Proverbs 31:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

NIV: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

NASB: She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

CSB: Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.

NLT: She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

KJV: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

NKJV: She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

Scripture commends those who care for the disadvantaged (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 31:9). As part of describing an ideal wife (Proverbs 31:10), this passage refers to a charitable, generous spirit. In contrast, the Bible condemns those who are greedy or who take advantage of the less fortunate (Proverbs 30:13–14). A generous spirit is not only morally upright, but it also brings personal success more reliably than being stingy (Proverbs 11:24–25).

During trying times in the history of the early church at Jerusalem, the believers who owned properties "sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need" (Acts 4:34–35). As a result of this show of compassion and generosity, "there was not a needy person among them." Later, when a council of churches convened in Jerusalem, James, Peter, and John asked Paul and Barnabas to remember the poor. Paul writes it was "the very thing [he] was eager to do" (Galatians 2:10).

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.

Accessed 5/1/2024 6:46:24 PM