proverbs 31 explained verse by verseproverbs 31 explained verse by verse

An exhortation to king Lemuel to take heed of sin, and to do duties. The distaff is the straight rod, and the spindle is the round or circular part. (Ross), ii. This is what was offered to our Lord; but he refused it. (Clarke), ii. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. But that "Lemuel" may be explained in this second way is shown by "Lael," Numbers 3:24 (Olshausen, 277d). She thoughtfully (considers) invests and uses the profits to better her family and their future, in this case by planting a vineyard. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Pentateuch Rather, this character should reflect the values and aspirations of the woman who walks in the fear of the LORD and godly wisdom. You can check these in your browser security settings. This is not only a description of the virtuous wife, but also an exhortation to children and a husband to bless and praise the mother and wife of godly character. He is not in any recorded list of the kings of Judah or Israel, so he was probably a pagan king who put his trust in Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, and through the fear of the Lord learned wisdom. The greatest gift of God is a pious amiable spouse who fears God and loves his house, and with whom one can live in perfect confidence. (Martin Luthers description of his wife, cited in Bridges). a. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. She hath provided enough, not only for their necessity and defence against cold and other inconveniences, which is here supposed, but also for their delight and ornament. (Poole). 12-14. A similar case is the naming of the proper name with the general specification of the class to which this or that one bearing the name belongs in lists of persons, as e.g., 1 Kings 4:2-6, or in such expressions as, e.g., "Damascus, a town," or "Tel Hum, a castle," and the like; here we have the indefinite article, because the apposition is a simple declaration of the class. A foolish woman, who cant be trusted, takes some measure of blessing away from the home, and this is often seen financially or materially. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. She girds herself with strength: The virtuous wife is noted for her strength, and it is strength in action (her arms). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. i. But most probably double garments, or twofold to what they were accustomed to wear, are here intended. (Clarke). b. If men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will loudly trumpet forth her praises. (Poole), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. And willingly works with her hands. Esheth chayil, a strong or virtuous wife, full of mental energy. (Clarke). Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. After he was made king, and had more plainly discovered his proneness to these excesses, although he had not yet broken forth into those scandalous enormities into which he afterwards fell. In such intercourse the strength of body, soul and substance is destroyed. i. e. And a portion for her maidservants: It wasnt uncommon for many families in Biblical times to have servants or hired workers. The simile with the merchant ships suggests that she brings a continual supply of abundance. (Ross). Strength and honor are her clothing: The fact that she is willing to distribute and sell linen garments she makes, and has, shows that her first priority isnt in what is in her closet or what she wears. She brings gain to her husband on many levels, and in great measure (no lack). i. Pervert the justice of all the afflicted: Which may easily be done by a drunken judge, because drunkenness deprives a man of the use of reason; by which alone men can distinguish between right and wrong. (Poole). Many daughters have done well, GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Solon made a law at Athens that drunkenness in a prince should be punished with death. Proverbs 31:1 introduces this section: The sayings of King Lemuelan inspired utterance his mother taught him.. She is neither sullenly silent, nor full of vain and impertinent talk, as many women are, but speaks directly and piously, as occasion offereth itself. (Poole), ii. JEHOVAH NISSI THE LORD OUR BANNER on July 14, 2012. We assume that "Lemuel" is a symbolical name, like "Jareb" in "King Jareb," Hosea 5:13; Hosea 10:6; so we would expect the phrase to be () rather than . Give not thy strength Do not waste thy substance on women. There was no king of Israel (or Judah) with this name, so either he was a foreign king, or it is a pen name for the author. But this view is thus acceptable and tenable; a derivation which spares us by a like certainty the supposition of such an abbreviation established only by the late Palestinian , , might well desire the preference. She considereth a field Whether it be fit for use and of a reasonable price, and how she may purchase it. 1. The interchange of the names and is intelligible if it is supposed that (from equals ) designates the sworn (sworn to) of God, and (from Mishnic equals ), (Note: In the Midrash Koheleth to Proverbs 1:1, the name Lemuel (as a name of Solomon) is explained: he who has spoken to God in his heart.). b. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. He is respected not only on account of the neatness and cleanliness of his person and dress, but because he is the husband of a woman who is justly held in universal esteem. Her character is trustworthy, filled with integrity. Her Christianity gave to her virtues and excellences a heightening, which the Jewish matron could not possess. She does him good and not evil Yet the character poetically described can be evident in a wise and godly womans life in its own way. i. And all her labour is a cheerful service; her will, her heart, is in it. (Clarke). WebClarke's Commentary. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Defending the defenseless. 9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. i. 1. Here the collection ends describing the virtuous wife as filled with the wisdom, beauty, and charm that marks a woman who fears the Lord. It is noteworthy that this is her sole political concern; she does not say anything about building up the treasury, creating monuments to his reign, or establishing a dominant military power. Web31:10-31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. 2 Thus are to be taken together, with Hitzig, Bertheau, Zckler, Mhlau, and Dchsel, against Ewald and Kamphausen; , whether it be a name of a tribe or a country, or of both at the same time, is the region ruled over by Lemuel, and since this proper name throws back the determination which it has in itself on , the phrase is to be translated: "Words of Lemuel the king of Massa" (vid., under Proverbs 30:1). Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. (Proverbs 31:4-7) Warning a son of the danger of alcohol. b. Those who fly to the bottle for consolation might as soon fly to hell to find a heaven; and, instead of helping them to forget their poverty, drunkenness would only sink them still more deeply in the mire. (Spurgeon). Coming at the end of the collection of proverbs, one might say that this is a strong woman and her greatest strength is her wisdom, rooted in the fear of the LORD. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed. Specifically loving teaching (torat hesed) is on her tongue (al lesonah, see Proverbs 21:23) probably signifies that her teaching is informed by her own loving kindness. (Waltke). Though the Bible does see a potential blessing in wine (Psalm 104:15, Proverbs 3:10), it is a dangerous blessing that must be carefully regarded and for many (such as kings and leaders), voluntarily set aside. also Blau in Deutsch. The choice to watch so carefully means that she does not choose to eat the bread of idleness. She opens her mouth with wisdom, Coming at the end of the collection of proverbs, one might say that this is a strong woman and her greatest strength is her wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord. This is not so in Gods plan and with the presence and influence of a virtuous wife. 7 Short but Mighty Lessons from the Book of James, When it Comes to Miracles, God Does it His Way. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. WebBible Verses Explained. And her hand holds the spindle. 2 Listen, my son! Verse Proverbs 31:1. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. She opens her mouth with wisdom: The description of her inner life continues from the previous verse. i. She is not afraid of snow for her household: The virtuous wife has the wisdom, diligence, and preparation to ready her household for all kinds of challenges and adversity. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker Because the poor, or comparatively poor, are, in the order of God, a part of the inhabitants of the earth; and every man who loves God will show mercy to the poor, for with this God is peculiarly delighted. He is confident of her love, care, and fidelity. Here those same qualities are explained in connection to a virtuous wife. Both her children and her husband not only see, but also speak of the blessedness of the woman who brings such blessing to their household. 4. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. So the Syriac; and so I think it This present exception elevates the valiant wife, who herself fears the Lord, to the highest level of spiritual and physical competence. (Waltke), iv. All the days of her life. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. But when she gave him these instructions is but matter of conjecture. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink The consonants allow the reading doublei.e. She is like the merchant ships, They understand that our calling to co-labor with God ( 1 Corinthians 3:9) is a life-giving gift. i. I am constrained to add this testimony, after having traced her from her birth to her death, through all the relations that a woman can bear upon earth. She uses her industry in charitable ways. (Ross). Specifically loving teaching (torat hesed) is on her tongue (al lesonah, see Proverbs 21:23) probably signifies that her teaching is informed by her own loving kindness. (Waltke). Wisdom Literature The prophecy; so called, either, 1. In contrast, a woman who fears the Lord has beauty that does not pass and charm that does not deceive. a. He is respected not only on account of the neatness and cleanliness of his person and dress, but because he is the husband of a woman who is justly held in universal esteem. Both her deliberate speech (she opens her mouth) and her spontaneous words (on her tongue) are marked by wisdom and kindness. Room 8055, 5th floor. Pauline Epistles And her complete management of household affairs gives him full leisure to devote himself to the civil interests of the community. (Clarke). WebVerse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Proverbs 31:31 ProverbsPro31:30ProverbsPro31EcclesiastesEcc1:1 Give her the product of her hands, 6. In an age long before the industrial revolution, women had to work at spinning wool and making clothes in every spare moment; fidelity in this labor was a mark of feminine virtue. (Garrett), ii. He is confident of her love, care, and fidelity. And let her own works praise her in the gates. But high as the character of this Jewish matron stands in the preceding description, I can say that I have met at least her equal, in a daughter of the Rev. Her husband also, and he praises her: i. [1] Proverbs 1:1-7 "The proverbs of Solomon the son of. Luke-Acts Her commitment to her husbands well being is true, not false; constant, not temperamental; reliable, not fickle. (Waltke). Physical appearance is not necessarily dismissedit simply does not endure as do those qualities that the fear of the Lord producesone who pursues beauty may very well be disappointed by the character of the beautiful person. (Ross), iii. Charm is deceitful: Because it gives a false representation of the person, being ofttimes a cover to a most deformed soul, and to many evil and hateful qualities. (Poole), ii. 2 Listen, my son! It would be rare to find a woman who excels in every aspect of the list, so it should not be used to compare or condemn, either ones self or another woman. 1 Samuel 1:11). (Waltke). In a completely literal sense, this could only be true of one woman in any given community at any given time. A description of a virtuous wife, Proverbs 31:10, with her husbands confidence in her, Proverbs 31:11. b. And her complete management of household affairs gives him full leisure to devote himself to the civil interests of the community. (Clarke). WebClarke's Commentary. 2. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. i. Will you use it indulge yourself (here the indulgence is women and wine, Proverbs 31:3-7), or will you use your position and power to protect and benefit those you lead (as in Proverbs 31:8-9)? She does not restrict herself to the bare necessaries of life; she is able to procure some of its comforts. b. And her hand holds the spindle. a. It is but just and fit that she should enjoy those benefits and praises which her excellent labours deserve. a. "Our Daily Homily: Psalms-Song of Solomon" Volume 3 (Westwood, New Jersey: Revell, 1966), Morgan, G. Campbell "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Revell, 1959), Phillips, Dan "God's Wisdom in Proverbs" (The Woodlands, Texas: Kress Biblical Resources, 2011), Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 2 (Psalms-Malachi) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), Ross, Allen P. "Proverbs: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 5 (Psalms-Song of Songs) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1991), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), Trapp, John "A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments" Volume 3 (Proverbs to Daniel) (Eureka, California: Tanski Publications, 1997), Waltke, Bruce K. "The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 15-31" (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2005). b. If any man should be wicked enough to draw from it the inference that he would be able to forget his misery and poverty by drinking, he would soon find himself woefully mistaken; for if he had one misery before, he would have ten miseries afterwards; and if he was previously poor, he would be in still greater poverty afterwards. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Her worth is far above rubies: Wisdom itself is also described as being more valuable than rubies (as in Proverbs 3:15 and 8:11). The point of the verse is that while it would be easy for a king to spend his time and energy enjoying women, that would be unwise. (Ross). The distaff is a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning, and she uses both hands to do the work well. |News b. She is an unspotted wife.The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her - he knows she will take care that a proper provision is made for his household, and will not waste any thing. She thoughtfully (considers) invests and uses the profits to better her family and their future, in this case by planting a vineyard. As a whole, the proverbs have much to say about wisdom, a diligent work ethic, wise business practices, honorable speech, compassion for the poor, and integrity. The New Testament She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. i. 1 Peter 2:1-3 COMMENTARY on August 21, 2012. (Proverbs 31:21-23) Gods blessing on the virtuous wife. If required, she even rises while it is yet night to either get or prepare food for her household. The following verses speak of her character and activity, giving Lemuel an idea of the woman to search for and to prize. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Lemuel, which most likely signifies (dedicated) to God, has been, like Agur, supposed to be a designation of Solomon, but with no good reason. i. Rubies: The precise meaning of the word translated rubies is unknown; other suggested translations are pearls and corals. The reference is to some kind of precious stone. (Garrett). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Her value or worth should not be reduced to the performance of these qualities; she will be virtuous before she acts in a virtuous manner. The utterance wherewith his mother warned him. Physical appearance is not necessarily dismissed it simply does not endure as do those qualities that the fear of the Lord producesone who pursues beauty may very well be disappointed by the character of the beautiful person. (Ross), iii. The flurry of activity described in these verses doesnt mean that she does all these things in a day or even a week, but it does point to how much work and how many different kinds of work are involved in wisely and properly managing a home. _The words of king Lemuel._. She hath an oar in every boat, an eye in every business; she spies and pries into her childrens and servants carriages, and exacts of them strict conversation and growth in godliness: she overlooks the whole family no otherwise than if she were in a watch tower. (Trapp), ii. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. verbs waniyal, like rahyal, walking, because motion, especially that which is tumultuous, proceeds with a noise), whence mawnil, the place to which one flees, retreat. Her loins are firm, and her arms strong. (Clarke). Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Were the tongue of every shrew or scold to be extracted, we should soon have Besides, she was a woman of great learning and information, and of a depth of mind, and reach of thought, seldom to be found among the daughters of Eve, and not often among the sons of Adam.. Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. This womans itemized, self-sacrificing activities for others exemplify the fear of the Lord. (Waltke), iv. The proper use of wine, Proverbs 31:6,7. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The Syr. waala signifies to hasten (with the infin. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. (Proverbs 31:2-3) Warning a son of the danger of sexual immorality. Jewish legend identifies Lemuel as Solomon and the advice as from Bathsheba from a time when Solomon indulged in magic with his Egyptian wife and delayed the morning sacrifices. d. Her worth is far above rubies: The woman described in the rest of the chapter is rare and valuable, but her value (worth) is greater than what she does, as explained in the following verses. In her tongue is the law of kindness Her speeches are guided by wisdom and grace, and not by inordinate passions. He dare trust her with his soulsecrets, etc. The fact that she truly fears the Lord shows that she had a real relationship with Him. Nor for princes intoxicating drink; i. When he sits among the elders of the land. Both her children and her husband not only see, but also speak of the blessedness of the woman who brings such blessing to their household. The Proverbs 31 woman shines Jesus brightly. General Epistles The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD: God holds and can guide the human heart. A virtuous woman is a faithful bride. All of these virtues: Dignity, patience, diligence, generosity, courage, wisdom, and devotion represent the intrinsic values of Godly womanhood. But it is not possibly right. She girds herself with strength, i. 8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Her children rise up and call her blessed: A woman of such character and wisdom rightfully receives the blessings and praises of her family. The Whole Bible Zeitschr. No software to install. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. If the heart be guided in the way, the steps will be guided and the conversation well ordered. of the onomatop. The idea of girding ones self setting a strengthening belt around the midsection means to get ready for some kind of heroic or difficult action, such as hard running (1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 4:29), escape from Egypt (Exodus 12:11), or physical labor (Proverbs 31:17). (Waltke), ii. The riches Woman Wisdom offers (Proverbs 8:18) are brought home by the hard work of the good wife (Proverbs 31:11). (Garrett), ii. She seeks wool and flax: The virtuous woman knows how to seek and find things that are necessary resources for her family and home. We should plead the cause of the poor and needy who have trouble properly defending themselves. b. iii. (Proverbs 31:17-20) Her strength and compassion. This is what was offered to our Lord; but he refused it. Proverbs 6:1 - 6:19 Survey 09. b. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, We need 2 cookies to store this setting. He is happy in her. Read as much of the book of Proverbs as you can and summarize its theme. And his mouth will not transgress. 8. Proverbs Pro 2:22 Proverbs Pro 3 Proverbs Pro 3:2. 109. Her goods are in high repute, and she knows she can sell as much as she can make. i. UL/ CUL Constant Volatge LED Power Supply, UL/ CUL Constant Current LED Power Supply, Room 8055, 5th floor. |Products This acrostic construction was used in several psalms (such as Psalms 9 - 10; 25; 34; 37; 111; 112; 119; and 145 and Lamentations 4 ). Open your mouth for the speechless, But dont think that you cant She works in simple and practical ways for her family and home. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. WebPsalm 37 Planning Your Future. b. He has no fear of her betraying his secrets. She hath provided enough, not only for their necessity and defence against cold and other inconveniences, which is here supposed, but also for their delight and ornament. (Poole). As a whole, the proverbs have much to say about wisdom, a diligent work ethic, wise business practices, honorable speech, compassion for the poor, and integrity. (2) Fleischer himself suggests another derivation: "The signification of the name is Deo consecratus, , poetic for , as also in Proverbs 31:4 it is to be vocalized after the Masora." On the title of this, the sixth part of the book, see [649]Introduction. The Hebrew title is " tehillim " (hebr. She perceives that her merchandise is good: She is wise and experienced enough to get good materials and merchandise for her home. She uses her industry in charitable ways. (Ross). (Proverbs 31:30-31) The praise and the reward of the wise woman. WebI must reprove thee, and reprove thee sharply, and thou must take it well, for," 1. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Her husband also, and he praises her: 10Who can find a virtuous woman? and what, the son of my vows? 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Clothe yourselves with the silk of piety, with the satin of sanctity, with the purple of modesty, etc. Nor your ways to that which destroys kings, Give strong drink to him who is perishing, drink and forget his poverty and remember his misery no more, The heart of her husband safely trusts her, She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar, She perceives that her merchandise is good, She stretches out her hands to the distaff, She is not afraid of snow for her household, she is not afraid of snow for her household, She watches over the ways of her household, Her children rise up and call her blessed, Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all, A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, let her own works praise her in the gates, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Mateo 8 Sanidad, Enseanza y Milagros, David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: 1 Juan 2 Impedimentos para una comunin con Dios, David Guzik :: 2 Timoteo 2 Consejo para un Pastor Joven, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Trust in the Lord (Nahum 1:7) (Chuck Smith), Revelation 7-9 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), 1 Kings 9-16 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). The idea of girding ones self setting a strengthening belt around the midsection means to get ready for some kind of heroic or difficult action, such as hard running (1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 4:29), escape from Egypt (Exodus 12:11), or physical labor (Proverbs 31:17). (Waltke), ii. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: a. a. The fruit of her hands: She is no less than Woman Wisdom made real. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. But in the whole delineation there is hardly any trait more beautiful than this absolute trustworthinesshe seeks her confidence and advice. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a This seems to be the reason why the mothers of Jewish kings are so constantly mentioned, e.g., 1Kings 14:31; 1Kings 15:2; 2Kings 12:1. Dongpeng Debao Commercial Center. Listen, son of my womb! And a portion for her maidservants. The vices she cautions him against are uncleanness and intemperance; which she dissuades from, because of the pernicious consequences of both to kings and to their subjects, Pr 31:3-5. ESTHER 8-10: GODS DELIVERANCE on July 14, 2012. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The battle or military allusions are many, including: iv. i. 2 What, my son? ii. b. And provides food for her household, She is a loving wife, and feels for the respectability and honour of her husband. The Carthagenians made a law that no magistrate of theirs should drink wine. . In his remarks on this verse, Adam Clarke thought of a woman who perhaps truly did excel them all Susanna Wesley. Who can find a virtuous wife? 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Of king Lemuel, i.e. Yet, what sets this virtuous wife apart is that she willingly works. For the woman (and man) of wisdom, this reward is not their primary motivation, but the fitting result of their life lived in fear of the LORD. (a) That is, of Solomon who was called Lemuel, that is, of God, because God had ordained him to be king over Israel. double thickness, which is supported by Vulgate and Septuagint. (Kidner), ii. It has been suggested that the scarlet color of the clothing makes her children easy to find in heavy snow, but given the relatively light snowfall in that part of the world, this is unlikely. If we have the opportunity to right a wrong or see that a wrong is punished, we should speak up (open your mouth) and judge righteously. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; i. Purple: To produce this red dye was costly because it comes from a seashell off the Phoenician coast and so connotes wealth and luxury. (Waltke), ii.