Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 31:10-31

"A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue. She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband [also], and he praiseth her, [saying]: Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all. Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; [But] a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates." — Proverbs 31:10-31 (ASV)

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.