Proverbs 31:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

NIV: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

NASB: She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

CSB: Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

NLT: When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

KJV: She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

NKJV: She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Much of the book of Proverbs uses "sons" and "kings" and other masculine terms. Most are generic and not explicitly aimed at males, alone. This passage has already connected an excellent, godly woman (Proverbs 31:10) to traits stereotypically associated with men (Proverbs 31:14, 16–18). Here, Scripture makes it clear that godly wisdom is equally accessible to both genders (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5–8). Each person is called to apply wisdom in their own contexts (1 Corinthians 7:17).

That fact is key to the biblical perspective of complementary gender roles. Unbiblical voices dismiss any work by women outside the home, or claim homemaking is degrading. Often, those who downplay a mother's role in the home suggest she is being kept from greater influence in her culture. Yet a famous poem notes "the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." A mother's unique influence dramatically affects the course of a child's life. A wife applying kindly, truthful wisdom is more than a personal advantage to her husband (Proverbs 31:11–12). She is a priceless factor for good in the lives of their children (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; 31:28).

Both Old and New Testaments note the value of a wise mother's teaching. Timothy's mother taught him the Scriptures when he was young (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15). Lemuel's mother demonstrated excellency and wisdom (Proverbs 31:1). The woman depicted in this verse uses reasonable, valuable words both in conversation and teaching within her home.

"Kindness" is not missing from this approach. Rather than being overly harsh, bitter, or abusive to family or servants, this "excellent wife" demonstrates patience and grace.

Proverbs 31:10–31 is from an unidentified author. This famous passage describes various virtues and attitudes of a godly, excellent woman. Just like the deeply faithful man (Proverbs 20:6), such a woman is uncommon. She stands in vivid contrast to the adulterers and fools often described in Proverbs. Her life is marked by integrity, honor, trust, productivity, common sense, practical love, and hard work. Those strengths last much longer than appearances. The verses of this section form an "acrostic:" each begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

This final chapter fits well with the rest of the book of Proverbs. It reiterates subjects found elsewhere in these lessons. Of note is that the entire chapter is connected to godly women. Topics include the importance of godly parenting, morality, righteous treatment of the needy, justice, and diligence. The first section are the words of King Lemuel's mother. The last is the famous depiction of an "excellent wife," exhibiting ideal traits of diligence, godliness, and competence. That description is arranged as acrostic poem: each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Proverbs chapter 31 comes after a long list of Solomon's teachings (Proverbs 25—29) and the words of Agur (Proverbs 30). This final section is connected to two women: the mother of King Lemuel and the ideal of a godly, "excellent" wife. Themes found in this passage are reflected in other lessons from the book of Proverbs. Of note, commendable traits such as business savvy, strength, and wisdom are explicitly associated with women, despite being stereotypically considered masculine. The content after verse 10 is explicitly structured as a poem.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.