of Christ.

The latter part of the chapter provides a detailed description of a virtuous woman (Proverbs31:10-31). This woman is depicted as strong, capable, and industrious, managing her household with wisdom and grace. She is praised for her entrepreneurial spirit, as she engages in trade and provides for her family. Her strength and dignity are highlighted, and she is characterized by her fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of her wisdom. The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised, emphasizing that true beauty and worth are found in a life devoted to God. This passage serves as an encouragement for both women and men to aspire to godly character and to recognize the value of wisdom in all aspects of life.

In summary, Proverbs 31 not only celebrates the qualities of a virtuous woman but also calls all believers to live lives marked by integrity, service, and reverence for God. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to seek wisdom that leads to a fruitful and honorable existence.

#Proverbs #Wisdom #VirtuousWoman #Integrity #FearOfTheLord

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Referenced by

  1. Ruth 2:23v27Ruth 2:23 highlights Ruth's diligence in working through the barley and wheat harvests, akin to the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:27, who watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
  2. Ruth 3:11v10Ruth 3:11 describes Ruth as a 'worthy woman,' which echoes the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10, highlighting her noble character.
  3. Job 29:25v23Job 29:25 describes Job as a leader and comforter, similar to the husband in Proverbs 31:23 who is respected at the city gate, indicating a position of honor and leadership.
  4. Psalms 128:3v28Psalm 128:3 describes a fruitful wife and children as blessings. Proverbs 31:28 also speaks of a virtuous wife whose children rise up and call her blessed.

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