Proverbs 31:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

NIV: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

NASB: Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.

CSB: Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.

NLT: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

KJV: Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

NKJV: Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

To be "clothed with" something, poetically, means to radiate or demonstrate it (Psalm 93:1). It represents the impression perceived by others. An excellent wife (Proverbs 31:10) projects strength and dignity. The reference is not literally about fashion, though the Bible does connect sensible dress with moral character (1 Timothy 2:9). Clothing can distract, temporarily (1 Peter 3:3–4). Yet it does not substitute for strength of character.

The person who relies entirely on God and His wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) can "laugh" at the future. This does not imply being careless; a wise wife prepares for the future (Proverbs 31:14, 16, 21–22). Nor does it mean arrogance, because those who rely on God know they cannot perfectly predict the future (James 4:13–15). Rather, it suggests confidence and a sense of calm. The prepared, wise woman doesn't feel panic about the future (Proverbs 6:6–8). She might not literally "laugh," but she is extremely reassured.

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 12:06:45 PM