Proverbs 31:18
ESV
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
NIV
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
NASB
She senses that her profit is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
CSB
She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
NLT
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
KJV
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
NKJV
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
What does Proverbs 31:18 mean?
Many depictions of the excellent, godly wife (Proverbs 31:10) include diligence and responsibility (Proverbs 31:13, 15). Both literally and symbolically, she is depicted as bringing in necessary supplies (Proverbs 31:14) and making good business decisions (Proverbs 31:16). Here, "profitable" work is again commended. That is connected to the continued burning of a lamp: a symbol which implies foresight, planning, and sustained success.Keeping one's lamp burning at night can be a metaphor for hard work (Proverbs 31:27). It also implies planning: to keep the light burning, it needs to be supplied with oil. This was part of the lesson in Jesus' parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–10). Diligence means planning such that needs are met. If a lamp goes out at night, it results in darkness. The godly woman looks ahead, so her family is supplied and cared for during hard times.
