Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31: The Proverbs 31 Woman

The acrostic poem of the courageous wife (vv. 10–31) paints a picture of the woman a good king should marry.

This woman is strong and heroic, and Lemuel’s mother taught him that she is “more precious than jewels” (v. 10). Her bride-price would be exceptionally high. She is considered a teacher, known for her wisdom and kindness, and, like her mother-in-law, she shares her insight with others (v. 26). Her expertise spans from successfully managing her own business (vv. 18, 24), to buying real estate then farming the land (v. 16), to wisely handling issues in her household (v. 27). Her business endeavors provide essentials to her community, including clothing (v. 24) and food (v. 16).

How the Proverbs 31 Woman Does It All

The Proverbs 31 Woman’s wide-ranging achievements greatly exceed anything allowed to most women in Mesopotamia during this time period (Walton, Matthews, Chavalas, 570).

Her freedom likely stems from two sources. First is her privileged status in the nobility—she and her husband, who is the king, wear expensive purple or scarlet clothing (vv. 21–22), and she has maidservants (v. 15). Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, she has a husband who cherishes her (vv. 28–29) and allows her to reach her full potential.

The king’s wife contributes substantially to the economy and well-being of both her family and community. She is dressed appropriately for hard work (literally “she girds her loins”), and her arms are strong and capable (v. 17). The line associated with the Hebrew letter waw (v. 15) can be translated “and she arises [like a lioness] while it is still night to provide prey for her household” (Collection VII). This woman, like her husband, “reaches out her hands” to the poor and needy (v. 20), who benefit from her diligence and profits. She ensures that her children and husband are clothed warmly in expensive cloth, protected from the snow (v. 21).

In her many pursuits, she does not neglect her husband and children. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (v. 28). Because she is not lazy or idle (v. 27), and because she fears God (v. 30), she laughs at the future, knowing she is well-prepared and well-loved (v. 25). The call to “give her the fruit of her hands” (v.31) echoes through the centuries—give her equal pay for her work. Similar to the beautiful and costly cloth, she is clothed in strength and dignity (v. 25), and she joins her husband to promote justice and righteousness in their land.

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