PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:1 The Sayings of King Lemuel. The word translated “oracle” (v. Proverbs 31:1) is the same as in Proverbs 30:1. As in Proverbs 30:1, some have preferred to see it as the name for a place called Massa (see note on 30:1–33). No one knows who LEMUEL was, or where he was KING... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:4 KINGS should serve the well-being of their subjects, especially protecting the RIGHTS OF ALL THE AFFLICTED. They must never allow their judgment to be clouded by WINE or STRONG DRINK. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.le... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:6 The STRONG DRINK would help THOSE IN BITTER DISTRESS to FORGET THEIR POVERTY. This is often taken to mean that the king should provide strong drink to those who are PERISHING or in MISERY, to relieve their physical pain. But it could also mean that the king should invi... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:10 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the esv footnote to v. Proverbs 31:10 explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic. Each successive verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman’s “excellence” (vv. Prov... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:15 By providing for HER HOUSEHOLD and HER MAIDENS before the day begins, the “excellent wife” (v. Proverbs 31:10) multiplies the effectiveness of her work. Her planning enables everyone else in her household to be productive throughout the day. She does not lie in bed an... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:16 She is not confined to the home but is engaged in business. This verse demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman in the ancient world. She herself CONSIDERS A FIELD (indicating wise judgment) AND BUYS IT (indicating control of a substantial amount of... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:18 PROFITABLE indicates that she is able to make money from her labor, which she uses to purchase a field (v. Proverbs 31:16) and provide for her household (v. Proverbs 31:15). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.l [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:23 GATES were the center of civic and economic life in an Israelite city. The leading men gathered there. The wife’s excellent work and noble character have contributed significantly to her husband’s success and reputation WHEN HE SITS AMONG THE ELDERS OF THE LAND. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:25 STRENGTH AND DIGNITY are so much a part of her character and conduct that they seem to be almost like HER CLOTHING. SHE LAUGHS at the future, in contrast with being worried or fearful about it. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, le... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:26 The WISDOM that God teaches in Proverbs 1:1 can be well understood by both men and women (compare note on Proverbs 1:8). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:28 In a loving family, the members value each other. Here the CHILDREN and HUSBAND offer their praise. Verse Proverbs 31:29 gives the words of the husband, or perhaps of both husband and children. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, le... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:30 The mention of a WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs 1:1 stated in Proverbs 1:7 (see note). It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord. She is a model of the... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVERBS—NOTE ON PROVERBS 31:31 The wife’s works are known and appreciated IN THE GATES (compare v. Proverbs 31:23), and therefore throughout the town. GIVE HER OF THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS means that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. LET HER WORKS PRAISE HER. The excelle... [ Continue Reading ]