What does Proverbs 31:10-31 mean?
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 31:10-31 is a passage often referred to as "The Virtuous Woman" or "The Proverbs 31 Woman." This passage is a beautiful and poetic description of the ideal godly woman, providing wisdom and guidance on how women should conduct themselves in their homes and communities.
In this passage, King Solomon, the author of the book of Proverbs, is imparting wisdom to his son, encouraging him to seek a woman of noble character. The passage begins with the question, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). This rhetorical question sets the stage for the rest of the passage, emphasizing the rarity and value of a woman of noble character.
The passage then goes on to describe the characteristics and actions of the virtuous woman. She is portrayed as a hardworking and capable individual who is deeply devoted to her family. She is a woman of strength and dignity, who is respected by her husband and children. She is also described as a woman of wisdom and kindness, who uses her skills to provide for her household and help those in need. Overall, the virtuous woman is praised for her integrity, work ethic, and selflessness.
One of the key themes in this passage is the value of a godly woman. The virtuous woman is described as being more precious than rubies, illustrating her worth and importance. This passage challenges societal norms and cultural expectations of women, emphasizing the significance of inner strength and character over outward appearances. It also reinforces the biblical teaching that women have an essential role to play in their families and communities, and that their contributions should be esteemed and valued.
Another important theme in this passage is the importance of hard work and dedication. The virtuous woman is portrayed as someone who is diligent and industrious, using her skills and talents to care for her family and home. She is not idle or apathetic, but instead, she is proactive and responsible. This serves as a reminder to women of the significance of their roles as caregivers and homemakers, and the impact of their efforts on the well-being of their families.
The context of this passage is significant as well. In ancient Israelite society, women were often seen as the primary caregivers and managers of the household. They were responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children, as well as contributing to the family's financial well-being. This passage highlights the integral role of women in the household and emphasizes the value of their labor and contributions.
Symbolism is infused throughout the passage as well. The virtuous woman is compared to rubies, highlighting her rarity and worth. Her strength and dignity are metaphorically described as clothing, emphasizing their importance in shaping her character. The lamp mentioned in the passage symbolizes her wisdom and guidance. Her willingness to reach out to the poor and needy is representative of her compassion and generosity.
In conclusion, Proverbs 31:10-31 is a profound and timeless passage that offers wisdom and guidance for women of all generations. It celebrates the value and significance of a godly woman, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, and selflessness. It challenges societal norms and cultural expectations, pointing to the biblical ideal of womanhood. This passage serves as an encouragement and exhortation for women to strive for noble character and to fulfill their essential roles in their families and communities.
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Proverbs 31:10-31 Artwork
Proverbs 31:10-31 - "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 10:31 - "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out."
Proverbs 31:10 - "¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Proverbs 31:31 - "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
Proverbs:31:28
Proverbs 31:21
"The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: the tongue of the perverse shall perish." - Proverbs 10:31
Proverbs 8:22-31
"The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out." - Proverbs 10:31
"¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10
Mark 10:31
Proverbs 21:31 - "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."
Proverbs 3:31 - "¶ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
Proverbs 15:31 - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
Proverbs 16:31 - "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
Proverbs 31:5 - "Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted."
Proverbs 31:1 - "The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him."
Proverbs 31:17 - "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."
Proverbs 31:13 - "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
Proverbs 31:8 - "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction."
Proverbs 8:22-31 – Wisdom’s role in creation.
Proverbs 1:31 - "Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."
Proverbs 30:31 - "A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up."
Proverbs 31:9 - "Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:19 - "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
Proverbs 31:24 - "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."
Proverbs 31:25 - "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
Proverbs 31:26 - "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 11:31 - "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."