11 The heart H3820 of her husband H1167 doth safely trust H982 in her, so that he shall have no need H2637 of spoil. H7998
And she said H559 unto her husband, H376 Behold now, I perceive H3045 that this is an holy H6918 man H376 of God, H430 which passeth H5674 by us continually. H8548 Let us make H6213 a little H6996 chamber, H5944 I pray thee, on the wall; H7023 and let us set H7760 for him there a bed, H4296 and a table, H7979 and a stool, H3678 and a candlestick: H4501 and it shall be, when he cometh H935 to us, that he shall turn H5493 in thither.
And she called H7121 unto her husband, H376 and said, H559 Send H7971 me, I pray thee, one H259 of the young men, H5288 and one H259 of the asses, H860 that I may run H7323 to the man H376 of God, H430 and come again. H7725 And he said, H559 Wherefore wilt thou go H1980 to him to day? H3117 it is neither new moon, H2320 nor sabbath. H7676 And she said, H559 It shall be well. H7965
Likewise, G3668 ye wives, G1135 be in subjection G5293 to your own G2398 husbands; G435 that, G2443 if any G1536 obey not G544 the word, G3056 they G2770 also G2532 may G2770 without G427 the word G3056 be won G2770 by G1223 the conversation G391 of the wives; G1135 While they behold G2029 your G5216 chaste G53 conversation G391 coupled with G1722 fear. G5401 Whose G3739 adorning G2889 let it G2077 not G3756 be G2077 that outward G1855 adorning of plaiting G1708 the hair, G2359 and G2532 of wearing G4025 of gold, G5553 or G2228 of putting on G1745 of apparel; G2440 But G235 let it be the hidden G2927 man G444 of the heart, G2588 in G1722 that which is not corruptible, G862 even the ornament of a meek G4239 and G2532 quiet G2272 spirit, G4151 which G3739 is G2076 in the sight G1799 of God G2316 of great price. G4185 For G1063 after this manner G3779 in the old time G4218 the holy G40 women G1135 also, G2532 who G3588 trusted G1679 in G1909 God, G2316 adorned G2885 themselves, G1438 being in subjection G5293 unto their own G2398 husbands: G435 Even as G5613 Sara G4564 obeyed G5219 Abraham, G11 calling G2564 him G846 lord: G2962 whose G3739 daughters G5043 ye are, G1096 as long as ye do well, G15 and G2532 are G5399 not G3361 afraid G5399 with any G3367 amazement. G4423 Likewise, G3668 ye husbands, G435 dwell with G4924 them according to G2596 knowledge, G1108 giving G632 honour G5092 unto the wife, G1134 as G5613 unto the weaker G772 vessel, G4632 and G2532 as G5613 being heirs together G4789 of the grace G5485 of life; G2222 that G1519 your G5216 prayers G4335 be G1581 not G3361 hindered. G1581
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 31
Commentary on Proverbs 31 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 31
Pr 31:1-31.
1. On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see Introduction.
prophecy—(See on Pr 30:1).
2. What, my son?—that is, What shall I say? Repetitions denote earnestness.
son of my womb—as our phrase, "my own son," a term of special affection.
son of my vows—as one dedicated to God; so the word "Lemuel" may mean.
3-9. Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.
strength—mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.
thy ways—or course of life.
to that … kings—literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare Pr 5:9; 7:22, 27; Ho 4:11).
4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Pr 20:1; 22:29).
pervert … afflicted—They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (compare Ps 104:15).
8, 9. Open … cause—Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (compare Ps 72:12; Isa 1:17).
appointed to destruction—who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (compare Pr 29:14, 16).
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
Who … woman—The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14).
virtuous—literally, "of strength," that is, moral courage (compare Pr 12:4; Ru 3:11).
her price, &c.—(compare Pr 3:15).
11. heart … trust in her—He relies on her prudence and skill.
no need of spoil—does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war.
12. do … good—contribute good to him.
13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands; and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise.
15. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering wealth;
16. and hence has means to purchase property.
17, 18. To energy she adds a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful industry. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (compare Pr 24:20) is not short lived.
19. No work, however mean, if honest, is disdained.
20. Industry enables her to be charitable.
21. scarlet—or, "purple," by reason of the dyes used, the best fabrics; as a matter of taste also; the color suits cold.
22. coverings of tapestry—or, "coverlets," that is, for beds.
silk—or, "linen" (compare Ex 26:1; 27:9)
and purple—that is, the most costly goods.
23. in the gates—(compare Pr 22:22). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in public dignity.
24. fine linen—or, "linen shirts," or the material for them.
girdles—were often costly and highly valued (2Sa 18:11).
delivereth—or, "giveth as a present" or "to sell."
25. Strength and honour—Strong and beautiful is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honorable.
shall rejoice … come—in confidence of certain maintenance.
26. Her conversation is wise and gentle.
27. (Compare 1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:5). She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control.
28. She is honored by those who best know her.
29. The words are those of her husband, praising her.
virtuously—(Compare Pr 31:10).
30. Favour—or, "Grace" of personal manner.
beauty—of face, or form (compare Pr 11:22). True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection (1Pe 3:3).
31. The result of her labor is her best eulogy. Nothing can add to the simple beauty of this admirable portrait. On the measure of its realization in the daughters of our own day rest untold results, in the domestic, and, therefore, the civil and religious, welfare of the people.