She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Read it in contextThe Virtues of a Noble Woman
Start reading at Proverbs 31:10 (Proverbs 31:10 to Proverbs 31:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
31:10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
31:11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
31:12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
31:13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
31:14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
31:15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
31:16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
31:17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
31:18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
31:19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
31:20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
31:21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31:22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
31:23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
31:24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
31:25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
31:26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
31:27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
31:29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
31:30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 31:1–31:31): Lemuel receives instruction from his mother in the opening section. The concluding poem describes the capable woman for the wisdom audience and calls for her works to receive public praise. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Virtues of a Noble Woman. Read Proverbs 31:10 through Proverbs 31:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Virtues of a Noble Woman (Proverbs 31:10 to Proverbs 31:31).
Start reading at Proverbs 31:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 31
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.