Proverbs 31:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

NIV: She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

NASB: She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

CSB: She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.

NLT: She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

KJV: She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

NKJV: She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.

Scripture emphasizes once again that an excellent wife (Proverbs 31:10) is industrious and a good businesswoman (Proverbs 31:13, 15, 16, 18). Weaving is common in virtually every culture where women made clothes for themselves and family members. What's remarkable in this mention is the idea of productivity: she is hardworking and efficient such that she can provide for her family (Proverbs 31:21–22) and have additional items to sell.

This verse does not imply that women are obligated to provide income for their family, or to hold a job. It does, however, eliminate a biblical prohibition on women earning income. The literal words of the passage refer to things like spinning flax and making crimson and purple garments. The point is not that women must use those colors, or make clothes, to be godly. Rather, the broader idea is to commend a woman who is diligent and competent such that her family benefits from her efforts.

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 5/6/2024 2:48:20 PM