Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 31

When children are under their mother's supervision, she has an opportunity to shape their minds correctly. Those who are grown up should often recall the good teaching they received as children. The many dreadful examples of promising individuals who have been ruined by wicked women and the love of wine should warn everyone to avoid these evils.

Wine is to be used in times of need or as medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine, though it can be abused, has its use. By the same principle, appropriate praise and consolation should be offered as sources of comfort and encouragement to the dejected and tempted, not given to those who are confident and self-sufficient. All who are in authority should exercise even greater temperance than other people; and they should be protectors of those who are unable or afraid to plead their own cause.

Our blessed Lord did not decline the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow put into his hands; but he puts the cup of consolation into the hands of his people, and causes those to rejoice who are in the deepest distress.

This is the description of a virtuous woman of those times, but the general outlines equally apply to every age and nation. She is very careful to commend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to understand his mind, and is willing for him to rule over her.

1. She can be trusted, and her husband will confidently entrust her with managing affairs for him. He is happy with her. And she makes it her constant concern to do him good.
2. She is one who is diligent in her duties and also takes pleasure in them. She is careful to use her time well, so that none is wasted. She applies herself to the tasks appropriate for her—to women's work. She does what she does with all her might and does not trifle.
3. She makes what she does turn to good account through prudent management. Many ruin themselves by buying things without considering whether they can afford them. She provides well for her household. She saves for the future.
4. She carefully oversees the ways of her household, so that she may ensure all do their duty to God, to one another, and to her.
5. She is as intent on giving as on acquiring, and she does so freely and cheerfully.
6. She is discreet and considerate; every word she says shows that she governs herself by the principles of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but also gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in her heart and shows itself in her speech. Her heart is full of the world to come, even when her hands are busiest with this world.
7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty commends no one to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness; indeed, it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife based on it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul; it lasts forever.
8. She has the firmness to bear up under trials and disappointments. When she is old, she will reflect with comfort that she was not idle or useless when young. She will rejoice in the world to come. She is a great blessing to her relatives. If the fruit is good, the tree must receive our commendation. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her.

Everyone should desire this honor that comes from God; and according to this standard, we all should regulate our judgments. Let all women who desire to be truly beloved, respected, useful, and honorable daily study this description. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God, by His grace, has formed from among sinful humanity a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences described here.