30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, Is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
For, "All flesh is like grass, And all of man's glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls;
They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, In those who hope in his loving kindness.
Now in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
But the midwives feared God, and didn't do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive. The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?" The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them." God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty. It happened, because the midwives feared God, that he gave them families.
For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.
that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ--
but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, For he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very angry, and his anger burned in him.
This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
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.